[CM] Guide to Integrated Crisis Management Exercise Process

Guide to Integrated Crisis Management Exercise Process

Testing and exercising an integrated crisis management exercise involves a structured approach to ensure coordination, effectiveness, and continuous improvement. This is a comprehensive outline of the steps.

Pre-reading for Participants Attending Module 4 of the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer Course

Step-by-Step Guide to Executing Integrated Simulation Exercise

1. Planning Phase

Define Objectives: Establish clear goals (e.g., testing communication, resource allocation, or decision-making across departments/agencies).
Identify Stakeholders: Involve all relevant parties (internal teams, external agencies, government bodies, third-party vendors).
Determine Scope: Based on complexity and objectives, decide on the exercise type (e.g., tabletop, functional, or full-scale).
Develop a Project Plan: Outline timelines, roles, resources, and budget.

2. Design Phase

Scenario Development: Create a realistic, plausible crisis scenario (e.g., cyberattack, natural disaster) that requires integrated responses.
Exercise Structure: Choose the format (e.g., discussion-based tabletop or operations-based functional/full-scale simulation).
Injects/Complications: Plan unexpected events to test adaptability (e.g., media inquiries, system failures).

3. Development Phase

Create Materials: Scripts, timelines, maps, fake news alerts, and evaluation forms.
Logistics Setup: Secure venues, technology, communication tools, and safety protocols.
Brief Participants: Provide role-specific information, objectives, and rules of engagement.

4. Conduct Phase

Exercise Launch: Initiate the scenario with a kickoff briefing.
Facilitation: Moderators manage the flow, introduce injects, and ensure adherence to timelines.
Data Collection: Observers/evaluators document actions, decisions, and communication using checklists or digital tools.

5. Evaluation Phase

Hot Wash-Up: Immediate post-exercise debrief to gather initial feedback.
Data Analysis: Review logs, observer notes, and participant surveys to assess performance against objectives.
Identify Gaps: Highlight weaknesses (e.g., communication breakdowns, resource shortages).

6. After-Action Review (AAR)

AAR Report: Summarise findings, including strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.
Improvement Plan: Prioritise corrective actions (e.g., updating protocols, training, or resource investments).

7. Follow-Up Phase

Implement Changes: Assign responsibilities and timelines for addressing gaps.
Monitor Progress: Track improvements through follow-up audits or mini-exercises.
Documentation: Archive all materials for compliance, accountability, and future reference.

Key Considerations

Integration Focus: Emphasise cross-department/agency coordination, decision-making hierarchies, and shared resources.
Safety and Realism: Balance realistic simulations with participant safety (e.g., simulated casualties vs. real risks).
Learning Culture: Encourage open feedback to foster improvement rather than assigning blame.

This structured approach ensures that integrated crisis management exercises effectively prepare organisations to handle complex emergencies through collaboration and iterative learning.

Types of Crisis Management Exercises

Design and Develop Crisis Management Exercises

More Information About Crisis Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the CM-300 Crisis Management Implementer [CM-3] and the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer [CM-5].