[BCM] [MC] [E2] [C5] Business Impact Analysis for Marymount Centre

Mastering Implementation: BCM Methodology Tailored to Marymount Centre

Chapter 5

Business Impact Analysis Phase for BCM Planning Methodology for Marymount Centre

Introduction

The Business Impact Analysis (BIA) phase is a critical component of the Business Continuity Management (BCM) planning process.

For Marymount Centre, a Singapore-based organization operating Ahuva Good Shepherd (comprising three residential homes), Good Shepherd Centre, and Good Shepherd Student Care, the BIA phase is essential to ensure the continuity of its vital services.

This chapter outlines the methodology for conducting a BIA aligning with ISO 22301 requirements, ensuring that Marymount Centre can maintain its operations and support its residents and clients during disruptions.

Objectives of the Business Impact Analysis

The primary objectives of the BIA for Marymount Centre are:

1. Identify Critical Functions: Determine the essential services and processes that must be maintained to support residents and clients.

2. Assess Impact: Evaluate the potential impacts of disruptions on these critical functions.

3. Determine Recovery Priorities: Establish recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) for each critical business function.

4. Resource Requirements: Identify the resources needed to recover and maintain critical functions during a disruption.

Step 1: Preparation for BIA

1.1 Define Scope and Objectives

• Scope: The BIA will cover all critical functions across Ahuva Good Shepherd, Centre, and Student Care.

• Objectives: Ensure the continuity of care and support services for residents and clients.

1.2 Assemble BIA Team

• Team Composition: The team should include representatives from each department, including residential care, student care, administration, and support services.

• Roles and Responsibilities: Define roles such as BIA coordinator, data collectors, and analysts.

1.3 Develop BIA Questionnaire

• Questionnaire Design: Create a structured questionnaire to gather data on critical functions, dependencies, and potential impacts.

• Data Collection Methods: Interviews, surveys, and workshops are used to collect information from staff.

Step 2: Data Collection

2.1 Identify Critical Functions

• List Critical Services: Identify residential care, counselling, educational support, and administrative functions.

• Dependencies: Determine dependencies on staff, technology, suppliers, and external partners.

2.2 Assess the Impact of Disruptions

• Financial Impact: Estimate potential financial losses due to service interruptions.

• Operational Impact: Evaluate the effect on service delivery and client well-being.

• Reputational Impact: Consider the impact on Marymount Centre’s reputation and stakeholder trust.

2.3 Determine Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs)

• RTOs: Define the maximum acceptable downtime for each critical function.

• RPOs: Establish the maximum acceptable data loss for IT systems and records.

Step 3: Data Analysis

3.1 Prioritise Critical Functions

• Ranking: Rank critical functions based on their impact and recovery priorities.

• Resource Allocation: Identify the resources required to recover each function within the defined RTOs and RPOs.

3.2 Identify Gaps and Vulnerabilities

• Gap Analysis: Compare current capabilities with the requirements for recovery.

• Vulnerability Assessment: Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities that could hinder recovery efforts.

Step 4: Reporting and Documentation

4.1 Compile BIA Report

• Report Structure: Include an executive summary, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

• Findings: Present the prioritised list of critical functions, RTOs, RPOs, and resource requirements.

• Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations for improving resilience and recovery capabilities.

4.2 Review and Validate

• Stakeholder Review: Share the BIA report with key stakeholders for feedback and validation.

• Finalise Report: Incorporate feedback and finalize the BIA report for use in the BCM planning process.

Step 5: Integration with BCM Plan

5.1 Develop Recovery Strategies

• Strategy Development: Based on BIA findings, develop recovery strategies for each critical function.

• Resource Planning: Ensure the necessary resources are available to implement recovery strategies.

5.2 Update BCM Plan

• Plan Integration: Integrate BIA findings into the overall BCM plan.

• Continuous Improvement: Establish a process for regularly updating the BIA and BCM plan to reflect changes in operations and risks.

Summing Up ...

The Business Impact Analysis phase is a foundational element of Marymount Centre's Business Continuity Management planning process.

By identifying critical functions, assessing potential impacts, and determining recovery priorities, Marymount Centre can ensure the continuity of its essential services and maintain its commitment to supporting residents and clients during disruptions.

This chapter provides a comprehensive methodology for conducting a BIA aligning with ISO 22301 requirements, laying the groundwork for a resilient and effective BCM framework.

This chapter provides a detailed guide for Marymount Centre to conduct a Business Impact Analysis, ensuring the organization is well-prepared to maintain its critical services and support its clients during any disruption.

This chapter is part 2 of the eBook "Blueprint for Resilience: A Step-by-Step BCM Framework for Marymount Centre."   Part 2 of the eBook is titled "Mastering Implementation: BCM Methodology Tailored to Marymount Centre", which provides a comprehensive guide to implementing a BCM system in alignment with ISO 22301