[T] E3 BCM

[BCM] [MOM] [E3] [BIA] [T2] [CBF] [5] Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning

Written by Dr Goh Moh Heng | Jan 6, 2026 3:34:58 AM

CBF-5: Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning

Policy formulation and strategic manpower planning are long-horizon, intelligence-driven functions that underpin the Ministry of Manpower’s ability to respond effectively to labour market dynamics, economic shocks, and workforce transformation needs.

While short-term service disruption may not immediately affect frontline service delivery, prolonged disruption can significantly impair national workforce resilience, regulatory effectiveness, and socio-economic stability.

This section analyses the impact over time of disruptions to the detailed business processes (Sub-CBFs) supporting CBF-5 Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning, using a 1–5 impact scoring scale as defined in BCM impact assessment methodology.

The analysis identifies how impacts escalate over time, determines appropriate Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Maximum Tolerable Periods of Disruption (MTPDs), and highlights vulnerable periods during which delayed recovery would lead to irreversible policy, reputational, or strategic consequences.

Table P3: Impact Over Time of Business Functions for CBF-5

Sub-CBF Code

Sub-CBF

Highest-Impact Area

4H

8H

1D

2D

3D

5D

7D

10D

14D

21D

30D

60D

RTO

MTPD

Vulnerable Period

5.1

Environmental Scanning & Labour Market Analysis

Strategic / Regulatory

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

5

5 Days

21 Days

During economic downturns, major labour shocks

5.2

Policy Development & Formulation

Strategic / Reputational

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

5

5

7 Days

30 Days

Pre-budget cycles, legislative timelines

5.3

Strategic Workforce Planning & Scenario Modelling

Strategic

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

5

7 Days

21 Days

Major industry transformation initiatives

5.4

Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation

Reputational / Regulatory

1

2

2

3

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

5

5 Days

21 Days

Public consultations, tripartite negotiations

5.5

Policy Implementation Planning

Operational / Strategic

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

5

5 Days

21 Days

Transition from policy approval to rollout

5.6

Monitoring, Evaluation & Feedback Loops

Strategic / Compliance

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

10 Days

30 Days

Post-implementation review cycles

5.7

BCM Integration and Contingency Policies

Strategic / Organisational Resilience

1

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

10 Days

30 Days

During national crises or cross-agency activation

 

 

The impact-over-time assessment for CBF-5 Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning highlights that while most sub-functions have low immediate impact, their disruption becomes increasingly severe over medium to long durations.

Strategic intelligence gaps, delayed policy responses, and weakened stakeholder confidence can significantly undermine MOM’s mandate to ensure a resilient, adaptive, and future-ready workforce.

From a BCM perspective, Sub-CBFs related to policy development, labour market analysis, and strategic workforce planning demonstrate moderate RTOs but relatively short MTPDs, particularly during periods of economic volatility or national transformation initiatives.

Integrating these findings into continuity strategies ensures that policy-critical capabilities remain operational during crises, supports informed decision-making, and strengthens MOM’s overall organisational resilience.

This analysis provides a robust foundation for defining recovery priorities, resource allocation, and contingency arrangements for policy-centric functions that are vital to Singapore’s long-term manpower and economic sustainability.

 

CBF-5: Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning


The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) plays a pivotal role in shaping labour policies and workforce strategies to ensure the nation's economic competitiveness and social stability.

To support these critical functions, the Ministry relies on a robust set of IT systems and applications that streamline the process of policy formulation, strategic workforce planning, and continuous monitoring.

These IT solutions enable MOM to collect, analyse, and disseminate critical data on labour markets, workforce needs, and the impact of various policy measures.

This chapter explores the key supporting IT systems and applications that underpin each of the detailed business processes (Sub-CBFs) within the Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning function (CBF-5).

It also discusses key metrics such as the Recovery Point Objective (RPO), System Recovery Time Objective (RTO), and the special resources and equipment needed to support these functions in times of crisis.

By understanding the interdependence of these IT systems with the Ministry’s strategic objectives, we ensure that the business continuity capabilities are aligned with the Ministry's long-term goals.

Table P4: Supporting IT Systems and Applications for CBF-5

Sub-CBF Code

Sub-CBF

IT Systems and Applications

RPO

System RTO

Supporting Special Equipment or Resources

Remarks

5.1

Environmental Scanning & Labour Market Analysis

Labour Market Information System (LMIS), Data Analytics Platforms, Market Research Tools

4 hours

8 hours

Market analysis software, external data feeds

Crucial for real-time labor market data aggregation.

CBF-5.2

Policy Development & Formulation

Policy Management Software, Document Management Systems, Collaborative Tools

4 hours

12 hours

Cloud storage for policy drafts, collaboration platforms

Enables the drafting and approval of policy documents.

CBF-5.3

Strategic Workforce Planning & Scenario Modelling

Workforce Planning Tools, Predictive Analytics Software, HR Data Systems

6 hours

12 hours

Predictive analytics software, HR database

Essential for scenario modelling and workforce projections.

CBF-5.4

Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Survey Tools, Virtual Meeting Platforms

6 hours

8 hours

Video conferencing platforms, email systems

Ensures efficient communication with stakeholders.

CBF-5.5

Policy Implementation Planning

Project Management Software, Task Scheduling Tools, Resource Allocation Systems

4 hours

6 hours

Task management tools, Gantt chart software

Facilitates execution of policy initiatives.

CBF-5.6

Monitoring, Evaluation & Feedback Loops

Monitoring & Evaluation Systems, Performance Tracking Tools, Feedback Mechanisms

4 hours

6 hours

Feedback platforms, data visualization tools

Helps assess the effectiveness of implemented policies.

CBF-5.7

BCM Integration and Contingency Policies

BCM Software, Incident Management Systems, Risk Assessment Tools

8 hours

24 hours

Risk management software, incident logs

Critical for planning and responding to crises.

 

 

The IT systems and applications outlined above are central to the Ministry of Manpower’s ability to function effectively in the realm of policy formulation and strategic workforce planning.

These systems not only support day-to-day operations but also ensure that MOM is well-prepared to respond to any disruptions, minimising downtime and ensuring the continuity of critical services.

In times of crisis or business disruptions, understanding and preparing the IT infrastructure and its dependencies are crucial for swift recovery and resumption.

By aligning these IT systems with established RPOs and RTOs, the Ministry can ensure that business continuity remains uninterrupted, enabling MOM to continue its essential work of shaping policies that support the labour market and workforce development in Singapore.

 

Resilient Support: Implementing Business Continuity Management at Ministry of Manpower (Singapore)
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MBCO P&S RAR T1 RAR T2 RAR T3 BCS T1  CBF
CBF 5: Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning
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More Information About Business Continuity Management Courses

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

 

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