CBF-6: Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure
Business Continuity Management (BCM) requires a deep understanding of the interdependencies across an organisation's functions.
For the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), understanding these interdependencies is crucial to maintaining effective resilience strategies within Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure.
In this chapter, we will explore the business processes (Sub-CBFs) within "CBF-6 Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure," highlighting their internal and external dependencies and their impact on upstream, downstream, and mutual relationships with other functions.
The goal is to ensure that the Ministry's operations are aligned and resilient, even in the face of disruption.
Table P5: Inter‑dependencies for CBF-6
|
Sub-CBF Code |
Sub-CBF |
Name of Business Unit / Vendor / Supplier / Outsource Partner |
Type of Depend-ency – Internal |
Type of Depend-ency – External |
Dependency Direction (Upstream / Downstream / Mutual) |
Description of the Nature of Dependency |
|
6.1 |
Governance & Strategic Planning |
MOM Strategic Planning Unit |
Yes |
No |
Upstream |
The Governance & Strategic Planning unit provides direction and policies for all BCM efforts. Other business functions depend on its directives and frameworks to align their own continuity strategies. |
|
6.2 |
Financial Management & Resource Allocation |
MOM Finance Department, External Auditors |
Yes |
Yes |
Downstream |
Financial resources allocated by this unit are essential for supporting other Sub-CBFs such as procurement and IT infrastructure. External audits also help assess the financial resilience of BCM efforts. |
|
6.3 |
Human Resource Continuity |
MOM HR Department, External Recruitment Agencies |
Yes |
Yes |
Mutual Dependency |
Human resources are critical across the organisation. The HR unit works with external recruitment agencies to ensure that the right talent is available during disruptions. This mutual dependency ensures continuity. |
|
6.4 |
Procurement & Contract Management |
MOM Procurement Department, External Vendors |
Yes |
Yes |
Downstream |
This unit ensures that contracts and supplies critical to operations continue without interruption. Dependencies include internal departments and external vendors who are responsible for the supply of goods and services. |
|
6.5 |
IT Infrastructure & Digital Services Continuity |
MOM IT Department, IT Outsourcing Partners, Cloud Service Providers |
Yes |
Yes |
Mutual Dependency |
The IT infrastructure is heavily dependent on both internal IT teams and external cloud service providers. This ensures the ongoing availability of digital services and continuity of business operations. |
|
6.6 |
Internal Administration & Facilities Management |
MOM Facilities Management Department, Third-party Contractors |
Yes |
Yes |
Upstream |
The facilities management department works closely with third-party contractors to ensure that MOM’s facilities are operational. Its continuity is a pre-requisite for the smooth functioning of other business functions. |
The inter-dependencies outlined in this section underline the complexity and the need for careful coordination across the various sub-functions within "CBF-6 Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure."
By recognising the relationships—whether internal, external, upstream, or downstream—MOM can better plan for disruptions and ensure that critical services and functions are maintained throughout a crisis.
The interconnectedness of these business processes highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to BCM, where each unit’s resilience contributes to the overall continuity of the Ministry's mission.
This holistic view will enable MOM to navigate disruptions effectively and sustain its key operations.
CBF-6: Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure
In the realm of business continuity management (BCM), the preservation and protection of vital records is paramount. Vital records are those that are critical to the continued functioning of an organisation, especially during disruptions or disasters.
For CBF-6 "Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure," which encompasses critical services such as governance, financial management, IT infrastructure, procurement, and human resources, safeguarding vital records ensures that operations can resume quickly and seamlessly after any interruption.
This section identifies the vital records associated with each Sub-CBF within CBF-6, outlining their descriptions, media types, storage locations, and the individuals or teams responsible for their care.
The preservation of these records is essential for maintaining operational integrity, legal compliance, and effective decision-making in times of crisis.
Table P6: Vital Records for CBF-6
|
Sub-CBF Code |
Sub-CBF |
Description of Vital Records |
Media Type |
Location |
In Whose Care |
|
6.1 |
Governance & Strategic Planning |
Documents relating to long-term strategic planning, governance structures, and compliance records. These are critical for ensuring leadership continuity and operational alignment. |
Digital & Physical |
Secure Digital Repository & Office Files |
Governance Team |
|
6.2 |
Financial Management & Resource Allocation |
Financial reports, budgeting documents, resource allocation records, and contractual agreements. These records are essential for managing funds and ensuring financial continuity. |
Digital & Physical |
Financial Department & Cloud Storage |
Finance Team |
|
6.3 |
Human Resource Continuity |
Employee records, HR policies, benefits documentation, and contracts. These records ensure that personnel management can continue with minimal disruption. |
Digital & Physical |
HR Department & Secure Cloud Storage |
HR Department |
|
6.4 |
Procurement & Contract Management |
Procurement contracts, supplier agreements, and procurement records. These documents are vital for ensuring uninterrupted supply chains and contract enforcement. |
Digital & Physical |
Procurement Office & Vendor Portal |
Procurement Team |
|
6.5 |
IT Infrastructure & Digital Services Continuity |
IT system documentation, software licenses, network configurations, and disaster recovery plans. These records are essential for maintaining IT services during crises. |
Digital |
IT Department Server & Data Centre |
IT Department |
|
6.6 |
Internal Administration & Facilities Management |
Facility management records, maintenance schedules, building safety certifications, and equipment inventories. These are vital for ensuring the ongoing functionality of physical assets. |
Digital & Physical |
Facilities Office & Building Archives |
Facilities Team |
The integrity and accessibility of vital records in CBF-6 "Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure" are essential for ensuring the organisation’s resilience.
Proper management and safeguarding of these records ensure that key business functions, including governance, finance, IT, HR, and facilities management, can continue seamlessly even in the face of disruption.
By maintaining these records, the Ministry of Manpower can mitigate risks, comply with regulatory requirements, and ensure the continuity of services that are critical to the functioning of the nation.
Each Sub-CBF outlined above has designated custodians responsible for the protection, access, and upkeep of these vital records, reinforcing the importance of clear roles and responsibilities in BCM.
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Resilient Support: Implementing Business Continuity Management at Ministry of Manpower (Singapore) |
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