[BCM] [E2] [8] [University] Program Management for University

Program Management Phase for BCM Planning Methodology for University

This phase is the backbone for managing and overseeing the BCM program, ensuring it aligns with the university’s strategic goals and operational requirements.

It focuses on providing governance, establishing a clear framework for decision-making, and ensuring that the university’s resources, policies, and procedures are effectively directed towards achieving business continuity objectives.

During this phase, the university's senior leadership team works closely with BCM professionals to define roles, allocate responsibilities, and set clear expectations for program implementation.

Effective resource management is another cornerstone of the Program Management phase. This includes securing adequate funding, staffing, and technological support to ensure the BCM program’s success.

Universities must designate key BCM personnel, invest in necessary tools and technology, and provide training and awareness programs for staff across all levels.

By fostering a culture of preparedness and collaboration, the Program Management phase helps ensure that the university is well-equipped to handle potential disruptions and maintain critical operations while allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation of the BCM program to meet the institution’s evolving needs.

Key Elements of Program Management

One of the primary goals of the Program Management phase is to establish strong governance structures. This includes creating a Business Continuity Management Steering Committee (BCMSC) or similar oversight body consisting of key stakeholders from various departments across the university.

The BCMSC ensures that BCM is integrated into the university's broader risk management and operational strategies. The Program Management phase also involves developing policies and procedures that guide the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the university's business continuity efforts.

These policies should reflect the institution’s risk tolerance, recovery priorities, and regulatory requirements impacting business continuity.

Resource allocation is another critical aspect of the Program Management phase. The university must ensure appropriate funding, personnel, and technological resources are in place to support the BCM program.

This includes hiring or designating BCM coordinators, providing staff training, and ensuring access to necessary tools, such as business continuity software, communication systems, and backup infrastructure.

In addition, a vital element of the Program Management phase is establishing a communication plan that keeps all stakeholders informed about the progress of the BCM program and any risks or issues that may arise during implementation. This ensures transparency and fosters collaboration and accountability across the university.

Monitoring and Reporting Progress

The Program Management phase also includes establishing performance indicators and metrics to measure the success of the BCM program. These metrics help the university track progress toward its business continuity goals and ensure that the BCM program is continuously improving.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) could include completing specific BCM tasks, the frequency of tests and exercises, the effectiveness of recovery strategies, and staff awareness regarding the university’s business continuity plan. Regular reporting and monitoring allow senior leadership to make informed decisions about where to allocate resources and how to address any challenges that may arise.

Another essential activity in this phase is the continuous review and refinement of the BCM program. Business continuity management is not a one-time effort but rather an ongoing process that requires constant updating to remain relevant.

This involves reviewing the program after each test, exercise, or actual disruption to identify areas for improvement and making adjustments based on feedback and lessons learned. The Program Management phase ensures that the university's BCM program remains adaptive, responsive to emerging risks, and aligned with the institution’s evolving needs and priorities.

Summing Up ...

The Program Management phase of Business Continuity Management (BCM) planning for universities is focused on establishing a robust governance structure, resource allocation, and strategic oversight to ensure the success and sustainability of the BCM program.

This phase involves creating a Business Continuity Management Steering Committee (BCMSC) to oversee decision-making, policy development, and program implementation.

The committee ensures that BCM activities align with the university’s broader goals, risk management strategies, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, this phase includes establishing policies and procedures to guide BCM efforts, ensuring that all aspects of business continuity are covered effectively.

In this phase, the university must allocate necessary resources, such as funding, staffing, and technology, to support the BCM program. Key personnel are designated to lead the program, and staff members are trained and informed about their roles during a disruption.

By setting clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations, the Program Management phase ensures the university can maintain critical operations during a crisis.

Continuous monitoring and performance evaluation allows for ongoing refinement and adaptation of the BCM program, ensuring it remains relevant and effective in responding to evolving risks.

University Continuity Blueprint: Implementing BCM for Academic Institutions
Section 2: Implementing BCM for the University
Intro  C1	C2	C3	C4	C5	C6	C7	C8	Conclusion C9
BCM Planning Methodology for University	Project Management (PM)	Risk Analysis and Review (RAR)	Business Impact Analysis (BIA)	Business Continuity Strategy (BCS)	Plan Development (PD)	Testing and Exercising (TE)	Program Management (PgM)	Summary for Implementing BCM for University

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 [B-3] course and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [B-5].

	If you have any questions, click to contact us.