In today’s dynamic environment, organisational resilience and sustainability is more important than ever before – more so with the increased adoption of, and reliance on, technology and digitisation. This module covers the origins of Business continuity management (BCM) as a strategy in response to the technical and operational disruptions arising from hazards and other business interruptions. It also covers the evolution of BCM and why it is crucial not only to the survival of businesses during the period of crisis but also the protection of reputation and profitability with proper preparedness in place. The contents include an introduction to the advanced concepts of BCMS which is the ultimate aim in any BCM initiative. Participants are immersed in the various relevant international BCM standards and frameworks as well as introduced to practical BCM workflow processes. The content also includes Disaster Management, BCM methodologies, lifecycle overviews and BCM governance. The module also provides guidance on BCM resilience as well as identifying and dealing with BCM risks.

Building and sustaining organisational resilience requires organisations to have processes in place to predict the consequences of disruption to business processes and business functions and synthesise all of this information to develop recovery strategies – also known as the Business impact analysis (BIA). This module prepares participants to design and drive practical BIAs and provide the basis for investment in recovery strategies as well as investment in prevention and mitigation strategies, including effective BIA reporting. Linked topics relating to risk and hazard identification in relation to the BIA and its role in BCM strategy development is also covered.

Participants will also be provided a basic introduction to crisis management and crisis communication concepts and how effective disaster responses contribute to long term business sustainability. The importance of roles and responsibilities and an effective tiered governance structure is emphasised.

The content provides a development framework for building the BCMS strategy as well as guidance on how to effectively manage BC projects, including planning and program management as well as practical steps on how to build the BCP.

When business is disrupted, it can cost money. Lost revenues equate to reduced profits. Insurance does not cover all costs and cannot replace customers that defect to the competition. A business continuity plan to continue business is therefore essential.

This module takes you through the stages of building and maintaining the business continuity plan, including the detailed contents of such a plan. Participants will also be provided a grounding in the components of the BCM process, BCM organisation, Leadership tree and performance metrics. Guidance is also provided on how to test and ensure the robustness of the scope and design of the business continuity plan and BCM program – all with the aim of driving and ensuring sustainability. The content also encompasses best practice design and conduct of BCM, DRP and BCP audits as well as detailed disaster recovery options. Business Continuity change management plans and common BCM risks are also studied and discussed in this module.