Business Continuity Analysis

For an organization to remain resilient during an outage or emergency it must develop a continuity program or strategy. Comprehensive continuity plans provide significant benefits to businesses large or small by allowing businesses to operate despite facing a hazardous condition. Business continuity is the planning for an organization to continue operating during some type of disruption or return to operating conditions as quickly as possible after a disruption. FEMA defines continuity as, “…an effort within individual executive departments and agencies to ensure that Primary Mission Essential Functions (PMEFs) continue to be performed during a wide range of emergencies, including localized acts of nature, accidents and technological or attack-related

(Seow, 2009, p. 202). Being forced to comply with regulations is a useful motivating factor for senior managers when it comes to maintaining a continuity plan. The benefits of partaking in a continuity plan also appeal to management when examples of good management practice are established. A huge core motivator for business continuity is its ability to trigger an advantage over competitors by having the ability to become more reliable than other organizations in the event of an outage. “When disaster strikes, the organization that is better prepared to meet delivery deadlines and customer expectations through more resilient operations and that is better able to recover quickly clearly has the advantage.” (Seow, 2009, p. 204). Presentation of the positive effects a continuity plan will have on the business can help senior management recognize the need for developing a continuity strategy. Finally, Seow explains that providing senior management with the organization’s potential gain from creating a plan can prevent so many conflicts in the

That is why it is imperative to approach the topic of a continuity plan with supportive data and confidence. Gaining senior management support for continuity plans can be difficult, but with the right approach and core motivators, managers are sure to see just how beneficial a business continuity plan or strategy can be. It is impossible to establish a continuity plan without the support of senior management and essential staff members. Seow’s five core motivators and five reinforcers can help senior management recognize the need for developing a business continuity