The Chief Information Officer's Body of Knowledge: People, Process, and Technology

Chapter 27

Business Continuity Planning

Dave McCandless

Sage wisdom tells us that “Life is what happens when you're busy making plans.” A more recent version of this same sentiment can be politely phrased as “Stuff happens.” No matter how it is said, the message is clear: As we go on about our daily business, both personal and professional, disruptive events will take place that have the potential to substantially change what we had planned for our future.

For business, undefined change is very likely a bad thing. Business plans define key objectives that must be met for the business to survive. Deviation from these plans will likely result in higher costs and lower revenues, sometimes to the point where the business must pause or even cease to exist. Stable businesses exist because their leaders are able to understand the nuances of whatever industry they are in—they find the path and navigate the obstacles to success. The good leaders show us everyday how they can manage what they can control.

But what happens when that control is threatened? How do these leaders react to sustain a business when faced with disruptive events? How do they ensure continuity of the business plan to be able to achieve their key objectives? Leaders make this happen by creating a company culture that methodically plans and executes to sustain business operations when faced with disruptive challenges.

Business continuity planning (BCP) is the self-imposed discipline that defines how well a business ...