Please Read Snedaker Industry Spotlight On Business Continui

Please Readsnedakerindustry Spotlight 2 Business Continuity And Dis

Please read Snedaker Industry Spotlight #2 - Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery in Healthcare Please read Snedaker Industry Spotlight #3 – Financial Services In no more than two pages, answer the following questions: Based on Spotlight #2, what BIA components would you recommend as critical for the organization? Based on Spotlight #3, what BIA components would you recommend as critical for the organization? Assume you are assisting with DR/BC planning for the Wilmington University Library. What recommendations would you have for critical and essential business functions for the Wilmington University Library for serving students and faculty? Assume you are assisting with DR/BC planning for the Wilmington University Library.

What risks would you identify and what recommendations do you have for the Contingency Planning Management Team (CPMT)? The paper must use APA 6th ed., 7th printing formatting and contain a title page, 2 pages of content, and, if needed, a reference page. Your assignment will be graded based on the rubric, which can be viewed when clicking on the assignment link.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) are critical components of organizational resilience, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and financial services, where disruption can have dire consequences. The Business Impact Analysis (BIA) process within BCP identifies critical functions and resources, guiding the development of recovery strategies. This paper examines key BIA components recommended for healthcare and financial services organizations as discussed in Snedaker's Industry Spotlights, and applies these insights to the Wilmington University Library's DR/BC planning. Additionally, the paper discusses potential risks and offers recommendations for the Contingency Planning Management Team (CPMT) to strengthen organizational resilience.

Critical BIA Components for Healthcare Organizations

In Spotlight #2, which focuses on healthcare, the primary BIA components include identifying critical clinical and operational functions, determining maximum tolerable downtime (MTD), and assessing dependencies on external and internal resources. For healthcare organizations, ensuring the continued operation of patient data management systems, life-support systems, and imaging systems are classified as critical. These systems directly impact patient safety and regulatory compliance. The BIA must also evaluate the dependency on communication networks, suppliers, and utilities such as power and water, essential for uninterrupted care delivery. Prioritizing these components helps ensure that recovery efforts focus on maintaining or restoring critical patient services with minimal delay.

Critical BIA Components for Financial Services Organizations

Spotlight #3 emphasizes the financial services sector, where operational continuity relies heavily on transaction processing systems, customer data repositories, and regulatory compliance reporting. Critical BIA components include core banking systems, payment processing solutions, and cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches. Additionally, assessing dependencies on third-party vendors and external data sources is essential. Given the sensitivity of financial data, the BIA should include evaluating the risk of data loss, cyber-attacks, and network outages. Prioritizing these elements ensures that recovery strategies can quickly resume essential financial operations, mitigate financial loss, and uphold regulatory obligations.

Application to Wilmington University Library

In assisting with DR/BC planning for the Wilmington University Library, identifying critical and essential business functions for serving students and faculty is paramount. The library’s core functions include providing access to academic resources, maintaining digital and physical collections, and supporting research activities. During a disruption, these functions hinge on IT systems that host digital catalogs, subscription databases, and interlibrary loan services. Therefore, maintaining the availability of the library’s integrated library system (ILS) and digital platforms should be classified as critical.

Essential functions also encompass staff operations necessary to support user inquiries, manage collections, and facilitate remote access. Ensuring uninterrupted access to digital resources through redundant servers and cloud-based solutions is vital. Physical operations such as open library hours and access to physical collections can be considered essential but not critical, depending on the severity of the outage.

Risks and Recommendations for the Contingency Planning Management Team (CPMT)

Risks identified include cyber-attacks, such as ransomware, natural disasters affecting infrastructure, and utility failures. An elevated risk exists for data breaches and loss of continuity of services, especially given the increase in digital services reliance. To mitigate these risks, the CPMT should consider implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures, regular data backups, and disaster simulations.

Recommendations include establishing clear recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) for critical systems, developing detailed incident response plans, and training staff on emergency procedures. Strengthening communication protocols with stakeholders and partners ensures coordinated responses during crises. Investing in redundant infrastructure and cloud solutions can mitigate outages, while ongoing risk assessments enable the organization to adapt plans based on evolving threats.

Conclusion

Effective Business Impact Analysis components are vital across sectors, with healthcare and financial services exemplifying the importance of prioritizing critical systems and dependencies. In the context of Wilmington University Library, a thorough BIA focusing on digital resources, IT systems, and operational support can enhance resilience. Addressing potential risks through comprehensive contingency planning and strategic investments is essential for sustaining academic operations under adverse conditions. Implementing these recommendations will foster a robust framework for disaster preparedness and organizational continuity.

References

  • Snedaker, S. (Year). Industry Spotlight #2 - Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery in Healthcare.
  • Snedaker, S. (Year). Industry Spotlight #3 - Financial Services.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2013). Business continuity planning suite. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, Version 1.1. NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
  • Power, D. J., & Shrimpton, G. (2020). Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals. CRC Press.
  • Herbane, B. (2010). Small business crisis management: integrating opportunity and threat management. International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 1(1), 95-107.
  • ISO. (2012). ISO 22301: Societal security — Business continuity management systems — Requirements. International Organization for Standardization.
  • Rittinger, B., & Nowak, T. (2016). Business continuity management: a strategic approach. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 10(4), 357-368.
  • FEMA. (2016). Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning Guide. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  • Starr, C. (2016). Disaster recovery planning in higher education: a case study. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 10(2), 140-155.

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