Discussion 1: Business Continuity Management (BCM)

Yoshiko Abe
Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:18:40 +0000

Dear All,

Thank you for taking part in this discussion about business continuity management (BCM).

There remains an important gap in the mainstreaming of BCM and the development of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) in current business models and practices of both multinationals and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMSE’s).

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Key Questions for Discussion:

1. What are the forces and practices that provide the right incentives to encourage the private sector’s incorporation of BCM and BCPs into standard business practice? We are interested in both hearing examples of policies that are working right now, and also, policies that you wish were in existence.

2. How can communication, reporting and disclosure (e.g. via sustainability reporting) influence perceptions around BCM and BCP, bringing the positive message that investment in BCM and BCP contributes to sustainable economic development? Please share your experiences in reporting and disclosing DRM practices and reactions you received. If you’re not reporting yet, what could incentivize your company?

3. How can the post-2015 HFA promote and facilitate the adoption of BCPs as a fundamental element in long-term business resilience and competitiveness?

4. What role can sector organizations and Chambers of Commerce play in leveraging the standards and increasing awareness around BCPs? What additional incentives could they provide?

5. How can governments incentivize BCPs and work with MSME’s in fostering an enabling environment for raising the standards of, and increasing awareness around, BCPs?

6. What kind of technical support can governments provide to small and medium businesses in writing BCP’s? How can governments help small and medium businesses coordinate continuity activities to improve coordinated resilience for communities?

7. Businesses often play an important role for the communities they operate in. What are the other key critical industry sectors that, in your opinion, are crucial to a community’s effective disaster risk management? Please include reasons for your recommendation.

8. Is there a way to include preparedness for public health emergencies (e.g. flu pandemic, SARs, Ebola) in HFA2 to strengthen resilience and risk reduction in communities and countries?

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Thank you again for your participation and input!

Yoshiko Abe
Development Consultant, Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.