Not a Natural Disaster, But Business Continuity Planning 101 All The Same

Abstract

Business continuity planning is a crucial and necessary aspect of a company’s strategic business plan. It involves the planning, organizing, and strategizing the recognition of external threats facing an organization, with the purpose of ensuring the proper personnel and assets are available and have the ability to function should a disaster occur. It is the cornerstone by which businesses can continue to thrive even under dire circumstances. The continuing development of technology is allowing employees to work from home more often, creating more of a non-traditional work environment. Many employees possess company-owned cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other technological tools to aid them in submitting and receiving information. This use of technology has become more the rule than the exception. As businesses continue to develop technological advances, increasingly they are utilizing the technology as part of their business continuity planning. Any interruption of daily operations can have a deep and lasting effect on a company’s cash flows and revenues.

This case involves a business in South Carolina affected by a water main break that flooded its first floor, where the building’s central heating and air and electrical equipment are located. The flooding, however, did not damage the equipment that serves AgFirst or its district. The building itself was uninhabitable for six weeks while repairs were made and equipment was replaced. The primary focus of this case is to stimulate a discussion on business continuity planning and the way in which technology can be utilized in the event the plan is needed. This case is an example of the surprising events that can cripple a company without proper planning of technology use. Targeted towards upper level undergraduate business majors, this case illustrates that events can and will occur that may interrupt or halt business operations. However, with proper planning and the utilization of technological advances, business can continue operations until the event is remedied.