Framing business continuity to achieve lasting focus

Business continuity programmes frequently suffer from two core problems. First, many programmes fail to focus on what is critically important to the organisation and its stakeholders. Secondly, many programmes fail to engage programme participants to achieve preparedness goals. Both problems impact the programme's strategic direction, scope and performance. The frame process described here provides a detailed method for business continuity practitioners to engage with top management and other key stakeholders to determine and then address what is most important to the organisation. This process was developed to address the lack of programme focus regardless of industry or organisation size and has been used to build high-performing programmes and improve focus for mature programmes. Beginning with answering the four questions described in this paper, programme management is equipped to effectively establish programme objectives and priorities, inform stakeholders of key business continuity concepts, and allow for issues resolution prior to the implementation of key programme activities. Lasting programme focus requires clearly defined and articulated priorities and direction. This paper provides a detailed summary of the process that can be used by programme management to ensure that business continuity programmes are implemented and maintained in alignment with the strategic direction of the organisation.