Vulnerablility
Assessments
Overview
The ICM approach in developing crisis vulnerability studies follows
the principles outlined in "When You Are the Headline," the book written
by ICM president Robert B. Irvine. The vulnerability study is the
first step in developing an effective operational and communications
response to the first notification of a business disruption that has
the potential to be a newsworthy crisis.
Research
ICM will first analyze the most likely crises in the client's industry
by running the ICM Crisis Database and reviewing relevant emergency
response and communications procedures the client has developed. The
objective is to determine potential communications problems that are
isolated to a single location or type of crisis and more serious problems
that should be addressed in the company's business continuity plan.
Those questions will be resolved with the client's management.
The emphasis will be on defining potential crisis situations and
business disruptions that will directly or indirectly affect sales
and profits. In developing this information, the ICM staff will:
- Utilize the services of its two research librarians to analyze
past problems in the client's industry or industries and their business/financial
impact on companies in that business.
- Interview key members of management to assess their concerns
about business disruption, continuity plans and related communications
issues.
Vulnerability
Assessment Report
Based on its
analysis and interviews, ICM will develop a Vulnerability Assessment
Report that will:
- Provide an objective assessment of the client's levels of preparedness
for the most likely business disruptions at the corporate level
and within its areas of business.
- Recommend changes in the operational and communications response
plans needed to minimize crisis situations and maintain business
continuity.
- Lay out a plan of action with the timetable and budget for building
on the client's existing crisis response capabilities to develop
a realistic business continuity and crisis communications plan.
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