Understanding Business Continuity at CMU

Business continuity is a crucial concept in today's ever-changing climate, ensuring that organizations can maintain essential functions during and after a disaster. It involves preparing for potential disruptions, responding effectively when they occur and recovering swiftly to minimize impact. At its core, Business Continuity Planning (BCP) aims to protect an organization's critical operations, assets and stakeholders from various threats, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks and other emergencies.

At Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), business continuity is a key focus, managed within the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) department. CMU's approach to business continuity involves a comprehensive plan that

includes a Business Impact Analysis (BIA), risk assessment and gap analysis. The BIA helps identify critical services and dependencies, while the risk assessment evaluates potential threats and prioritizes recovery objectives. This structured approach ensures that CMU is well-prepared to handle any disruptions that may arise.

In practice, CMU has successfully applied its business continuity plans in various real-world situations, learning valuable lessons and making continuous improvements. These efforts highlight the importance of resilience and preparedness in maintaining the university's operations and protecting its community. Overall, CMU's commitment to business continuity underscores its dedication to ensuring a safe and stable environment for its students, faculty and staff. By being proactive and prepared, CMU can navigate unexpected challenges and continue to thrive, no matter what comes its way.