Chapter 10 - Continuous Improvement

Abstract

The processes that today enable continuous improvement of Business Continuity Management Systems are based less on the maintenance of the Business Continuity Plan than was the focus in the past. Business Continuity Management standards emphasize the continuous improvement of its entire set of its programmatic elements through the trending of performance metrics that monitor critical success factors, key performance indicators, and thorough internal audits that ensure the effectiveness of the management system. The results of trends and management system audits are reported to the top management level of the organization for action. Any nonconformity with the requirements of the standards is investigated to determine their root cause and a corrective action plan is developed to prevent the recurrence of the issue that caused the nonconformity. A Responsibility Assignment Matrix can support the management of the implementation of some corrective actions. Once implemented, the success of the corrective actions is examined through a process of effectiveness reviews to help guarantee they were effective in achieving their goal.