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 former ICM president Robert B. Irvine. The vulnerability study is the first step in developing an effective operational and communication plan. .

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 communication procedures the client has developed.

The second step is to develop a 30-minute questionnaire and identify ten to 20 representatives of the organization from top management on down. An ICM Senior Consultant interviews each participant and prepares a report and recommendations based on the results.

The objective is to determine potential communication 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:

1. Utilize the services of its research librarians to analyze past problems in the client's industry or industries and their business/financial impact on companies in that business.
   
   
2. Interview key members of management to assess their experience and concerns about business disruption, continuity plans and related communication issues.

Vulnerability Assessment Report

Based on its analysis and interviews, ICM will develop a Vulnerability Assessment Report that will:

1. 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.
   
   
2. Recommend changes in the operational and communication response plans needed to minimize crisis situations and maintain business continuity.
   
   
3. 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.