Module: Business Continuity

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Business Continuity
Module Code	MNA1025 (ITS: MT570)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop an effective Business Continuity strategy for their organization.

Learning Outcomes

1. explain the process, principles and terminology of business continuity management (BCM).
2. justify the importance, benefits and outcomes of effective BCM.
3. evaluate the key international guidance documents highlighting current practice in BCM.
4. recommend how the core elements of BCM may be practically implemented within various projects/organisations.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Attendance & Participation
Directed learning	89	Reading, Research, Preparation of Assignments
Lecture	36	Attendance & Participation
Directed learning	89	Reading, Research, Preparation of Assignments
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11859	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Gavin Brown	Module Teacher	Caroline Mcmullan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Application of BCM to an organisational setting - demonstrate practical relevance (Theory & Practice)	100%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Syllabus
1.Defining Business Continuity and Business Continuity Management (BCM)

2.
The importance of BCM – Scope, Applicability, Importance, Benefits, Outcomes.

3.
Review of key models/good practice including the Business Continuity ISO

4.
The BCM Lifecycle - Core elements of BCM:

(a)BCM Programme Management – governance, implementation, maintenance and management.

(b)Understanding the organisation – Business impact analysis, Identification of critical activities, Determining Continuity Requirements, Risk assessment – threat to business/service critical activities, Loss mitigation & Risk treatment strategies, Management sign-off.

(c)Determining BC Strategy – Identification of Strategy Options for organisational resources including people, premises, technology, information, supplies, stakeholders.

(d)Developing & Implementing a BCM Response – Development of an Incident Response Structure, Preparation of appropriate plans for organisation, Identification of resource requirements.

(e)Exercising, maintaining and reviewing BCM arrangements

(f)Embedding BCM in the organisation

s culture.

5.
Preparing and maintaining BCM documentation – with particular emphasis on BCM policy, Business Impact Analysis, Risk and Threat Assessments, Business Continuity Plans, Awareness and Training Programmes.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Barnes J.C.: 2001, A Guide to Business Continuity Planning, Wiley,
Elliott D, Swartz E, Herbane B: 2002, Business Continuity Management: A crisis management approach, Routledge,
Myers N: 2006, Business Continuity Strategies: Protecting Against Unplanned Disasters, Wiley,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

ISO: ISO 22301, 2019, ISO 22301:2019 Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Requirements,
ISO: ISO 22313, 2020, ISO 22313:2020 — Business continuity management systems — Guidance on the use of ISO 22301,
Website: BCI, http://www.thebci.org/,
NFP: 2019, NFPA 1600 Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management,
ISO: ISO/TS 22332:2021 - Guidelines for developing business continuity plans and procedures,
ISO: ISO/TS 22331:2018 - Guidelines for business continuity strategy,
ISO: ISO/TS 22330:2018 - Guidelines for people aspects of business continuity,
ISO: ISO/TS 22317:2021 - Guidelines for BIA,