Agile Business Continuity Planning using Business Process Modeling Notation
Abstract
Many current business continuity plans focus on the technology of an organization, not on the processes. This research investigates how using agile methodology and business process modeling can change the efficiency and effectiveness of business continuity planning. Recent surveys of business continuity planners indicate that testing business continuity plans exposes problems and provides an opportunity to correct and improve them. However, in practice, plans are rarely tested after their creation and happen only after they are completed. Current business continuity planning practice is similar to the traditional waterfall method of software design and levies a significant drain on an organization’s resources to develop plans. This dissertation explores the use of agile techniques, like designing plans using “test first” design, focusing on the highest value processes first, and developing quality plans with the minimum of effort and error. This dissertation presents an agile methodology that harnesses “test first” development of plans using business process modeling notation (BPMN). It focuses on the continuity of processes, not the causes of a disruption. This methodology allows for a more organic approach to business continuity where IT staff and business process owners collaborate closely and leverage proven agile and test-driven development techniques. The agile techniques allow for a lightweight method of planning that reduces unnecessary work. By using BPMN, a machine executable notation, plans are easier to test by computer. Since BPMN is also graphical, plans developed in BPMN are less ambiguous, less inconsistent, and easier to communicate with others within and outside an organization.
Subject Area
Management|Computer science
Recommended Citation
Anne, Kirk M, "Agile Business Continuity Planning using Business Process Modeling Notation" (2013). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI3570821.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI3570821
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