Bird Flu Business Continuity Management Tool

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipate that the H5N1 influenza virus will reach the United States in the near future. The potential health and economic consequences for the country can be far-reaching. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has identified local business preparedness as a priority. Assisting local companies in the development of business continuity plans may help protect the social and business infrastructure during a pandemic. A simple and easy to use business continuity management tool has been developed with the support of health departments and local businesses. The model allows businesses to estimate the impact of a potential Bird Flu pandemic on their ability to continue business operations. This tool accommodates employee absenteeism rates up to 50%, the maximal rates projected by CDC. The model considers core corporate business functions, the identification of main operational tasks associated with each of these functions, and the allocation of specific personnel to each task. Preparing the input for this model requires 2 to 6 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the company. The tool is available in a “table-top” format including process flow-diagrams drawn onto a display board. This approach allows several persons to contribute simultaneously. An electronic version of the management tool is also available for PC applications. The presentation outlines the strategy and logic contained in the bird flu business continuity management tool and includes a short demonstration of a “real-world” application.