During the testing of the business continuity plan (BCP), which of the following methods of results analysis provides the BEST assurance that the plan is workable?
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A. B. C. D.C.
It is important to have ways to measure the success of the plan and tests against the stated objectives.
Therefore, results must be quantitatively gauged as opposed to an evaluation based only on observation.
Quantitatively measuring the results of the test involves a generic statement measuring all the activities performed during BCP, which gives the best assurance of an effective plan.
Although choices A and B are also quantitative, they relate to specific areas, or an analysis of results from one viewpoint, namely the accuracy of the results and the elapsed time.
Source: Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Certified Information Systems Auditor 2002 review manual, Chapter 5: Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity (page 269).
During the testing of a business continuity plan (BCP), the primary goal is to assess the plan's effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments to ensure its success in the event of a real disaster or disruption. Analyzing the test results is a critical part of this process.
Among the provided options, the method that provides the BEST assurance that the plan is workable is option D, evaluation of the observed test results. This method involves assessing the performance of the BCP during the test and comparing it against the predetermined goals and objectives.
Option A, measurement of accuracy, is not the most effective method for assessing the BCP's workability because it does not consider the entire plan's effectiveness. This method may only measure the accuracy of specific components of the plan.
Option B, elapsed time for completion of critical tasks, may be useful in identifying areas of the plan that require improvement. However, it is not the most effective method for assessing the plan's overall workability.
Option C, quantitatively measuring the results of the test, is a useful method for assessing the BCP's workability. However, it may not provide the best assurance that the plan is workable as it does not consider the plan's effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Therefore, evaluating the observed test results is the best option among the given choices as it considers the overall effectiveness of the plan in real-world scenarios, identifies any weaknesses or gaps in the plan, and provides actionable insights for improving the BCP's workability.