In a BIA, which step assesses the ability to meet business needs during disruptions?

The step that assesses the ability to meet business needs during disruptions is the impact analysis. This phase is crucial in a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) as it evaluates how disruptions can affect various business functions and processes. During impact analysis, organizations examine the potential consequences of different types of disruptions—both in terms of operational capability and financial implications. This assessment helps identify critical activities and the extent to which they can be maintained or must be restored following an incident.

Impact analysis goes beyond merely cataloging resources; it focuses on the operational and financial impacts those disruptions may have on the business. By understanding these impacts, organizations can prioritize which functions are essential for maintaining business continuity and how to allocate resources effectively to ensure minimal disruption during adverse events. Such prioritization is vital for the development of a robust continuity plan that aligns with the overall business strategy.

In contrast, scenario planning, resource evaluation, and recovery strategy formulation play supporting roles in the BIA. Scenario planning involves imagining various potential disruption scenarios without directly assessing their impacts. Resource evaluation focuses on identifying the necessary resources (like personnel, technology, etc.) but does not analyze the consequences of losing these resources. Recovery strategy formulation is about creating plans to restore operations post-disruption rather than assessing the immediate ability to meet