IT continuity framework and risk management

Guest Lecture Highlights Importance of Business Impact Analysis in Digital Risk Management The Department of Information Technology recently hosted a focused guest lecture on IT

Management and Risk Management for postgraduate students enrolled in the “Managing Risks in Digital Transformation” course. Dr. Mary Amirtha Sagayee opened the session by welcoming attendees and introducing the guest speaker, Mr. Qais, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the ICT and finance sectors.

The session centered on the vital role of Business Impact Analysis (BIA) in ensuring business continuity. Mr. Qais explained how BIA supports organizations in evaluating the effects of disruptions on key operations, identifying critical functions, and setting recovery priorities. He emphasized the importance of top management involvement in approving both BIA and Business Continuity (BC) plans to ensure effective execution and resource allocation.

Drawing on real-world experience, Mr. Qais discussed the development of an Enterprise Risk Management System (ERMS) that allowed departments to handle risk data efficiently without incurring additional costs. He also highlighted the role of ongoing training and staff engagement in building a strong risk-aware culture, referencing ISO 22301 as a trusted global framework for business continuity and risk management.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where both Dr. Mary and Mr. Qais addressed participant questions. The department expressed sincere appreciation to Mr. Qais for sharing his insights and practical knowledge, which enriched the learning experience for all attendees.

Writeup by Dr. Mary Amirtha Sagayee