| dc.description.abstract | The environment in which firms operate is becoming increasingly turbulent and complex. Major issues such as globalization have opened the firms to more political, environmental, sociological, technological, economic and legal turbulence. Other events such as global warming, earthquakes, major pandemics, piracy, global terrorism and political instability have all had their impact on the Global community in the recent past. Turbulence creates both opportunities to be grabbed as well as risks that if not well addressed can imperil the very survival of the entity (Wambutura, 2010). Continuity in times of turbulence is critical for all business concerns. This can only be achieved through clearly planned measures and procedures defining the risks and their mitigating factors as well as pre-emptive actions against turbulence and disruptions. Business Continuity Management is the name given to such planning measures (Thiga, 2009).
This study looked at the surprise issues and risks that arise during times of negative environmental turbulence and the way those risks and issues have been addressed within the framework of Surprise Issue Management by instituting appropriate Business Continuity Management programmes in Unicef. The study established that Unicef has a sound Strategic issue management system that is constantly reviewed and aligned with the changing global as well local operating environment. Additionally, Unicef has a Business Continuity Management System in place and Business Continuity planning is highly ingrained in its planning processes as well as organizational culture.
Business continuity planning is regarded as strategic issue management tool that is useful in addressing surprise issues that have impact on the long term survival and resilience of the organization in the face of unforeseen circumstances that are likely to impact on its ability to survive and to continue serving its customers both in the short and long term. The main limitation of the study was the restricted scope of its nature as it was conducted within the framework ofa case study, with interviews as the main source of the study data and information. It therefore did not capture the perception of all the employees on the subject matter. The study has given recommendations for further research on the issue of BCM practices and Disaster preparedness in the other UN agencies in Kenya and indeed in both the public and private sectors in Kenya. The study has further recommended further research to be undertaken to determine the most cost effective ways of enabling small and medium term enterprises to embrace BCM practices | en_US |
