Undertaking Business Continuity Planning for a Global Business Operator in Less Developed Economies: a Case Study of General Motors East Africa

Abstract

Globalization has made business enterprises expand geographically and in the process they encounter different business operating environments ranging from developed to under developed economies. Each environment poses different risks to the business which includes social-cultural, technological, legal and transactional challenges. The continuity of the business in the event of a disruption largely depends on the preestablished processes to mitigate risks. One of the major process is the business continuity planning. This study seeks to establish the applicability and operability of the business continuity planning process for a global business operator in less developed countries.

In order to reach the purpose of the study, I have used a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted using a case study at General Motors East Africa. The researcher conducted in depth face to face interviews with General Motors East Africa employees who are involved in the business continuity planning process. The information was obtained and compared with the best practices as per the disaster recovery institute and the business continuity institute of the United Kingdom (UK). The study has come up with results that relate to business continuity planning for a global business operator in a less developed country. ]

The study has found out that business continuity planning plays a vital role in the operations of any business. Global operators in less developed countries need to plan, create awareness and do proper training to the company's staff if the benefits of business continuity planning are to be achieved in the less developed countries. Finally all the research questions have been answered and the research objectives have been achieved.