Disaster Recovery Plan

DISASTER RECOVERY FOLLOWING THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

Duchac, Jonathan
Castellino, Cara
.  Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies
; London Vol. 12, Iss. 3, (2006): 63-72.
Abstract
Developing a disaster recovery plan is a challenging process for most organizations, requiring plan developers to strike an appropriate balance between breadth and detail. In 2001, the Chief Financial Office organization began a disaster recovery process that was completed in the early part of September 2001. This case reviews the process used by Merrill Lynch’s CFO organization to develop a disaster recovery plan, and the challenges faced in implementing this plan following the events of September 11, 2001. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

CASE DESCRIPTION
This case analysis examines the process of developing and implementing a disaster recovery plan. The case (1) discusses some of the inherent problems that large organizations face in developing an effective disaster recovery plan, and (2) highlights the challenges of implementing a disaster recovery plan in the face of real world events that vary from the plan’s initial assumptions. This material is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate courses in risk management, information systems, and business continuity planning. The case is designed to supplement a general discussion of disaster recovery planning, and disaster risk management.
CASE SYNOPSIS
Developing a disaster recovery plan is a challenging process for most organizations, requiring plan developers to strike an appropriate balance between breadth and detail. In 2001, the Chief Financial Office organization began a disaster recovery process that was completed in the early part of September 2001. This case reviews the process used by Merrill Lynch’s CFO organization to develop a disaster recovery plan, and the challenges faced in implementing this plan following the events of September 11, 2001.