What is the main goal of a business impact analysis (BIA)?

• A. To enhance company profits
• B. To identify critical business functions and the impact of disruptions
• C. To conduct employee performance evaluations
• D. To improve marketing strategies

Answer: (B)

The main goal of a business impact analysis (BIA) is to identify critical business functions and evaluate the potential impact of disruptions on those functions. A BIA assesses how interruptions can affect various aspects of a business, including operations, revenue, reputation, and legal compliance. By understanding which functions are vital for the continuity of operations, organizations can better prepare for unexpected events and develop effective recovery strategies. This process helps prioritize resources and create informed plans to minimize downtime and associated costs, ensuring that essential services can resume as quickly as possible after an interruption occurs.

The focus remains on recognizing dependencies between different operations and the consequences of their disruptions, which is fundamental for risk management and business continuity planning.