What does a gap analysis typically assess in the context of BIA?

A gap analysis in the context of a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) focuses on identifying discrepancies between an organization's current capabilities and the resources or processes that are necessary to meet its business continuity objectives. This involves evaluating what the organization currently has in place—such as people, technology, and processes—and contrasting that with what is needed to effectively manage risks and respond to potential disruptions.

In a BIA framework, conducting a gap analysis serves several critical functions. It helps to pinpoint vulnerabilities in the organization's continuity planning and informs decision-makers about where improvements are necessary. For example, if an organization realizes that it lacks sufficient backup systems or adequate training for staff on continuity procedures, this analysis will highlight these weaknesses. Understanding these gaps allows the organization to prioritize resources and efforts to mitigate risks effectively.

This is distinctly different from assessing market opportunities or evaluating sales strategies, which are more focused on growth and revenue rather than risk management. Similarly, analyzing cost per employee would not provide insights into how well prepared an organization is to handle disruptions. Hence, the focus of a gap analysis in a BIA context is squarely on understanding and bridging the divide between what is currently available and what is essential for comprehensive business continuity.