Overview: Understanding upstream and downstream dependencies is essential for mapping out the connections that a department has with different groups both inside and outside the organization. This helps identify critical inputs and outputs necessary for maintaining business continuity.

Contributions:

Please share your methodology or sample questions you use when assessing upstream and downstream dependencies for critical functions. You can include text and/or attach relevant screenshots for clarity.

Key Areas to Address:

• Methodology: Describe your approach to identifying and documenting upstream and downstream dependencies.
• Sample Questions: Share examples of the questions you ask to gather necessary information.
• Best Practices: Highlight any tips or best practices that have worked well for you.

Example Contribution:

Methodology: We conduct comprehensive interviews with department heads and key staff to map out all internal and external connections. This includes identifying critical inputs (from other groups) and outputs (to other groups) essential for each function.

Sample Questions:

- Identify the internal connections this department has with other groups within the organization.

- Identify the external connections this department has with entities outside the organization.

- What are the key inputs (deliverables from other groups) that this department relies upon to support its functions?

- What are the key outputs (deliverables from this department) provided to other groups?

Best Practices:

- Maintain an up-to-date map of all internal and external dependencies.

- Regularly review and update the list of critical inputs and outputs to ensure accuracy.

- Develop contingency plans for managing disruptions in upstream and downstream dependencies.

- Establish clear communication channels with all connected groups to ensure seamless coordination.

Reminder:

• Confidentiality: Do not include any confidential or sensitive information from your organization.
• Tags: Tag your response appropriately so others can easily search and find your contribution.

Your contributions will help in building a comprehensive understanding of upstream and downstream dependencies, which is essential for developing an effective Business Continuity Strategy.