Final answer:
The first critical step in developing a business continuity plan is to analyze the problem and secure buy-in from stakeholders to ensure comprehensive understanding and collaboration. Mapping the timeline of events and understanding their sequence and causality is also integral to the process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step individuals responsible for the development of a business continuity plan should perform is to analyze the problem and identify all pertinent information. This is crucial as it helps in understanding the scope of the plan and the resources needed to develop it effectively.
Ensuring buy-in from key stakeholders is a fundamental early step. Involving researchers, community stakeholders, and survivors early on to discuss the project design and solicit feedback ensures that all collaborators are aligned and understand the plan thoroughly. This collaboration is not only essential for the initial phase but throughout the project lifecycle, especially given the potential turnover among agency staff.
It is also important to think carefully about the timeline of events. Knowing the sequence of actions — what happens first, what follows, and the cause-and-effect relationship between them — is vital for proper planning. Keeping the right order helps to avoid confusion and ensures a more effective analysis and implementation of the business continuity plan.