Policies outline organizational expectations and goals to reduce risk. Effective policies are:
- Approved by executive management for enforceability
- Written clearly for the intended audience
- Periodically reviewed and updated as needed
- Include an accountability statement to ensure compliance
Chapter 2 Strategic Planning and Budgeting—Process, Preparation, .docxchristinemaritza
Chapter 2: Strategic Planning and Budgeting—Process, Preparation, and Control
OVERVIEW
Although it differs among companies, planning charts the direction of the company over a period of time to accomplish a desired result, such as improving profitability. Budgeting is simply one portion of the plan, and the annual budget should be consistent with the long-term goals of the business. Planning should link short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term goals. Plans are interrelated, and the annual plan may be based on the long-term plan. The objective is to make the best use of the company's available resources over the long term.
In planning, management selects long-term and short-term goals and draws up plans to accomplish those goals. Planning is more important in long-run management. The objectives of a plan must be continually appraised in terms of degree of accomplishment and how long implementation will take. There should be feedback as to the plan's progress. It is best to concentrate on accomplishing fewer targets so proper attention will be given to them. Objectives must be specific and measurable. For example, a target to increase sales by 20 percent is definite and specific. The manager can quantitatively measure progress toward meeting this target.
The plan is the set of details implementing a strategy. The plan of execution typically is explained in sequential steps, including costs and timing for each step. Deadlines are set.
The planning function includes all managerial activities that ultimately enable an organization to achieve its goals. Because every organization needs to set and achieve goals, planning often is called the first function of management. At the highest levels of business, planning involves establishing company strategies—that is, determining how the resources of the business will be used to reach its objective. Planning also involves the establishment of policies—the day-to-day guidelines used by managers to accomplish their objectives. The elements of a plan include objectives, performance standards, appraisal of performance, action plan, and financial figures.
All management levels should be involved in preparing budgets. There should be a budget for each responsibility center. Responsibility in particular areas should be assigned for planning to specific personnel. At MillerCoors Company, planning is ongoing, encouraging managers to assume active roles in the organization.
A plan is a predetermined action course. Planning has to consider the organizational structure, taking into account authority and responsibility. Planning is determining what should be done, how it should be done, and when it should be done. The plan should specify the nature of the problems, reasons for them, constraints, contents, characteristics, category, alternative ways of accomplishing objectives, and information required. Planning objectives include quantity and quality of products and services, as well as growth opportunities.
A pla ...
Leadership is about Perception… Do you see things as they are? Or as you are? Develop Perception that ‘World is full of opportunities’ and ‘I am full of Potential’
Only your own perception and your own mindset limits you..
This Presentation was Given by me to AMITY UNIVERSITY OF NOIDA
Chapter 2 Strategic Planning and Budgeting—Process, Preparation, .docxchristinemaritza
Chapter 2: Strategic Planning and Budgeting—Process, Preparation, and Control
OVERVIEW
Although it differs among companies, planning charts the direction of the company over a period of time to accomplish a desired result, such as improving profitability. Budgeting is simply one portion of the plan, and the annual budget should be consistent with the long-term goals of the business. Planning should link short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term goals. Plans are interrelated, and the annual plan may be based on the long-term plan. The objective is to make the best use of the company's available resources over the long term.
In planning, management selects long-term and short-term goals and draws up plans to accomplish those goals. Planning is more important in long-run management. The objectives of a plan must be continually appraised in terms of degree of accomplishment and how long implementation will take. There should be feedback as to the plan's progress. It is best to concentrate on accomplishing fewer targets so proper attention will be given to them. Objectives must be specific and measurable. For example, a target to increase sales by 20 percent is definite and specific. The manager can quantitatively measure progress toward meeting this target.
The plan is the set of details implementing a strategy. The plan of execution typically is explained in sequential steps, including costs and timing for each step. Deadlines are set.
The planning function includes all managerial activities that ultimately enable an organization to achieve its goals. Because every organization needs to set and achieve goals, planning often is called the first function of management. At the highest levels of business, planning involves establishing company strategies—that is, determining how the resources of the business will be used to reach its objective. Planning also involves the establishment of policies—the day-to-day guidelines used by managers to accomplish their objectives. The elements of a plan include objectives, performance standards, appraisal of performance, action plan, and financial figures.
All management levels should be involved in preparing budgets. There should be a budget for each responsibility center. Responsibility in particular areas should be assigned for planning to specific personnel. At MillerCoors Company, planning is ongoing, encouraging managers to assume active roles in the organization.
A plan is a predetermined action course. Planning has to consider the organizational structure, taking into account authority and responsibility. Planning is determining what should be done, how it should be done, and when it should be done. The plan should specify the nature of the problems, reasons for them, constraints, contents, characteristics, category, alternative ways of accomplishing objectives, and information required. Planning objectives include quantity and quality of products and services, as well as growth opportunities.
A pla ...
Leadership is about Perception… Do you see things as they are? Or as you are? Develop Perception that ‘World is full of opportunities’ and ‘I am full of Potential’
Only your own perception and your own mindset limits you..
This Presentation was Given by me to AMITY UNIVERSITY OF NOIDA
The Essentials of Board Governance
Presented by Fran Whittenburg Alvis, Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky
The Board of Directors sets the tone and direction of the organization. Creating an effective Board is a continual
process that includes recruitment, engagement, and development. Effective Board leadership and governance helps ensure that an organization can operate at its fullest capacity. Whether you are the CEO of the agency or serve on the Board of the agency, this session will give you the tools to use to improve the effectiveness of your Board.
Most of the time, leaders think about the good leadership qualities and how to apply them on a daily basis.
The most important contribution you can make to your company is to be a leader, accept responsibility for results, and dare to go forward.
Tips on goal setting and planning. All my presentations incorporate personal experiences, clinical psychological training and practical approaches to goal setting and planning.
Voorstelling van de federatie ICS en Fedelec en hun samenwerking, door Dirk Peytier, op de kick-off van de Ecodesign Roadshow, 24 september, Anderlecht.
The Essentials of Board Governance
Presented by Fran Whittenburg Alvis, Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky
The Board of Directors sets the tone and direction of the organization. Creating an effective Board is a continual
process that includes recruitment, engagement, and development. Effective Board leadership and governance helps ensure that an organization can operate at its fullest capacity. Whether you are the CEO of the agency or serve on the Board of the agency, this session will give you the tools to use to improve the effectiveness of your Board.
Most of the time, leaders think about the good leadership qualities and how to apply them on a daily basis.
The most important contribution you can make to your company is to be a leader, accept responsibility for results, and dare to go forward.
Tips on goal setting and planning. All my presentations incorporate personal experiences, clinical psychological training and practical approaches to goal setting and planning.
Voorstelling van de federatie ICS en Fedelec en hun samenwerking, door Dirk Peytier, op de kick-off van de Ecodesign Roadshow, 24 september, Anderlecht.
El nuevo modelo de la mítica superpuesta 682 de Beretta que en tantos grandes momentos nos ha acompañado a todos ya está aquí y con mejoras notables como la gran firma nos tiene acostumbrados.
Werner Sattmann-Frese - Psychological Perspectives of Ecological CrisesWerner Sattmann-Frese
This PowerPoint presentation explores the causes of ecological crises from a range of social and psychological perspectives. It compares these ways of understanding our ecological problems with the ones currently used in environmental education. Solutions for an integrated approach to positive ecological change are suggested.
Dr Werner Sattmann-Frese is a psychotherapist, social ecologist, and senior lecturer at the Jansen Newman Institute (Think Education Group) in Sydney.
Harrisburg UniversityISEM 547 IT PolicyOb.docxshericehewat
Harrisburg University
ISEM 547
IT Policy
Objectives
Why Policy?
Policy, Procedures, Guidelines
Writing IT Policy (Best Practices)
IT Policy Management
2
IT Policy
3
What is Policy, Procedures, Guidelines & Standards ?
Policy: are principles, rules, and protocols formulated or adopted by an organization to govern its actions.
The requirements outlined in policies, are used to control and guide important organizational decisions (e.g., managerial, financial, administrative, acquisitions, contractual, programmatic, operational, technical, etc.); within the boundaries set by them
Procedures are specific instructions to be used to implement policy requirements in a specific way; they are enforceable through the policy
Guidelines are general rules, practices, and/or instructions that can be referenced to comply with policy; they are not enforceable but recommended as best practices that should be followed
Standards: refer to something that is considered by an authority or by general consent as a basis of comparison (e.g., industry, protocols, academic, etc.)
The purpose of standards is to outline agreed principles or criteria, so that their users can make reliable assumptions about a particular product, service or practice
Standards are often referenced in policies or can be used to frame a policy
Policies should have a formal lifecycle and change management process
4
Why IT Policy is Important
Primary reasons for IT Policy:
Protecting corporate assets (keeping systems and corporate information safe)
The policy aligns stakeholders and drives desired behaviors, actions, and provides guidance on how to do things
Only written and published policy can be used to prove the company has exercised “Due Diligence” in a court of law
There may be legal or regulatory reasons a policy must be created and published (e.g., HIPAA, FTI1075, Federal Green-Book Standard, etc.)
Enable an organization to manage business risk through defined controls that provide a benchmark for audit and corrective action
Without documented policies and procedures each and every employee and contractor will act in accordance with their own perception of acceptable use and system management will be ad-hoc and inconsistent
5
Features of good policy
Features of good policy usually include the following
Specific- Policy should be specific/definite. If it is uncertain, then the implementation will become difficult.
Clear & Understandable - Policy must be unambiguous. It should avoid use of jargons and connotations. There should be no misunderstandings in following the policy. Unclear policies can lead to indecisiveness and uncertainty in minds of those who look into it for guidance
Uniform- Policy must be uniform enough so that it can be efficiently followed by the subordinates.
Appropriate- Policy should be appropriate to the present organizational strategies and goals and address the intended policy objectives.
Simple- A policy shou ...
CHAPTER
5
Security Policies, Standards, Procedures, and
Guidelines
The four components of security documentation are policies, standards,
procedures, and guidelines. Together, these form the complete definition of a
mature security program. The Capability Maturity Model (CMM), which measures
how robust and repeatable a business process is, is often applied to security
programs. The CMM relies heavily on documentation for defining repeatable,
optimized processes. As such, any security program considered mature by CMM
standards needs to have well-defined policies, procedures, standards, and
guidelines.
• Policy is a high-level statement of requirements. A security policy is the primary
way in which management’s expectations for security are provided to the
builders, installers, maintainers, and users of an organization’s information
systems.
• Standards specify how to configure devices, how to install and configure
software, and how to use computer systems and other organizational assets, to be
compliant with the intentions of the policy.
• Procedures specify the step-by-step instructions to perform various tasks in
accordance with policies and standards.
• Guidelines are advice about how to achieve the goals of the security policy, but
they are suggestions, not rules. They are an important communication tool to let
people know how to follow the policy’s guidance. They convey best practices for
using technology systems or behaving according to management’s preferences.
This chapter covers the basics of what you need to know about policies,
standards, procedures, and guidelines, and provides some examples to illustrate
the principles. Of these, security policies are the most important within the
context of a security program, because they form the basis for the decisions that
are made within the security program, and they give the security program its
“teeth.” As such, the majority of this chapter is devoted to security policies. There
are other books that cover policies in as much detail as you like. See the
References section for some recommendations. The end of this chapter provides
you with some guidance and examples for standards, procedures, and guidelines,
so you can see how they are made, and how they relate to policies.
Security Policies
A security policy is the essential foundation for an effective and comprehensive
security program. A good security policy should be a high-level, brief, formalized
statement of the security practices that management expects employees and
other stakeholders to follow. A security policy should be concise and easy to
understand so that everyone can follow the guidance set forth in it.
In its basic form, a security policy is a document that describes an
organization’s security requirements. A security policy specifies what should be
done, not how; nor does it specify technologies or specific solutions. The security
policy defines a specific set of ...
Policy and Organizational Behavior Scoring GuideCRITERIA N.docxharrisonhoward80223
Policy and Organizational Behavior Scoring Guide
CRITERIA NON-PERFORMANCE BASIC PROFICIENT DISTINGUISHED
Compare the
compliance rates of
a specific measure
for different
organizations.
Does not compare the
compliance rates of a
specific measure for
different organizations.
Describes the
compliance rates of
a specific measure
for different
organizations but
does not do a
comparison.
Compares the
compliance rates of
a specific measure
for different
organizations.
Compares and contrasts
the compliance rates of
a specific measure for
different organizations.
Identify the financial
implications
associated with
compliance.
Does not identify the
financial implications
associated with
compliance.
Describes financial
challenges but does
not associate them
with compliance.
Identifies the
financial implications
associated with
compliance.
Identifies the financial
implications associated
with compliance and
describes how the
financial implications
affect the entire
organization.
Explain the
importance of
compliance in terms
of policy, regulation,
and finance.
Does not explain the
importance of
compliance in terms of
policy, regulation, and
finance.
Explains the
importance of
compliance in terms
of policy, regulation,
or finance but not all
three.
Explains the
importance of
compliance in terms
of policy, regulation,
and finance.
Explains the importance
of compliance in terms
of policy, regulation, and
finance, including the
consequences of
ignoring compliance.
Describe changes
that would improve
compliance of a
specific measure.
Does not describe
changes that would
improve compliance of
a specific measure.
Describes changes,
but it is not clear how
the changes would
improve compliance
of a specific
measure.
Describes changes
that would improve
compliance of a
specific measure.
Describes changes that
would improve
compliance of a specific
measure and explains
how the changes would
contribute to overall
quality improvement.
Identify the people
affected by changes
to a specific
compliance
measure.
Does not identify the
people affected by
changes to a specific
compliance measure.
Identifies the people
affected by changes
but does not show a
connection between
the changes and a
specific compliance
measure.
Identifies the people
affected by changes
to a specific
compliance
measure.
Identifies the people
affected by changes to a
specific compliance
measure and outlines
how the changes will
affect each role.
Outline a plan to
implement changes
to a specific
compliance
measure.
Does not outline a
plan to implement
changes to a specific
compliance measure.
Describes a plan to
implement changes
to a specific
compliance measure
but does not provide
an outline.
Outlines a plan to
implement changes
to a specific
compliance
measure.
Outlines a plan to
implement changes to a
specific compliance
mea.
Strategic management and Business policy
unit 1 ( BBA 3RD year 6th sem)
Prepared by - Dipankar Dutta
Faculty, Dev Bhoomi Group of Institution Saharanpur
email- dipankarpharma1@gmail.com
Draft a written proposal and implementation guidelines for an ortalishaspadf
Draft a written proposal and implementation guidelines for an organizational policy that you believe would help lead to an improvement in quality and performance associated with the benchmark metric for which you advocated action in Assessment 1.
Introduction
Note:
Each assessment in this course builds on the work you completed in the previous assessment. Therefore, you must complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.
In advocating for institutional policy changes related to local, state, or federal health care laws or policies, health leaders must be able to develop and present clear and well-written policy and practice guidelines change proposals that will enable a team, unit, or the organization as a whole to resolve relevant performance issues and bring about improvements in the quality and safety of health care.
As a master's-level health care practitioner you have a valuable viewpoint and voice to bring to discussions about policy development, both inside and outside your care setting. Developing policy for internal purposes can be a valuable process toward quality and safety improvement, as well as ensuring compliance with various health care regulatory pressures. This assessment offers you an opportunity to take the lead in proposing such changes.
Demonstration of Proficiency
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
Competency 2: Analyze relevant health care laws and regulations and their applications and effects on processes within a health care team or organization.
Propose a succinct policy and guidelines to enable a team, unit, or the organization as a whole to implement recommended strategies to resolve the performance issue related to the relevant local, state, or federal health care policy or law.
Competency 3: Lead the development and implementation of ethical and culturally sensitive policies that improve health outcomes for individuals, organizations, and populations.
Recommend ethical, evidence-based strategies to resolve a performance issue related to health care policy or law.
Competency 4: Evaluate relevant indicators of performance, such as benchmarks, research, and best practices, for health care policies and law for patients, organizations, and populations.
Explain the need for creating an organizational policy or practice to address a shortfall in meeting a prescribed metric benchmark.
Competency 5: Develop strategies to work collaboratively with policy makers, stakeholders, and colleagues to address environmental (governmental and regulatory) forces.
Analyze the potential effects of environmental factors on recommended strategies.
Propose stakeholders and groups that would need to be involved in further development and implementation of the recommended strategies, policy, and guidelines.
Competency 6: Apply various methods of commu ...
The new CMMC version 1 was published in January 2020. This presentation was provided to small businesses's that are part of the DoD supply chain. It helps to understand the requirements.
I have been asked several time to refresh the content of my 2013 presentation on this topic. While much of the core principles remain the same, I have provided some additional resources to consider for those that are looking to develop an Insider Threat Program.
Many manufacturing companies are connecting their production systems to the internet. There are strategies to do this correctly. This presentation covers the basics and provide real world examples.
This presentation is a collection of available information that has been organized to fill in gaps for professionals wanting to understand the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities and associated threats.
Presented cybersecurity for small business at a Score event. This is a short presentation that shows the basic things that employers and business owners should understand to reduce risk and protect their business.
This presentation was discussed in a Webinar with MetricStream in September 2016. It is applicable for small, medium and large businesses when considering information and cyber security risk.
Dr. Murray presented current issues with IoT technologies at the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). The ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter - Cyber Focus Day on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). The theme for CFD 2015 was “Cybercrime”.
Dr. Shawn P. Murray was invited to the National Security Institute in April 2012 to present current topics related to social engineering and the threats they pose to organizations and their sensitive information. This presentation analyzes the principles of social engineering tactics as they relate to technology and security practices. Dr. Murray is a well known Cyber Security professional and has presented at various conferences regarding Cyber Security and Information Assurance topics.
Dr. Shawn P. Murray was invited back to the National Security Institute in April 2013 to speak on a familiar topic, but with a new focus. The accidental insider threat is becoming more of a concern for companies today. Dr. Murray is a Cyber Security Professional and has worked in various Information Assurance and Information Technology Security positions for many years.
Falcon stands out as a top-tier P2P Invoice Discounting platform in India, bridging esteemed blue-chip companies and eager investors. Our goal is to transform the investment landscape in India by establishing a comprehensive destination for borrowers and investors with diverse profiles and needs, all while minimizing risk. What sets Falcon apart is the elimination of intermediaries such as commercial banks and depository institutions, allowing investors to enjoy higher yields.
As a business owner in Delaware, staying on top of your tax obligations is paramount, especially with the annual deadline for Delaware Franchise Tax looming on March 1. One such obligation is the annual Delaware Franchise Tax, which serves as a crucial requirement for maintaining your company’s legal standing within the state. While the prospect of handling tax matters may seem daunting, rest assured that the process can be straightforward with the right guidance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of filing your Delaware Franchise Tax and provide insights to help you navigate the process effectively.
Skye Residences | Extended Stay Residences Near Toronto Airportmarketingjdass
Experience unparalleled EXTENDED STAY and comfort at Skye Residences located just minutes from Toronto Airport. Discover sophisticated accommodations tailored for discerning travelers.
Website Link :
https://skyeresidences.com/
https://skyeresidences.com/about-us/
https://skyeresidences.com/gallery/
https://skyeresidences.com/rooms/
https://skyeresidences.com/near-by-attractions/
https://skyeresidences.com/commute/
https://skyeresidences.com/contact/
https://skyeresidences.com/queen-suite-with-sofa-bed/
https://skyeresidences.com/queen-suite-with-sofa-bed-and-balcony/
https://skyeresidences.com/queen-suite-with-sofa-bed-accessible/
https://skyeresidences.com/2-bedroom-deluxe-queen-suite-with-sofa-bed/
https://skyeresidences.com/2-bedroom-deluxe-king-queen-suite-with-sofa-bed/
https://skyeresidences.com/2-bedroom-deluxe-queen-suite-with-sofa-bed-accessible/
#Skye Residences Etobicoke, #Skye Residences Near Toronto Airport, #Skye Residences Toronto, #Skye Hotel Toronto, #Skye Hotel Near Toronto Airport, #Hotel Near Toronto Airport, #Near Toronto Airport Accommodation, #Suites Near Toronto Airport, #Etobicoke Suites Near Airport, #Hotel Near Toronto Pearson International Airport, #Toronto Airport Suite Rentals, #Pearson Airport Hotel Suites
Explore our most comprehensive guide on lookback analysis at SafePaaS, covering access governance and how it can transform modern ERP audits. Browse now!
Taurus Zodiac Sign_ Personality Traits and Sign Dates.pptxmy Pandit
Explore the world of the Taurus zodiac sign. Learn about their stability, determination, and appreciation for beauty. Discover how Taureans' grounded nature and hardworking mindset define their unique personality.
RMD24 | Debunking the non-endemic revenue myth Marvin Vacquier Droop | First ...BBPMedia1
Marvin neemt je in deze presentatie mee in de voordelen van non-endemic advertising op retail media netwerken. Hij brengt ook de uitdagingen in beeld die de markt op dit moment heeft op het gebied van retail media voor niet-leveranciers.
Retail media wordt gezien als het nieuwe advertising-medium en ook mediabureaus richten massaal retail media-afdelingen op. Merken die niet in de betreffende winkel liggen staan ook nog niet in de rij om op de retail media netwerken te adverteren. Marvin belicht de uitdagingen die er zijn om echt aansluiting te vinden op die markt van non-endemic advertising.
3.0 Project 2_ Developing My Brand Identity Kit.pptxtanyjahb
A personal brand exploration presentation summarizes an individual's unique qualities and goals, covering strengths, values, passions, and target audience. It helps individuals understand what makes them stand out, their desired image, and how they aim to achieve it.
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey throu...dylandmeas
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey through Full Sail University. Below, you’ll find a collection of my work showcasing my skills and expertise in digital marketing, event planning, and media production.
What are the main advantages of using HR recruiter services.pdfHumanResourceDimensi1
HR recruiter services offer top talents to companies according to their specific needs. They handle all recruitment tasks from job posting to onboarding and help companies concentrate on their business growth. With their expertise and years of experience, they streamline the hiring process and save time and resources for the company.
Business Valuation Principles for EntrepreneursBen Wann
This insightful presentation is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and tools needed to accurately value their businesses. Understanding business valuation is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you're seeking investment, planning to sell, or simply want to gauge your company's worth.
Accpac to QuickBooks Conversion Navigating the Transition with Online Account...PaulBryant58
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to
effectively manage the convert Accpac to QuickBooks , with a particular focus on utilizing online accounting services to streamline the process.
The world of search engine optimization (SEO) is buzzing with discussions after Google confirmed that around 2,500 leaked internal documents related to its Search feature are indeed authentic. The revelation has sparked significant concerns within the SEO community. The leaked documents were initially reported by SEO experts Rand Fishkin and Mike King, igniting widespread analysis and discourse. For More Info:- https://news.arihantwebtech.com/search-disrupted-googles-leaked-documents-rock-the-seo-world/
Personal Brand Statement:
As an Army veteran dedicated to lifelong learning, I bring a disciplined, strategic mindset to my pursuits. I am constantly expanding my knowledge to innovate and lead effectively. My journey is driven by a commitment to excellence, and to make a meaningful impact in the world.
2. Introduction
One of the most inexpensive countermeasures we can deploy in our organization is an
effective security policy. There are different thoughts regarding policies that can be
debated; however, the focus of this article is to outline some basic elements which should
be considered when developing policies in general.
Policies in general, are meant to articulate the organization’s expectations or express
specific behaviors, achieve goals or identify actions to be taken given a specific scenario.
Generally, when the organization believes something fits into the above criteria and is
important enough to write down, it is presented in a document usually referred to as a
policy. Effective policies can reduce the risk associated with employees damaging property,
conducting their jobs safely and efficiently or harming the reputation of the organization
overall.
A BIT ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLICIES, PROCEDURES, STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
There are differences in how an organization uses various written tools to meet
organizational objectives. Many use policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. There
are other tools; however, these are the most used in a given environment. There are
relationships between the tools as identified below.
Policies
Policies are normally high level organizational documents approved by executive
management. Policies that are not approved at this level are challenged with
enforceability. Policies are important for the organization’s success and should meet
organizational goals that align with the mission or overall business strategy.
Procedures
Procedures are specific and detailed instructions or tasks that should be followed
without deviation and allow an individual or group to meet a specific standard.
Procedures compliance is mandatory for ensuring uniformity and accuracy and for
controlling an expected outcome. They should be periodically reviewed for
effectiveness.
Standards
Standards define mandatory requirements that should be followed by all. If we
didn’t have standards, then we would have too many commonly used proprietary
products that are made differently (think about electronics, automotive parts and
2
3. engineering principles). Well known standards authorities include the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Guidelines
Guidelines are developed as guidance for implementing standards. Think of them as
general instructions that should be followed to meet the mandatory requirements
for the standard. In the absence of a standard, guidelines also can provide advice to
one making decisions to meet organizational objectives. This would reduce the risk
of not following some type of process to meet the objective. Guidelines are not
normally mandatory.
Elements of a good policy
The following elements should be considered when developing your policy:
Cover page, Title page - The cover page or title page should state the policy name and
current version of the policy. It should include a control mechanism like a policy number
that is more easily tracked for administrative purposes. The name of the company and
executive branch within the organization should be identified on the cover page as well.
Example: CyberTears.org, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Cyber Security Division
Document control page – The document control page has various names “Document
History”, “Document Change Page”, etc. The purpose of the document control page is to
track the historical record of the policy. It is properly titled and a table inserted with basic
revision history information like version number, release or approval date, summary of
changes, section number or paragraph numbers (that may have been updated) and a user
identifier that indicates who made the change(s). The first entry on the document control
page should be the initial release. If a periodic review is required, it would be identified
here as well even if no changes were made to the document.
Plain and Simple – Most policies should be written in plain and simple language that is easy
to read and understand. Avoid excessive use of acronyms and spell them out the first time
if you have to use them. Technical or legal policies can be verbose and difficult to read.
Have an editor review your policies to ensure they are appropriate for the intended
audience.
Executive buy in – It was mentioned earlier in this article that policies should be approved
by senior management. This is crucial for the policy to maintain effectiveness. When a
policy is not supported by management then it is difficult to enforce and becomes
3
4. ineffective or irrelevant to the success of the company. There should be a clear message to
the organization that upper management approved and fully supports the policies that are
developed. This should be articulated in the policy as well.
Policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure they still align with the organization’s
overall mission and business strategy. If a policy no longer aligns to ensure an
organizations success, the policy should be updated or removed. Some policies should be
reviewed for currency by subject matter experts to ensure they comply with federal or
state laws, examples of these types of policies include human resources policies,
environmental and safety policies and policies that pertain to work done with other
companies outside the organization.
Policies should be enforceable – Because policies are written to articulate specific
expectations, they should be enforceable. Enforceability is achieved when the following
policy characteristics are known by the policy stakeholders:
• Intended audience
• Policy applicability
• Policy details
• An accountability statement
• Acknowledgement
Identify your audience and applicability– Not all policies are written for all of the personnel
in the company. Identifying your audience is key to ensuring good focus on the policy
objectives. For instance, an acceptable use policy for the use of computing resources would
be applicable to all employees in the organization; however, a policy that states how
network and computer configurations are to be made may apply only to the network and
systems administrators as they relate to a specific configuration control process.
Policy details – This is where the organization outlines the tasks and articulates
expectations regarding the policy. The policy introduction and purpose should be stated
and then the details of how objectives are to be achieved. Additional details may include
identifying training and resource requirements and references to applicable procedures
standards or guidelines necessary for personnel to achieve policy objectives.
Acknowledgement and accountability– Policies should be acknowledged by the personnel
that they are written for. The most effective way to get an employee to recognize and
comply with a policy is to have them sign that they acknowledge it. This can be
accomplished the old fashioned pen-and-ink method or electronically. Accountability
allows the organization to enforce compliance in the event there is a deviation from the
policy. As previously discussed, an accountability statement should articulate
noncompliance ramifications. This way the employees understand what to expect if they
4
5. don’t meet requirements. A common example of an accountability statement would be:
“Deviation from this policy may result in administrative and/or disciplinary action, up to and
including termination”.
Other things to consider
Policy management – For large organizations, there are scalable software solutions that
allow for the effective management of the many various policies that may be required for
the organization to conduct business. Complicated business unit relationships within a
company may require different management techniques that accommodate international
laws and laws of other countries where business is conducted.
Some organizations have a single person or small office of personnel that manage the
organization’s policies. These personnel are not necessarily the experts regarding the
policies; however, they coordinate with the policy owners and internal review authorities
to ensure policy currency, applicability and compliancy. They would also serve as the
distribution authority and maintain policy libraries for the organization as well.
For small to medium sized companies, it is sometimes more practical to hire another firm
to write, update or review policies. When a company does not have the expertise or time to
produce effective policies, outsourcing these services should be considered.
Deconfliction – Ensure that the development of one policy does not conflict with another
policy. Sometime this happens with unique policies that cross over stakeholder groups and
affect other policies. There should be a deconfliction process when this happens.
Don’t overdo it – We don’t write polices and implement them in our organization just
because we enjoy them. You should only develop and write policies when they are needed.
Having policies for everything you do can place too many constraints on your personnel
and increase the possibility of creating conflicting policies. Remember you have other tools
discussed earlier in this article to address key areas that need to be managed effectively.
Conclusion
This article discussed how to write good policies and described good policy elements that
an organization would want to consider so that it can operate effectively and efficiently.
Good policies articulate specific organizational objectives that align with the overall
business strategy. Policies let employees know what expectations are and reduce risk to
the organization overall. Policies should be updated periodically, enforceable and include
support from executive management or they lose effectiveness.
5