Module 9 Assignment
Uploaded by
NathanModule 9 Assignment
Uploaded by
NathanMemorandum
DATE: September 8th, 2025
TO: Brian (Dean of Skilled Trades)
FROM: Nathan Godsey
SUBJECT: Disaster Recovery Planning and Financial Readiness for Skilled Trades Operations
In light of recent discussions on organizational risk management and sustainability, this memorandum
outlines two likely disaster scenarios Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) should prepare for, along
with potential response resources and a financial readiness assessment. It also identifies the response resources
necessary to mitigate these risks and assesses the college’s financial readiness to sustain recovery efforts
without additional external support.
To support strategic preparedness and continuity, below are the key disaster scenarios and associated
response needs:
Disaster Risk: Cyberattack or Ransomware
With increasing digital dependency across educational institutions, a cyberattack targeting CPCC’s
learning management systems, financial databases, or student records is a highly probable risk. According to
Van Hove (2023), strategic planning processes like Integrated Business Planning (IBP) often struggle during
crises, and agile decision-making mechanisms such as a "decision squad" are recommended to manage
disruptions quickly and effectively
Cloud-based data backups and redundant systems
Incident response plan and cybersecurity team activation
Third-party cybersecurity firms for forensics and system recovery
Communication protocols for staff, students, and media
TEMPLATE © American College of Education 1
Disaster Risk: Hazardous Materials Incident in Welding Lab
Given the nature of skilled trades programs, including welding and fabrication, incidents involving toxic
fume exposure or fire due to flammable gases are a realistic concern. Previous studies (Keane et al., 2016; Das,
2012) have demonstrated that poorly ventilated workspaces and inadequate PPE compliance contribute to
significant health risks and facility shutdowns. Recovery would require:
Emergency hazmat containment response
On-site medical assistance and OSHA reporting
Professional remediation and air quality testing
Communication with stakeholders and review of safety procedures
For both scenarios, robust communication tools, coordination protocols, and temporary learning continuity
plans will also be needed.
According to CPCC’s 2024 audited financial statements, the college is in a strong financial position. The
$13 million increase in cash reserves and a diverse revenue model suggest the college can absorb moderate
recovery costs without external funding. However, the negative unrestricted net position of -$66.5 million due
to long-term liabilities is a concern for sustained resilience. While this does not immediately limit emergency
spending, it shows the need for careful fund allocation during prolonged disruptions. Mitigation strategies
include:
Allocating a portion of capital reserves to an emergency response fund
Create a “Decision Squad” to lead crisis response, as proposed by Van Hove (2023), ensuring decisions
are strategic and timely during crises.
Invest in process efficiency and automation, especially in the welding department. Studies show that
downtime and inefficiencies, such as low operating factors and material waste, can compound post-
disaster costs (Blodgett, 2009; Das, 2012)
Investing in fume-reducing technologies (Keane et al., 2016)
Continuing ergonomic and efficiency improvements to lower cost (Das, 2012; Blodgett, 2009)
TEMPLATE © American College of Education 2
With foresight and financial stewardship, CPCC can both withstand and adapt to disruptive events,
preserving its mission and community impact. I am available to assist in further developing the recovery plan
and safety audits.
TEMPLATE © American College of Education 3
References:
Blodgett, O. W. (2009). Dimensional analysis and welding costs. Welding Design & Fabrication, 82(9), 11–13.
Das, S. (2012). Understanding hidden factors that influence costs of arc welding operations. Advances in
Production Engineering & Management, 7(4), 213–224. https://doi.org/10.14743/apem2012.4.143
Keane, M., Siert, A., Stone, S., & Chen, B. T. (2016). Profiling stainless steel welding processes to reduce fume
emissions, hexavalent chromium emissions, and operating costs in the workplace. Journal of
Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, 13(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2015.1072634
Van Hove, N. (2023). A new approach to business planning during crises. Foresight: The International Journal
