Tabletop Exercise

Goal:  
Uncover basic planning and resource allocation gaps without the time pressures and stresses that usually accompanies a functional exercise. This is often the preferred initial testing method for new team members or for plans that have never been tested.

Deliverables:

  • Review current plans to be tested.
  • Design a tabletop exercise that will test the elements of the plans most likely to be taxed by a real event.
  • Conduct the test in this manner:
    • The facilitator describes a simulated event and then asks a series of questions, allowing the appropriate players to respond with what their actions will be.
    • The participants discuss how to respond, using the resources available to them.
    • Individuals are encouraged to discuss decisions and if areas of planning have not been developed, the issues are boarded for later in-depth discussion.
    • The facilitator leads a critique session immediately following the exercise.
  • Document the issues and action items identified as a result of the exercise.

 

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