Critical Infrastructure and Logistics in Crisis Management 2102-BW-M-D3IKLZ

The aim of the course is to prepare students for advanced analysis of critical infrastructure and for designing logistics solutions used in crisis management. Critical infrastructure is examined as a system of interdependent assets, facilities, installations, services, processes and organisations whose disruption may have serious consequences for national security, the population, the economy and public administration.

The first part of the course covers the social and economic functions of critical infrastructure, the national critical infrastructure protection system, its legal framework, the responsibilities of public authorities and operators and the implementation of the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Programme. Students analyse interdependencies, vulnerabilities, cascading failures, business continuity, organisational resilience and the restoration of capabilities following an incident.

The second part focuses on crisis logistics. It covers the planning, acquisition, transportation, storage and distribution of resources, information flows and the provision of logistics and medical services. Particular attention is paid to the needs of affected populations, emergency services and public authorities, as well as inventory management, transport organisation, evacuation, temporary accommodation and humanitarian assistance.

Students complete practical assignments involving the identification of critical functions and system interdependencies, scenario analysis, threat and vulnerability assessment, calculation of supply requirements, identification of resource sources, transport and storage facilities, design of crisis supply chains and preparation of protection and logistics support recommendations.

The final project involves preparing a protection and logistics support concept for a selected critical infrastructure system or local government unit under a specified crisis scenario.

Course coordinators

Grzegorz Gudzbeler
Jacek Ziółkowski

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Students should possess knowledge corresponding to the completion of first-cycle studies, including a basic understanding of the national security system, public administration and crisis management. They should be able to analyse legal acts, strategic documents, organisational structures and crisis scenarios and formulate conclusions based on collected information. Basic skills in using spreadsheets, data presentation tools and digital maps are useful. Completion of a specific prior course or specialist technical or engineering knowledge is not required.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge – the student knows and understands

K_W03 – has advanced knowledge of the legal, organisational and technical rules and management mechanisms used for critical infrastructure protection, business continuity and logistics support during crisis situations.

K_W04 – characterises the organisation, responsibilities, competences and cooperation of public authorities, critical infrastructure operators, emergency services, inspections and other institutions involved in critical infrastructure protection and logistics support.

K_W07 – knows and critically compares contemporary concepts, models and mechanisms of critical infrastructure protection, organisational resilience, business continuity and crisis logistics, taking into account their development and changing national security conditions.

Skills – the student is able to

K_U04 – analyses threats, vulnerabilities, interdependencies and potential consequences of critical infrastructure disruption and formulates independent opinions, forecasts, response options and recommendations concerning infrastructure protection, logistics support and capability restoration, using appropriate information and communication tools.

Assessment criteria

Attendance is mandatory due to the practical nature of the course. A maximum of two absences is allowed for full-time students and one class meeting for part-time students.

The final grade consists of:

Knowledge test – 50 points, verifying K_W03, K_W04 and K_W07.
Practical project – 50 points, verifying K_W03, K_W04, K_W07 and K_U04.

The project involves preparing a critical infrastructure protection and logistics support concept for a selected infrastructure system or local government unit. It should include threat and vulnerability assessment, interdependencies, supply requirements, transport and storage arrangements, continuity measures, implementation responsibilities and recommendations.

To pass the course, students must obtain at least 51 out of 100 points, obtain at least 50% of the test points, submit the project, participate in the project defence and demonstrate the minimum achievement of every learning outcome.

Practical placement

None

Bibliography

Act of 26 April 2007 on Crisis Management – current consolidated text [in Polish].
Government Centre for Security, National Critical Infrastructure Protection Programme – current edition [in Polish].
Government Centre for Security, National Crisis Management Plan – current edition [in Polish].
Government Centre for Security, Standards for Ensuring the Efficient Operation of Critical Infrastructure – Good Practices [in Polish].
Ficoń K., Logistyka kryzysowa. Procedury, potrzeby, potencjał, BEL Studio, Warsaw 2011 [in Polish].
Witkowski J., Zarządzanie łańcuchem dostaw, PWE, Warsaw [in Polish].
Niemczyk A., Zapasy i magazynowanie, vol. II: Magazynowanie, Biblioteka Logistyka, Poznań 2008 [in Polish].
ISO 22301, Security and resilience – Business continuity management systems – Requirements.
ISO 22320, Security and resilience – Emergency management – Guidelines for incident management.
Teaching materials provided by the instructor.