Determining the service delivery objective should be based PRIMARILY on what factor?

The determination of the service delivery objective should primarily focus on the minimum acceptable operational capability because this framework defines the essential functions that must be maintained or restored to sustain the organization's operations during and after a disruptive incident. Identifying the minimum acceptable operational capability ensures that the organization can continue essential business activities while effectively managing risks related to service interruptions.

When establishing service delivery objectives, organizations need to assess what operations are critical to their survival and which functions can tolerate varying degrees of downtime. This approach prioritizes resilience and continuity of the most vital operations, ensuring the organization can fulfill its commitments and maintain a baseline level of service.

Focusing on cost-effectiveness or recovery time objectives, while significant, may lead to decisions that do not take into account the criticality of certain operations. Similarly, an allowable interruption window can be an important consideration, but it should not override the primary goal of achieving and maintaining the minimum acceptable operational capability necessary for the organization’s ongoing survival and effectiveness. Thus, prioritizing the minimum acceptable operational capability aligns with a strategic risk management framework that emphasizes continuity and resilience.