Which of the following describes business continuity planning?

Business continuity planning is fundamentally about ensuring that an organization can maintain or quickly resume its critical operations during and after a disruption. This could involve a variety of scenarios such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, or other unforeseen events that could impact business operations. By having a comprehensive plan in place, a business can protect its resources, minimize downtime, and safeguard critical functions, thereby reducing losses in revenue and maintaining customer trust.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the core purpose of business continuity planning. For instance, strategies for product marketing focus primarily on promoting and selling products, which does not directly relate to maintaining operational capabilities during crises. An employee training program may play a role in preparing staff for their responsibilities during a disruption, but it does not encompass the broader strategic elements necessary for business continuity. Similarly, a process for company mergers deals with organizational changes and acquisitions rather than maintaining operational viability during emergency situations. Thus, the essence of business continuity planning lies specifically in its aim to ensure that essential functions continue despite challenges.