Organizational Effectiveness
Strategic Plan Development
Strategic plans are often accompanied by parallel implementation plans, which
outline responsibilities, timelines, resource requirements and organizational or
operational changes required in order to deliver on the strategic plan
initiatives. The term 'strategic plan' often is used as an umbrella term
covering all these aspects, which is perfectly reasonable, as they are all
critical to the success of a strategic planning effort, and are all very much
the focus of any such work we do with our clients.
Our approach when working with an organization in a strategic planning
process is predicated on the client being actively be involved in the process.
We believe that mere facilitation is not enough and that early and tangible
results are important. Our focus on implementation and on a strategic plan which
is grounded in reality.
We typically use a ten step process that starts with a detailed review of
relevant background materials ranges through interviews, focus groups, and
meetings and ending in the development of implementation plans and
internal/external communications. These ten basic steps may be modified for any
individual client, depending upon their current position in the process, or
other underlying factors that may influence the level and extent to which these
steps may apply.
Facilitation
Our facilitation services are custom tailored to suit the specific needs of
our clients. To determine exactly what is and is not required, we discuss with
you each of the four phases of the facilitation process:
- Planning including determining the outcomes desired, creating a tailored
process and the formulation of key questions to elicit information, discussion
and creative thinking
- Facilitation which uses various techniques suited to the group are used to
bring out ideas, foster discussion and gain agreement
- Writing up results so to order and interpret what happened
- Working with the results to achieve your ultimate ends
Organizational Change Management
We offer an in-depth understanding of the key factors which impact the
successful implementation of change management - namely the interdependent
relationship of people, processes, knowledge and technology to influence process
outcomes. At the outset of these engagements we assess the current state, help
identify the future or "to be" state, and outline what is needed for effective
transformation.
In completing our change management work, we have designed multi-step
reengineering methodologies, identified key stakeholder values, facilitated
change management sessions with teams of client personnel, assessed what people
do and what the results are, undertaken qualitative and quantitative analyses of
responses to identify specific structures that would lead to strengthening the
client's organization, conducted benchmarking or best practices assessments, and
assisted in the allocation of resources to areas of greatest impact (including
the use of activity based management techniques).
Measurement systems are integral part of Change Management processes. In this
regard, we have successfully assisted numerous organizations with the
development of accountability frameworks to track the success of implementation
plans (including use of methodologies such as the Balanced Scorecard) and to
identify corrective action that is required.
Communications Workshops
A strong practice area is what we call communicating effectively. Here we
help organizations understand themselves and their communications structures and
practices, often through workshops where the Myers-Briggs technique is used.
Based upon this understanding, we then assist with the development of improved
communications processes. We work with senior management teams and Boards of
Directors in the private sector, as well as assisting with community, volunteer,
and not-for-profit groups (e.g. Chambers of Commerce) through these workshops.
Policy Development and Evaluation
We have undertaken many projects involving the development and evaluation of
policy for government department and agencies, as well as for larger companies
and organizations. Here our expertise is to articulate the objectives of policy;
to identify the policies, procedures and practices that are used to implement
policy; and to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness with which those policy
ends are being met.
We have extensive experience in development of public policy and evaluation
of government programs. We have also worked extensively with industry
associations, business, labour organizations and other stakeholders in the
process of formulating effective public policy strategies, objectives and
programs. We have national research capabilities and can conduct research in
both official languages. We have worked with most sectors of government
including most departments, agencies and crown corporations at all levels in
Canada and internationally. We have also conducted projects for governments to
assist with privatization, economic and social impact, revenue generation and
'best practices' studies.
Depending on the requirements of the project, we have used a wide range of
research approaches. Generally, our approach focuses on building consensus
amongst the various stakeholders, particularly the end users most directly
affected by the policies and programs. We are highly experienced in project
management, statistical sampling, research and evaluation methodologies and are
familiar with which approaches work best in a government, business and consumer
context. We have worked with small and large steering committees representing
diverse interests and are knowledgeable of the need to build consensus and
communicate regularly with the key stakeholders throughout the study process in
order to develop effective public policy. We have conducted projects that have
led to the development of Cabinet submissions as a result of our research. We
are particularly interested in the implementation of our work and have assisted
government and other stakeholders in implementing our recommendations.
Information Technologies/Telecommunications strategic planning
With the assistance of our partners, Seaboard Research/The Yankee Group in
Canada, we offer market and strategic planning assistance to information
technology and telecommunications firms in Canada and internationally. We work
with organizations to build market and strategic plans that marry technological
capabilities with shifting market profiles. Our clients have included major IT
and telecom firms such as The CGI Group and Bell Canada as well as smaller
growth-oriented firms. We assist them in identifying industry trends, market
needs and product requirements and integrating this information into
comprehensive market and product planning. We provide strategic planning advice
for both well-established firms and those contemplating market entry.
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