VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity) is the new normal in global business. After decades of building finely wrought supply chains, it took just a few days of “Black Swan” events in the past year to break them apart. In fact, 2011 was a record-breaking … Read More →
Category Archives: Decision-making
Maps, Diagrams…. and Strategy
The London Underground Map has long been an example of fantastic graphic design and cartographic innovation; simplifying the complex labyrinth of the tube network and providing a straightforward representation of the many routes, connections and entry and exit points. This is a particularly powerful depiction … Read More →
Asking the Right Questions
We want answers! We want accurate forecasts; we want to know the specific, measurable, actions that will give us the outcomes we desire; we want opportunities without the risk; we want certainty, whatever the circumstances; we want to be ‘in control’. Well intended, maybe, but … Read More →
In-House, Big Consultants or a Boutique Firm?
At the inaugural IBF London meet-up on Tuesday (www.ibf.org) to hear an interesting presentation from the Business Integration Manager at McCormick (UK) Ltd. on the efforts they have been making to improve demand planning and S&OP within their business. One of the topics which came … Read More →
The Impossible Horizon Question
We’re often asked how long the horizon should be for Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)/ Integrated Business Planning (IBP). 12 months, 18 months rolling, 2 year ends, 24 months, or something else. As usual it depends! If your over-riding interest is in hitting the year-end … Read More →
Trade-offs – in B&W or Colour?
Making trade-offs is an integral part of developing meaningful strategies, a critical element of owning a particular space in your customers’ mind, and a powerful means of focusing your organisation on what to do to win – and just as importantly, what not to do. … Read More →
Control and Growth – Tipping the Balance in a ‘VUCA’ World
We Live in Dynamic Times Natural disasters, technological disruptions, transitory advantages, fractured markets, multifarious competitors, increasingly demanding customers and fickle consumers. Thanks to the military, we have a useful descriptor for the conditions and environment these drivers create; ‘VUCA’ – volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity… … Read More →