Tool For Strategy Development Research Articles

Analysis of the Relationship Between Knowledge Management and Project Management

The economic value of all projects is well known nationally and internationally, yet many economic actors fail to give enough voice to project experts at the strategic level. The climate emergency, the global pandemic, the decisions of the European Commission and the European Parliament, and the post-Brexit environment have created a perfect storm when companies plan their mid- and long-term strategies. For this competition, ADI ITI Danube Delta built the first national strategy development tool. Under the motto of this mechanism, below I present the methodology of knowledge management and the projects developed in the ITI Danube Delta region.

The business model as a prerequisite for the development of the companys strategy in the market

Modern researches on strategic analysis of the firm at the market pay a significant attention to the creation of an effective business model that is caused by the need of business for a holistic understanding of its activity, the entire range of mechanisms used to create and offer consumer value and getting benefits from this activity. The company's development strategy determines the methods of competition and doing business. The business model ensures the company's competitive advantages based on the profit and cost indicators obtained as a result of the application of this strategy. The concept of «business model» is inextricably linked to the problem of competitor interactions, since value is created jointly by numerous firms interacting in the market. Despite the fact that many researchers consider the business model as a separate unit of analysis, still the question of its single theoretical foundation as a strategy development tool remains opened. The purpose of the article is to investigate the relationship between the business model and the strategic analysis (strategy) of the firm's behavior in the competitive market in conditions of uncertainty and risk, determine the main aspects in understanding the concept of business models and distinguish the analytical constructions of the business model and the strategy. Methods of induction and deduction, abstraction and comparative analysis were used in the research. The article analyzes the scientific literature that reveals existing developments in the field of business modeling. The essence, structure and purpose of the business model are disclosed. A comparison of the concept of the business model and the firm's strategy was made. It was concluded that the business model is more general comparing to the strategy that requires determining the specific actions. Business models form the flow of products, services, relationships between partners, costs associated with providing value to their customers, and specific sources of revenue. Strategy is a certain set of actions that are designed to achieve the goals and objectives of the firm, which remains competitive by its nature. Summarizing the approaches regarding the essence, relationship and interdependence between the business model and the firm's strategy, we have determined the features of these concepts due to separate criteria. It has been proved that business models are a relatively new, but extremely popular tool, which is reflected both in the theory and in the practice of strategic analysis of the effective functioning of the firm in the market.

System-mapping the child health system at a local level to reduce health inequalities

Abstract Background Systems thinking has emerged as a promising approach to addressing complex public health issues. For children, the focus of the approach has been on single outcomes e.g. obesity, rather than addressing the broad range of inequalities in health outcomes. We report on an approach to developing a system-oriented perspective on the determinants of inequalities in child health and wellbeing in English local authorities. Methods Qualitative group concept mapping workshops (a 'soft' system science approach) were held in two contrasting English local authorities with a range of stakeholders: professionals (N = 35); children and young people (N = 33) and carers (N = 5). Initial area maps were refined using data from qualitative interviews with professionals (N = 16) and resulting maps reviewed and validated by expert stakeholders in each area (N = 9; N = 35). Commonalities between two area-specific system maps (and removal of locality-specific factors) were used to develop a map that could be applied in any English local area. Two rounds of online consultation (N = 21; N = 8) and qualitative interviews (N = 12) with experts in public health, local governance and systems science refined the final system map displaying the determinants of child health inequalities, and give insight into its potential utilisation. Results The process created a map of over 150 factors influencing inequalities in health outcomes for children aged 0-25 years at the local area level. The system map has six domains; physical environment, governance, economic, social, service, and personal. Conclusions To our knowledge this is the first study taking a systems approach to addressing inequalities across all aspects of child health. Group concept mapping can support systems thinking at the local level. The resulting system map illustrates the complexity of factors influencing child health inequalities and is a useful tool for strategy development, action prioritisation and systems evaluation planning. Key messages Group concept mapping can be successfully applied to facilitate a systems approach to child health inequalities at the local area level. Mapping the local child health system highlights complex relationships between physical, social, personal, service, governance and economic factors which influence inequalities and health outcomes.

Backcasting as a strategic management tool for meeting VUCA challenges

Purpose Backcasting helps managers involve and align the organization throughout a strategy process. Its core idea is creating a logical path from a depicted future back to the present, to share, analyze and manage strategic challenges. Still its use in strategic management is under-researched. The purpose of this paper is to verify the relevance and validity of backcasting as a strategic management tool. It also analyzes and structures knowledge about backcasting and its practical application in strategic management. Design/methodology/approach This paper employs desktop research method to outline the benefits and limitations of backcasting for strategy formation under VUCA conditions. Findings Backcasting can help organizations overcome cognitive barriers and broaden the scope of options when analyzing future positions. The research provides insights regarding the potential and limitations of backcasting when addressing uncertainty and its drivers. For instance, it helps managers to assess and align visions; increase the understanding and clarity regarding complex dependencies; as well as improve strategic agility. Practical implications Backcasting is exceptionally useful for investigating possible futures and alternative paths to it. Backcasting is an interactive workshop-based method that challenges prevailing mindsets by assuming we are in the future, looking back towards today to find a feasible path when major transitions are necessary. With it, managers can deal with even the most uncertain decisions in a structured manner. Originality/value Backcasting for many reasons has a great potential as a tool for strategy development. It has been successfully applied in other fields but only to a limited extent in business. This paper formally examines its applicability in this context and demonstrates its relevance for dealing with VUCA challenges.

Theories of Change as a Tool for Strategy Development and Performance Improvement in Research for Development Organizations.

This paper looks at the role of a results-based management tool, namely theories of change, in strategy development for Research for Development organizations. The paper reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on strategy development and implementation, with a focus on strategic planning, strategic consensus and organizational performance. The role of theories of change in strategy development is analyzed using the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, a research institution affiliated with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, as a case study. Theories of change were found to be a useful tool in strategy development, helping to align senior management vision with the rank-and-file understanding of the organization’s objectives. The theories of change sessions also led to more creative and strategic thinking about key organizational issues.

Discussion & Recommendations

The proposed methodology creates opportunities for designers to actively participate in debates concerning the location, layer, and scale of flood risk management interventions, resulting in a more integrated design approach. The systematic approach and the strong connection to variables and data sets provides a framework that makes it easier to communicate designers’ propositions from a spatial point of view to engineers and facilitates interdisciplinary cooperation. The developed sub-method for evaluating interventions at different flood risk levels, to shift flood risk management interventions to the most suitable locations, offers a framework for developing a combined probability and consequence reduction strategy. This method can become a valuable tool for strategy development and decision making in so-called multi-layered flood risk management approaches, in which interventions regarding the probability and the consequential damage of a flood are combined. Multi-layered safety approaches have often been referred to in flood risk management debates in the Netherlands, but so far, consistent methods for achieving a balanced probability and consequence reduction strategy have not been put in place.

Concept mapping sustainable energy management for a holistic approach to energy strategies

One of the important reasons for global warming and climate change is regarded as the improper management of fossil energy consumption. There may be various models or approaches to energy management (EM). However, strategic EM and its applications are still away from achieving their goals. In this regard, the main objectives of the present study are to design, develop and propose a knowledge framework primarily based on an EM concept map for a holistic EM. Aligned with the research purposes, a qualitative four-phase study was conducted, and the research question was formulated as: 'What would be the components and concepts required for the holistic EM?' The study also integrated systematic literature review (SLR) and focus group discussion (FGD) techniques. Initially, a list of the key EM concepts was formed and a preliminary concept map was constructed. Then, the final version of the concept map was achieved through several iterative revisions and FGDs. This concept map may be seen as a complementary and contributory tool for strategy development and decision-making processes in the EM knowledge domain. It is hoped that the study may extend the previous knowledge both by the tools it has utilised and approaches it has adopted for the holistic EM.

First Telecom: Insourcing vs. Outsourcing

First Telecom: Insourcing vs. Outsourcing

Creating Value in the Supply Chain for Australian Farmed Barramundi: Whole of Chain Perspective

This article investigates 4 key areas of supply chain management to identify opportunities to create value for Australian farmed barramundi. These key areas are product attributes, material flow, information flow, and relationships. This exploratory study forms the first stage of a value chain mapping study. Based on data gathered from 13 in-depth interviews, 7 with farmers and 6 with wholesalers/retailers, a preliminary map of the value chain for Australian farmed barramundi was developed. From a producer perspective, 3 key issues emerged: lack of collaboration, inconsistency of product quality, and lack of knowledge of what consumers value. Although wholesalers/retailers identify product consistency as a key issue, they further identify product dumping and the growth of imports as areas of major concern. These findings laid the foundation for strategy development at both the individual and industry level. The insights from this case highlight the value of chain analyses as a diagnostic tool for strategy development.

An exploratory study on the use of banking technology in the UK

Purpose– The current exploratory study is an attempt to discover the underlying areas of dissatisfaction associated with the banking experience in the UK, particularly as it relates to the implementation of new service delivery technology in the banking industry.Design/methodology/approach– The data for this study was collected in two stages. In stage one, three focus groups were conducted using bank customers from the southern part of the USA to generate items important to users of financial services in the USA. These items were then considered by a number of bank customers in the UK (Bristol and Bournemouth area) to insure equivalence of constructs and measurements. Stage two involved distributing 300 surveys to a convenience sample of electronic banking customers from the sampling area of interest in the UK. In order to qualify, respondents had to have used one of the available electronic banking services offered by the bank at least once during the previous month.Findings– The importance‐performance grid demonstrates that two of the factors and their underlying attributes fall into the “Keep up the good work” quadrant and the other two factors fall into the “Low priority” quadrant. The first two are areas the organization needs to allocate resources in order to maintain the level of service they provide their clients. From a strategic point of view, this grid provides a tool for strategy development as it gives a clear picture of the factors that are critical for resource allocation.Research limitations/implications– The primary limitation of this study is the scope and size of its sample. Nonetheless, the study does provide evidence for the development and use of the I‐P grid for preliminary identification and assessment of customer measures of service quality.Originality/value– By demonstrating the feasibility of the approach taken by the study, it should be possible for financial institutions to utilize similar procedures when evaluating the overall satisfaction levels of their customers’ banking experience. It also allows service providers to consider the changing needs and wants of customers’ in the financial sector.

Insights on skilled attendance at birth in Malawi - the findings of a structured document and literature review

Increasing the number of women who access skilled attendance at birth is the goal of many developing countries including Malawi. The Skilled Attendance for Everyone (SAFE) international research programme coordinated by the Dugald Baird Centre for research on Women\'s Health at the University of Aberdeen, developed a Strategy Development Tool (SDT). The tool comprised five modules: Problem identification, Situation analysis (Document and Literature review and Interpretive guidelines), Needs assessment, Monitoring system and Synthesis. The Document and Literature review component of the tool was piloted in Malawi in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Population. The findings revealed that Malawi has a critical shortage of Skilled Attendance which encompasses both the Skilled Attendant and an enabling environment. While health sector educational programmes appear to be strong, the country has lost significant numbers of health personnel, especially Midwives through resignation death and retirement. Only 55% of women access health facilities and of these, 56% are assisted by Skilled Attendants at birth. Cultural factors, staff negative attitudes and long distances among other factors, hinder access and utilization of the available Skilled Attendance at birth. Malawi Medical Journal Vol.16(2) 2005: 40-42

Improving skilled attendance at delivery: a preliminary report of the SAFE strategy development tool.

Increasing the proportion of births with skilled attendance is advocated by international agencies as a key factor in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The SAFE Strategy Development Tool is designed to enable policy makers and planners to gather and interpret information systematically to develop strategies for improving skilled attendance at birth. Five modules were developed with partners in Bangladesh, Ghana, Jamaica, Malawi, and Mexico to guide the identification of problems related to skilled attendance, the collection of primary and secondary evidence, and the synthesis of this evidence to formulate strategies. The involvement of key players, including policy makers, is emphasized throughout the application of the tool and is vital to its success. The SAFE Strategy Development Tool was field tested in five collaborating countries. The methods employed by this tool were found to be feasible and produced evidence that will be useful in the formulation of strategies. Application of the tool can be completed in 3 to 5 months, and was estimated to cost between US$12,938 and US$15,627 for applications at district or subdistrict level. The final strategy options developed from the findings were presented at an international workshop in Aberdeen, Scotland, in February 2003. The SAFE Strategy Development Tool is now available to governments, organizations, and institutions involved in the implementation of maternal health programs.

Making transport systems sustainable

Environmental management schemes used today by companies promote marginal improvements from existing systems. We have compared the environmental reports presented by companies in the Swedish transport sector in relation to their carbon dioxide emissions, choice of indicators, and long-term goals. It is concluded that these reports cannot be used for benchmarking, nor for useful ranking of performance. The supply chain structure of the transport sector creates a problem with assigning the liability for carbon dioxide emission along the chain. The dramatic changes required by the transport sector in connection with climate change indicate that marginal improvements have to be assessed regarding long-term sustainability criteria. Comparing the situation of the transport companies to the criteria for applying backcasting we find that companies in the sector are well suited for using backcasting as a tool for strategy development. It is suggested that explicit contractual agreements of CO 2 performance of transport services are used to increase awareness and responsibility. Further it is suggested that integrated supply chain backcasting may be attempted as a way to identify efficient long-term strategies.