Evaluating Strategic Ideas
What is a feasibility study?
A feasibility study is an early examination of the merits of an idea, proposal or project. It looks at whether or not it can be done, its likelihood of success and, perhaps most importantly, identifies the factors that could lead to success or failure. It gives an independent assessment that examines all aspects of a…
Read MoreBenefits are at the centre of change
Benefits are at the centre of change. Organisations change because of the promise of benefits, or beneficial outcomes. Benefits matter. Disruption is worthwhile to gain efficiency, increase revenue, reduce cost, increase security, achieve growth, solve a big problem or create new products and services. We all like benefits which is why business cases are full…
Read MoreOrganisational Improvement – 4 operating modes
Improving organisational capability is critical to raise productivity. Organisational improvement occurs in different ways. The language of disruption is common but true disruption creates new markets and industries. Most firms don’t do that. They adapt and change but they do so on a smaller scale. Four Operating Modes for Organisational Improvement I find that organisations…
Read MoreIf we learn lessons, mistakes can help us
Learning from mistakes is good. Learning from someone else’s mistakes is better. Learning from what went right is better still. We have all done things that didn’t go so well – sometimes we fail spectacularly. We tend to remember those moments. The embarrassment and sense of failure fades with time but we retain a lesson…
Read MoreStrategy means facing challenges
Delivery of strategy always has its challenges. Lack of money, resources and support can affect success. My first job out of university was as a historic researcher for the New Zealand Forest Service (NZFS) then the Department of Conservation (DOC). My job was to research historic sites and to help develop a successful strategy for…
Read MoreBetter Business Cases – Are They?
Formal, standardised business cases used to be common only for larger investments. Now, NZ state sector agencies use the Better Business Cases (BBC) format for smaller, internal and less-visible proposals. The current investment threshold is $15m in whole-of-life costs. BBC must be used for any new Crown projects. It is also mandatory for anything deemed…
Read MoreFeasibility Studies – A matter of evidence
A client recently asked us to do a feasibility analysis. The client had the basis of an idea and they needed a study to see if the idea was feasible. Feasible means possible and likely to be achieved. This seems simple, but means looking objectively at the idea rather than just discussing its merits. A feasibility study…
Read MoreIs this a good idea?
Generating ideas It used to be popular for organisations to have a suggestions box for staff and customer improvement ideas. Occasionally, someone would open the box and follow up on suggestions. Occasionally, a really good idea would take off. In a digital world there are lots of virtual suggestion boxes for customers – probably less…
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