It is useful to remember that scenario planning, when done systematically can certainly drive a strategic mindset within a company and enable informed risk management and strategic focus.
I found an interesting article in The Wall Street Journal noting how companies are once again turning their attention to scenario planning. The article describes how scenario [...]

In the April 2009 edition of HR Magazine, John Austin describes five essential steps in an effective change management process.
1. Identify Stakeholders
2. Align Arguments to Build Momentum
3. Create and Engagement Strategy
4. Identify Trigger Events
5. Plan to be Wrong
These five steps form the basis for DSI’s Change Management executive sessions. Of course, the challenge in [...]

Michael Mavaddat, DSI Executive Vice President, described a scenario planning project he managed from 1997 in which the client developed a scenario that describes current events with a surprising level of accuracy. They named the scenario “Global Malaise” and here is a more detailed description of the scenario.
Below is a slideshow Michael has used [...]

DSI director, Kathy Pearson was quoted in the Wall Street Journal discussing how business schools are developing courses to help managers cope with the growing recession. Kathy noted that in addition to asking for more courses about managing during the recession, clients are demanding more relevance and heft.
In addition to her experience as an [...]

In the following video clip, DSI Director Franck Schuurmans introduces the challenge of making effective decisions in a complex and uncertain world. Dr. Schuurmans builds from this discussion to identify the decision biases that limit our ability to consistently make high quality decisions.

The goal of scenario planning is to better prepare your organization for future shocks. Dr. Paul Schoemaker gives an example of a DSI client who’s 2004 scenario planning exercise included a future scenario that anticipated the type of financial market turmoil we are now experiencing.
The client was a building supply company. They labeled [...]

Scott Snyder, Ph. D., CEO of Decision Strategies International, discusses the importance of an adaptable strategy that is able to adapt and respond to changing assumptions in an organization’s strategic environment.
He outlines the three pillars of an adaptive strategic planning process.
Pillar 1: Using multiple frames of reference. Recognize the company view and do not [...]

Dr. Paul Schoemaker discusses the costs and benefits of scenario planning. As he notes, the costs can be relatively minor because scenario planning can be added into a company’s routine strategic planning process. The benefits grow as environmental uncertainty grows. Scenario planning helps executives “see around the corner”. It helps them [...]