Strategic Direction

China teaches IKEA limits of homogeneity: Not yet part of the Eastern furniture : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Celebrating innovators in engineering: Old hands and new talent : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – In looking to ensure that engineers receives the recognition they deserve, the Royal Academy of Engineering, which provides a voice for Britain's engineering community, annually awards a number of medals to the very best of British engineering talent. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Five of the UK's finest engineers have won the Royal Academy of Engineering's prestigious Silver Medal for their outstanding personal contribution to British engineering. These contributions include the successful development and commercialization of Snake Arm Robots; research into “high volume” carbon fiber composite structures; helping to revolutionize the computing world through virtualization, and major developments in membrane technology, which could significantly improve the energy efficiency of industrial processes. In addition, biomedical engineer Dr Silvia Schievano has won the 2009 Sir George MacFarlane Medal from the Academy, which has been awarded for her pioneering work in engineering patient-specific heart valves. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Design for sustainability: Embedding life cycle thinking : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Many companies are now under increasing scrutiny from end-users and customers, and under pressure from legislation, in relation to the environmental performance of their products. Yet, despite these pressures, few companies, especially UK based SMEs, have progressed very far when it comes to sustainable design implementation. However, there are some examples of companies leading the way, and not just talking about it, and one such company is Orangebox Ltd. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Presenting at this year's “Sustainable design; designing sustainable products and services” conference, organised by the British Standards Institute (BSI), Luke Palmer, product designer at Orangebox, provided an insight into not just its latest success, the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified ARA task chair, but how this project relates to the company's long term approach to embedding eco-design and life cycle thinking in the company's culture. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Exceptional public sector organizations: Valuable lessons from the National Library Board and Singapore Airlines : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – For decades, the public sector has been encouraged to learn from and copy private business practices. In turn, CEOs and senior managers in competitive markets have discounted and ignored the public sector as a source of learning. However, can this philosophy be turned on its head? Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Talent ROI energizes npower: How to measure the cost of leadership initiatives : Table of Contents

Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Working in partnership with Xancam, UK energy company npower set out to identify leaders and future leaders, a key focus being how to measure the outcomes both at a commercial and employee level. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The Lufthansa School of Business and the London Business School General Management Programme : Table of Contents

Allyson Stewart-Allen, Michael Christ — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments and training programs within the Lufthansa School of Business and the London Business School. Design/methodology/approach – Under the “Preferred Partnership Concept” the LHSB co-operates with three internationally-renowned business schools for major executive training programs. London Business School (LBS) is one of these three contracted partners. The main focus of the partnership is the General Management Programme (GMP), which has now been held successfully in close co-operation between the LBS and the LHSB for the third time. Findings – The key to the ongoing success of the GMP has been the communication within the team producing the three live events in three global locations. The program's success is a direct result of the consistency and quality of communication, of team members' desire to continuously improve the modules, project management, the briefing process for presenters (whether faculty members, Lufthansa Board members, guest speakers), and the detailed checklists and scheduling by the LBS Program Manager. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The paper examines key areas in advanced management training (and development) and highlights two unique and interlinked strategic concepts.

Partnership for organizational transformation: collectively co-creating a new VVAA 2.0 culture : Table of Contents

André Wierdsma, Herman van Hemsbergen — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how VVAA's decision to work with the Nyenrode Business University (EMDC) to develop and change the culture of its organization and improve the business proposition they offered to their members. Design/methodology/approach – The paper details the consequences for VVAA decision to strengthen the existing management and key professionals. By offering the top 80 key people (managers and professionals) a developmental program which would raise the awareness of their own competences and the need for more cross boundary cooperation. Findings – The paper reports that an organizational transformation program can only be successful if it is part of a set of interventions to really change the company. Consistency in behavior at the top is crucial because everybody watches the behavior of top management and becomes extremely aware of discrepancies and inconsistencies. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced the organizational transformation of VVAA culture. Originality/value – The paper provides a structured approach to the process of building effective learning interventions based on a clear understanding of the need to change.

Interview with Norm Smallwood : Table of Contents

Interview by Ruth Young — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present and an interview with Norm Smallwood, co-founder of The RBL Group, an advisory firm to the world's top HR leaders. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer. Findings – Norm Smallwood current work concentrates on increasing business value by building organization, strategic HR and leadership capabilities that measurably impact market value. Originality/value – The interview provides insights into how organizations should implement their strategic vision.

Virtual strategy development in Alfa Laval : Table of Contents

Mikael E. Malmgren, Ghislaine Caulat — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This case study describes how Alfa Laval instigated and deployed virtual working to develop the response to a major strategic initiative. Design/methodology/approach – The challenge was to engage the top 30 managing directors located in countries across the globe in a six-month project timeframe. Findings – The solution was to engage Ashridge Business School and specifically its expertise in working virtually and in developing strategy processes. Originality/value – The main thrust of the paper is to describe the important design parameters that ensure successful virtual strategy development as well as some of the tangible benefits this approach has compared with traditional strategy development processes.