Case study: Developing a vision from vision elements

Client and assignment

One of the world's leading banks consulted the FMG in the development of a strategic vision for the IT and operations division. The FMG developed and structured the possible options (vision candidates) against the background of the future market developments. FMG surveyed market experts in a Delphi study about the expected relevant changes of the coming years. The project was given an extremely small time frame. Actors from five countries participated in the project.

Goal

Project content and process

1. In order to assess the future developments of the environment, the FMG identified the core future questions for the division as well as possible answers to these.
2. Solid estimations of future developments could be designed by a broad assumption analysis with internal experts. The analysis took place in a two-stage process based on the Delphi method and clearly showed which developments are considered as relatively certain by the experts and which were not expected to occur until the year 2015.
3. At the same time, the FMG developed a vision-morphology in preparation for the workshop with the international decision makers of the client. Up to seven options were identified for each of 21 different fields of action (e.g. target group or geographical orientation).
4. In the workshops, the multiplicity and complexity of possible combinations were handled live with the support of sophisticated morphology software. The options were discussed vision element by vision element and were ranked according to preference and compatibility with the assumed environmental developments. The arguments were recorded in argument balance sheets during the discussion.
5. The software support enabled the group to perceive different alternatives for the division's vision candidates and its strategy.
6. A further analysis and evaluation of these vision candidates led to a holistic and solid strategic vision.

Results

• The expert interviews provided a solid assumption analysis with estimations of the probable future.
• The software supported application of the vision-morphology allowed an optimal evaluation of options for action. The high complexity could be handled in a structured way.
• The qualified facilitation by FMG-moderators optimized the discussion and led to the desired stage decisions.
• Finally, the strategic vision was prepared in an appealingly visualised presentation and was presented to the management board.

Client feedback

According to our client the approach and the successful implementation of the project qualified the FutureManagementGroup AG as a special alternative to the large management consultants. It became clear, that future analyses can be developed well-founded and can lead to a systematically designed future strategy. Both withstood even the most critical and discerning reviews within the bank.