Nth Degree Software

In the long run, the companies and individuals that thrive the most are the ones that anticipate potential problems/opportunities. Planning for an anticipated future, however, requires a significantly different thought process than problem solving.

MindSights™ PLAN-IT delivers the 'right' planning sequence; with the 'right' questions to ask; with the 'right' tools to use - for every step of the planning process.

Table of Contents

Preface	... 1
Introduction	... 3
Plan-It Framework Tutorial	... 4

Step 1: Observe current changes and anticipate trends (Workspace)	... 6
Observing Trends and Patterns	... 8
Customer Observation & Analysis	... 10
Product Observation and Analysis	... 12

Step 2: Determine what needs preparation and planning now (Workspace)	... 15
SWOT Analysis	... 17
Vision and Mission Statements	... 20
Planning Alternatives Selection Matrix	... 23
Strategic Planning Statement & Description	... 25

Step 3: Define the preferred or desired future (Workspace)	... 27
Future Data: Facts "As Likely/Desired to Exist"	... 29
Mind Mapping	... 30
Delphi Technique	... 32
Preferred Futures Statement	... 34

Step 4: Create scenarios to achieve the preferred/desired future (Workspace)	... 36
STOP (Situation-Target-Obstacle-Proposal)	... 37
Futures Wheel	... 39
Reverse Thinking	... 41
Nominal Group Technique (NTG)	... 42
Role Playing	... 43

Step 5: Select the scenario to build a strategic plan (Workspace)	... 44
Decision Making Strategies	... 45
Consensus	... 48
Force Field and Change Analysis (Auto Calc)	... 49

Step 6: Develop a strategic plan (Workspace)	... 51
Milestone Chart	... 52
Strategic Plan - Immediate Actions	... 53
Strategic Plan - Future Events	... 54

Final Report: Plan It	... 55