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Strategic Planning Society
Change and survive | March, 2009  
 
Dear ,

Welcome to the March e-newsletter.

During the month some of the trustees have been having a lively, but not quite defamatory, email exchange about the press coverage of Jack Welch saying that the focus on shareholder value by senior executives in the majority of companies is wrong. Instead he makes the case for focusing on strategic value not shareholder value. Arguably not quite what he was saying when he was at the helm himself.

I mention this as I hope you will soon all be able to join in the conversation yourselves. Plans are underway to create an SPS group on LinkedIn which would allow all SPS members to debate such issues, as well as increase their strategic network. I hope to include the full details in next month's e-newsletter.

Don't forget the Strategic Capability in Corporate Reporting Awards (see below). I hope to meet some of you there on the night, but do remember places are limited, so apply soon.
James Leaton Gray, Chairman
James Leaton Gray, Chairman


 


» In this issue:


SPS news
Research and insight
Events and workshops
Sponsor
  Said Business School  

  
  » SPS news  
 
Strategy Magazine published


Issue 18 of Strategy Magazine is out now All members should soon be receiving their copies of the March issue of Strategy Magazine. In this latest issue we focus on strategies that confront the effects of the downturn. In addition to the cover feature on exploring the key theme in Michael Jarrett new book on 'changeability' highlighted below, we also include articles addressing the many opportunities that can arise during volatile times, and the ways in which new management thinking is changing to meet new realities.

Strategic Value in Corporate Reporting Awards shortlist announced


The Society will be presenting its prestigious annual awards to FTSE100 and FTSE250 companies that demonstrate the highest standards of strategy disclosure and commentary in their annual corporate reporting. The event is free to SPS members.

The following companies have been shortlisted for awards:

Best Overall Strategic Value Added
Sponsored by the Strategic Planning Society
  • 3i Group
  • Capita Group
  • Land Securities Group
  • Rolls-Royce Group
Best Strategy & Objectives by a FTSE100 Company
Sponsored by Newport Business School, University of Wales
  • 3i Group
  • Cadbury
  • ITV
  • National Grid
Best Strategy & Objectives by a FTSE250 Company
Sponsored by Shaping Tomorrow
  • Aggreko
  • Halma
  • Inchcape
Most Compelling Narrative
Sponsored by Rare Corporate Design
  • Aggreko
  • Tomkins
  • Vodafone
Most Improved Narrative since 2006/07
Sponsored by FutureValue
  • Aegis Group
  • Wm Morrison Supermarkets
  • Standard Life
  Best Strengths and Resources Coverage by a FTSE100 Company
Sponsored by the HR Society
  • Aviva
  • Man Group
  • Rolls-Royce Group
Best Strengths and Resources Coverage by a FTSE250 Company
Sponsorship still available. For more information email Ian McDonald Wood
  • Amlin
  • Brit Insurance Holdings
  • Premier Farnell
  • Serco Group
Best Online Annual Reporting by a FTSE100 Company
Sponsored by 85Four
  • Legal & General Group
  • National Grid
  • Royal Dutch Shell
Best Online Annual Reporting by a FTSE250 Company
Sponsored by Accrue Corporate Reporting
  • Aegis Group
  • Greene King
  • Northern Foods
  • Premier Farnell
The awards will be conferred at a ceremony on 29 April 2009. The Society has invited Mark Goyder, Founder Director of Tomorrow's Company, to make the keynote speech on Sustainability in Annual Reporting. Visit the SPS website for more information.

SVCR Awards 2008 winnersLast year's winner: Donal McCabe of Land Securities Group (centre), joined by the SPS's James Leaton Gray (left) and Alan Brown of Rentokil-Initial (right).
 
Promote your events


Many members are already familiar with our events diary listing upcoming conferences and seminars for strategists. If you are an organiser yourself, why not promote your events. It's a free service - all you need to do is send your details.

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  » Research and insight  
 
Change and survive


In the latest issue of Strategy Magazine Michael Jarrett at London Business School, argues that to survive these turbulent times, the ability to adapt and keep pace with the external environment is essential. He discusses the value of 'changeability' - the ability to harness innovation - in deciding a company's fate. He highlights essential factors such as scanning and interpreting trends, plus harnessing innovation and collaboration that he believes are key to building a flexible strategy.

  • SPS members receive Strategy Magazine every three months.
» Read the full article
 
 

Experiencing creativity in organisations


Few managers are known for their creative genius, yet managers are often required to respond creatively to organisational situations. While creativity is traditionally thought of as a person's ability to produce something novel and appropriate, creativity for individuals in organisations is something that gets a job done. In volume 41, number 4 of Long Range Planning, Ajit Nayak provides insights into managers' creativity by drawing on theories from the 'practice' approach and experiences gained from a study within the supermarket retailing industry.

  • SPS members receive receive Long Range Planning six times a year (worth £120 pa).
» Read the full executive summary


  • SPS members enjoy access to the online library, with downloadable versions of over 100 articles published in Strategy Magazine and more than 50 executive summaries from Long Range Planning. For more information on membership benefits visit the SPS website and provide your details.
 
 
Growing storm of unrest?


The uncertainty and fear caused by the economic downturn is resulting in protest; it is also likely to exacerbate and reinforce existing tensions and problems. The wider knock on effects and repercussions - social unrest, crime and intolerance - could, but may not, escalate, creating longer lasting changes and a context in which extreme incidents can occur.

  • SPS members enjoy free access to Shaping Tomorrow (worth £95 pa) – an organised database of over 25,000 future, strategy and change management resources, plus a weekly newsletter highlighting ten new trends.
» More information about Shaping Tomorrow

 
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  » Events and workshops  
 
Ashridge Open Programmes


The SPS and Ashridge have teamed up to offer SPS members some exclusive benefits, the first of which is a 10% discount on any of Ashridge's open strategy programmes.

Ashridge has a wide variety of short, residential programmes to help individuals and organisations to achieve their development needs. These programmes focus on blending the practical experience of their faculty with leading-edge business thinking, to inspire and challenge you. In addition, learning in small classes – typically 12–30 participants – promotes collaboration on your own issues and ensures individual support, enabling all participants to return, better able to transfer learning to the workplace.

For more details, visit Ashridge. Please quote your SPS membership number when booking.
 
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  » Sponsor  
  2GC Active Management
2GC - 10 year anniversary - save on training courses!


2GC, the specialist performance management consultancy, is this year celebrating its tenth anniversary. As part of this celebration, 2GC is offering SPS members a special 10th anniversary discount of 10% on training courses during 2009. Simply mark 'SPS10' clearly on your application form.

Since it was founded in April 1999, 2GC has worked in 36 countries around the world, and for clients from the private, public and NGO sectors. Recognised by academics and practitioners as thought leaders in the field, 2GC has from the outset sought to share its knowledge and understanding through its publication and training activities.
  • Read 2GCs articles, case studies, FAQs and presentations on performance management by visiting its web the 2GC Website.
  • Learn more about the design and implementation of Balanced Scorecard by attending one of our training courses.

Help with our UK Balanced Scorecard Survey
The survey can be completed online or as a PDF by email.


2GC Active Management – Performance Management Experts

 
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