Strategic planning in small and medium-sized companies

In analysing the characteristics of strategic planning applications in different types and sizes of companies, confusion often arises not because of the application but because of the definitions utilized. This paper analyses the use of strategic planning concepts in small and medium-sized companies in Holland. As the author points out, in this context the definition of small and medium-sized is determined by five strategically relevant criteria which are distinctive. The author points out, however, that whilst these criteria are distinctive of the category of small and medium-sized companies surveyed, they do not all have to occur at the same time; the higher the number that do occur, the more typical the company. Whilst this paper does not, as the author admits, represent the result of a systematic survey, the authors wide experience as a consultant is in itself a valuable background to his analysis. Indeed, the findings stated in this paper represent an analysis of the strategic planning practises of some 75–100 companies. Therefore, in view of the detailed criteria utilized and the number of companies analysed the results represent an important addition to our knowledge of the application of strategic planning.     

Are we going towards a society of “activity” or “work”?*

Abstract. The aim of the article is to discuss the perspective of a decline in dependent work - which Dahrendorf and Braverman had argued was coming - either due to an emerging society of “activities” or a process of work “degradation”. Why did such a scenario not prove to be realistic? The author shows from which concepts such a downgrading stems and points out the responsibility of approaches that do not see work as a social activity and see technology as a deus ex machina. As a matter of fact, the western world is not experiencing a dissolution but, rather, a persistent (if not growing) importance of work. The author sketches the great technical and organizational transformation in the ongoing production patterns and work schemes in contemporary society. He maintains that these processes, decreasing the homogeneity and increasing the heterogeneity of work, make a society of “works” more likely than one of “activities”.     

销售时信息披露的公平原则与互利原则

本文通过对销售商向消费者披露产品的信息的责任和义务的分析,比较了信息披露道德的公平原则和互利原则.指出了信息披露的伦理要求,应根据各种具体问题的不同适当地在公平原则和互利原则之间定位.     

企业经营原因不明中的企业家能力

产业组织理论将企业经营绩效的决定归因于外部因素,而企业的资源、能力观则试图从企业内部来解释经营绩效,其中,原因不明是一个重要的难以模仿的资源,成为企业获得持续竞争优势的重要基础。本文对原因不明的内涵、特征进行了探讨,指出对企业家能力的忽视是导致原因不明的重要原因,抓住了企业家因素,原因不明似乎可以得到解释了。     

Development of corporate planning staff

This article considers the problems associated with the development of corporate planning staff in multi-divisional organizations. The author points out that formal planning has grown phenomenally during the last decade and there is a need to consider the development of corporate planning staff to meet the exacting challenges of the job.     

How Singapore makes central planning work

In this article the author points out that, contrary to the assumptions of many, and the statements of some well-known writers in the fields of economics and management, central planning does work. It may be that Singapore has achieved success with it over a 25 year period because of the exceptional qualities of the leaders. Certainly that is part of the story, but the author suggests that the Singapore central decision-making body has been implementing what corporate planners would identify today as ‘orthodox theory’. He asks: ‘Could the same kind of success have been possible elsewhere?’     

Life cycle costing for construction projects

The author discusses the concept of life cycle costing—a valuable tool in an era of economic depression and high inflation. He points out the problems in the initiation of the process, the planning, realization, operation and disposal of complex systems. He describes the objectives of life cycle costing and presents a comprehensive way to apply it.     

Implementierung von Coaching für Schulleitung und Schulaufsicht

Implementation of coaching for principals and supervisory school authorityGerman schools will have to improve the quality of their work to be able to compete on an international level. School development is also personnel development. Establishing professionalism of school executives (among others by coaching) plays a major role in this matter. First of all the author describes the implementation process of internal coaching for principals and thereafter for officers of the supervisory school authority. In doing so, he also points out problems that can arise during such a project. The evaluations of surveys prove the acceptance and importance of coaching for this target group. Finally, possible future coaching offers for school executives are addressed.     

University planning: An organization model

As the author points out, University plannign is at a fairly primitive stage of development. The University shares with other non-profit making institutions the problem of defining specific goals of measuring performance towards these goals. He analyses the difficulties of planning in the university environment and to suggest four stages of organization through which universities are likely to pass in developing planning systems.     

Organizational Behavior Management and Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Abstract

Six scholars in applied psychology wrote thoughtful and provocative reactions to a paper written by the author that presented a case for broadening the content and language of organizational behavior management (OBM) in order to enhance appreciation for OBM in organizational settings and among university faculty and students in mainstream psychology programs. This paper summarizes the follow-up commentaries and adds justification for key points made in the target article. Five topics are addressed: (1) critical distinctions between OBM and industrial/organizational psychology, (2) disadvantages of using negative over positive reinforcement to motivate behavior change, (3) the need to after OBM language in order to increase interest and application, (4) the use of unobservable person state vs. personality traits to explain behavior, and (5) the challenge of improving the education and training of students in OBM programs.     

Vom Controlling in der Gemeindeberatung zum Controlling in Kirchengemeinden

From controlling in parish advisory to controlling in church parishesThe author describes an internal controlling in a parish advisory organisation. He describes the various steps and the process of changing in the different committees involved, which lead to a changing in team advisory. From this he derives points of view to be considered when developing and implementing quality standards and controlling in the work with volunteers in parishes.     

Planning future raw material supply

The emphasis of this article is on the need to pay greater attention to the longer-term. It deals particularly with the potential problems and opportunities surrounding the supply of key raw materials. A key question is the potential availability of certain new materials given what are now effectively uneconomic prices to the producer. The author argues for much closer liaison and involvement of Europe organizations in mining (e.g.) and points to some areas of considerable potential.     

Forecasting the impact of social change

Economic forecasting is now no longer sufficient in itself in the business world. A wide variety of pressures related to social change have an important bearing on outcomes in the present environment. In making these points, the author of this article argues for the need for greater sensitivity to social changes if business forecasting is to be meaningful.     

Corporate planning at batchelors foods limited: A case study

In this article the author outlines the background and history of corporate planning in his company. He shows how the process of planning has evolved in the company over the years to involve management at all levels. After two decades of planning experience this company case study points up some of the mistakes that were made as well as the successes.     

Innovation as the source of long term economic growth

This paper concerns some economic aspects of innovation particularly as the source of long term growth. Economic history supplies many examples of the rejuvenation of economies which, at various points in time, could legitimately have been considered ‘ageing’. The author asks ‘Could Britain's turn come now?’     

Geschichten erzählen als Beratungsintervention

If the coach tells a story during a coaching then it is far more than just entertainment. But what is it then? The author reveals the basics of this rarely discussed form of intervention. He points to important aspects of the narratology, theory of cognition and theory of coaching. He makes clear what can be achieved through stories in this context and gives pragmatic tips for a successful input of this form of intervention. He also tells the story of how he has been disappointed by his son.     

A Review of Political Skill: Current Research Trend and Directions for Future Research

This paper reviews theoretical and empirical research on the use of political skill in organizations and proposes some agendas for future research. Although political skill is a relatively new construct in organizational politics research, a large number of theoretical and empirical studies have been conducted. Five major themes were identified in previous research. These are: (a) definition and measurement of political skill; (b) political skill and stress management; (c) political skill and career success; (d) political skill and individual performance; and (e) political skill and leadership effectiveness. This review critically examines previous empirical studies in light of this theoretical background and points out that, although previous empirical studies support the theoretically assumed effects of political skills, they fail to confirm how and why these skills bring about these effects. Based on this examination, the author suggests the examination of mediators and dimensional differences derived from theory that can lead to more effective exploration of the impact of political skill. In addition, several issues for future research are proposed, which may provide useful insights for both literature and practice.     

我国科技外交人员社会资本与工作绩效的实证研究

分析了科技外交人员社会资本及其与工作绩效的相互影响,在此基础上,采用社会资本评价指标体系对我国现有科技外交人员群体进行了测度;然后,对社会资本水平与工作绩效的相关性进行了分析,并证明了两者之间存在正相关关系;最后,提出了提升我国科技外交人员队伍整体实力的根本途径.     

Strategic planning for the armed forces

The author points out that in most countries the defence department is a very large ‘business’. He claims that, although long-range planning in the Canadian Department of National Defence may not be perfect, it does follow the stages of traditional strategic planning. He describes these stages, pointing out some innovations which he feels could be of value to other government departments in other countries as well as to large corporations in the private sector. He emphasizes the importance of feedback and describes ‘capability components’ which have been developed in the Canadian defence department to replace the traditional thinking in terms of ‘Army, Navy, Air Force’. Each capability component focuses on the required output/result and has a sponsor who is responsible for developing plans for the long-term ‘state of health’ of his capability component. Overall, the author makes a strong case for forward-looking and results-oriented strategic planning.