The use of multiple scenarios by U.S. industrial companies: A comparison study, 1977–1981

Over the past 5 years the authors have been examining the Fortune 1000 U.S. industrials' changes in corporate planning practices with respect to environmental analysis. Results of earlier studies have been reported in the February 1979 and October 1981 issues of Long Range Planning. This article documents the rapid, domestic increase in the use of multiple scenarios between 1977 and 1981. Given the intention for future use by present users and the length of time multiple scenarios have been used by some firms, this is strong evidence that multiple scenarios are a useful conjectural tool which can help corporate management plan in an unstable environment.