Long range planning in Bell Canada

The objectives and activities of Bell Canada's Business Planning group are outlined. The Business Planning process of obtaining inputs, organizing the data base, and creating outputs is elaborated. Inputs are derived from original research efforts such as trend extrapolation, Delphi research and survey research. Selected results from Business Planning studies are illustrated. Inputs obtained through secondary research activities are also outlined. The creation of a key-word-indexed on-line information retrieval system to organize the data base is described. The underlying group philosophy of developing outputs that support and/or stimulate the executive decision making process is stressed in the development of Business Planning Outputs.