Quick and Rigorous, Strategic and Participative: 12 ways to improve on the expected tradeoffs

Lyneis (1980, 1999) describes a phased approach to modeling that has proven successful for large strategy consulting engagements. This process usually requires months of modeling effort and multiple iterations to achieve the level of detail required for specific answers. Strategic analyses are episodic, however, and managers expect faster turnarounds and more specific, trusted results than is possible without a detailed, calibrated model already in place. We present here a refinement to the phased approach, which might be called lean strategy modeling, that is able to deliver substantial value in just six weeks. It increases the scope of testing and validation on what would otherwise qualify as an insight model. The process is divided in three stages: Issues definition and prioritization; model development and analysis; model-based analysis and strategy exploration. The approach is illustrated with an example about a client’s degree of control over new technology diffusion in an emerging market.