While there are a number of techniques that can be used for corporate planning, strategy development, "think tanks" or workshops to address a particular problem, a structured approach can provide substantial benefits.

Richard Cousins has specific expertise (with original training by IBM) in the Intensive Planning format which is particularly effective in tackling:

• focused thinking in terms of specifying the objectives
• the identification of major problem areas
• the structured consideration of viable solutions
• development of an agreed action plan to address the major issues.

Based on a series of questions which follow a logical path but do not presuppose the answers, this approach directs attention to the broad issues before narrowing to problem areas and the development of an action plan.

Experience has shown this approach to be of on-going benefit in a wide variety of scenarios, with the team building and degree of common understanding that can be engendered often being of as much importance as the resultant action plan. This technique specifically fosters a positive attitude towards the real issues rather than the disharmony that can result from some "think tank" approaches.

Richard has facilitated over 100 such sessions across a broad range of industries from small service operations through to multinational corporations. Many of these workshops have been undertaken within the information technology industry, where the industry insight and external perspective have been cited as key success factors.

Examples of companies for whom Richard has conducted Intensive Planning workshops include BHP Petroleum, Caltex Lubricants, EDS, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Honda, IBM and Oracle plus a range of Australian technology companies and Government departments.