Tools & techniques
Sometimes I am commissioned, perhaps in partnership, to prepare a tool of some description; other times I prepare a tool or technique to
address a specific issue. Once those tools and techniques are made popular, then I put them up on the website. Earlier tools and techniques
are available in my archive.
Strategy mapping in the public sector
One of the most effective techniques is a simple way of helping people to understand how the different elements of strategy interlink.
This can sometimes be hard for not for profit organisations. However, Robert Kaplan's and David Norton's technique of strategy mapping
can be immensely helpful as a powerful technique which links together the different strategic perspectives of any business. It can also
help organisations to summarise their entire strategy on just one sheet of paper. Download the paper here
Business planning
This short note, prepared for and published by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, will help any small business to think through its planning but it has been written particularly for not for profits that are considering adding a more commercial service to their offering. It will help you to think through market research, marketing and financial forecasting. Download the note hereSimple questions to help you think about strategy
Many NGOs find it difficult to develop a good strategy. In 2006, I undertook an assignment, in partnership with Annabel Jackson Associates, to prepare a document designed to ask readers key questions about their strategy. Download the final report hereAbsorption costing
Too many NGOs seek to raise funds to cover what they call core cots, but in reality are fixed overheads, separately from project costs. This note, prepared for and published by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, explains different types of cost and suggests an alternative model, based on total project costs, for raising funds from sponsors and donors. Download the note here"I have looked a number of reports and guidance notes on full cost recovery; this is a particularly clear
explanation for anyone wishing to allocate costs fairly and transparently - and the fact that it has a good example attached is extremely
helpful."