Five scenario-based crisis management steps.
It can be quite challenging, understanding the effects a large-scale crisis has on a business organisation. The financial worry amongst employees and at the management level – to national restrictions, affecting important logistics flows. However, managing a crisis is another story. Finding the right methodology can both minimise damages and set a clear path going forward.
Mapping out the present and future
Semcon’s method for scenario-based crisis management will guide an organisation to “a new normal”. The method consists of five steps, focusing on the workforce dimensions, delivery capacity, finances, as well as clients and stakeholders. As part of the offer; Project Excellence, Semcon has created a well-established methodology for assignments, projects, programs and portfolios – where portfolio management can be a very powerful tool in the process of regaining control. Plus, the scalable method can also be tailor-made to fit the needs of different organisations.
An exceptional time, demands exceptional measures. And during a large-scale crisis it becomes all the more important to make the right decision at the right time.
Steps towards a new normal
1. Insight: At this stage, the goal is to develop a realistic view of an organisation’s current situation. The main focus here is the immediate consequences that a crisis has on employees, clients and the organisation in its entirety.
2. Minimising damages: This is the most critical phase in making sure that an organisation has the capacity for a comeback. Potential risks need to be identified and prioritised. Also, this is the time to establish a control centre – responsible of producing management information for the company decision makers.
3. Comeback: This is the time to put together scenario-based courses of action – enabling activities to be scaled up or down at the right time.
4. A state of normality: During this phase, altered or new behaviours and patterns are monitored. This is to map out the areas in need of reframing – and how it should be carried out.
5. Reframing: During the fifth phase we focus on planning, direction and following up different modifications. All as a way of creating a stable foundation to prepare for the next new normal. Here, portfolio management plays an important part – as it facilitates reframing both in the long and short term. That way, we can take on altered or new needs being identified.
We collaborate with our clients to develop future-proof strategies, contributing to act proactively.
An agile method of crisis management.
Using business intelligence and market analysis, Semcon can guide an organisation through a large-scale crisis. During this process, scenario planning can be found at the core of creating a proactive strategy – as a response to potential challenges, threats and opportunities, preparing for what the future holds.
