copyright © 2007 the natural step abcd – strategic planning process

Copyright © 2007 The Natural Step

ABCD – Strategic Planning Process


ABCD

Awareness

Baseline

Creative Solutions

Decide on Priorities

Present

Future

Is it a step in the right direction?

Is it a flexible platform?

Is it a good return on investment?


Applying the ABCD process


A. Step

1.Gain an understanding of the larger system – the Biosphere

2.Define the sub-system in question

• Your chosen river case

3. a. Envision a sustainable society to set the context

• What are the key characteristics of a sustainable society? What will the life support systems look like in a sustainable society?

b. Envision a sustainable river system (or part of it)

• What are the key characteristics of such a system?


ABCD

Awareness

Baseline

Creative Solutions


Present

Future





B. Step – Sustainability Analysis

1. Determine scope of analysis. What is the subject of analysis (e.g. organization, system, product, etc) within the biosphere?

2. Determine stakeholders.

3. Identify the flows of inputs, outputs and waste.

4. Now analyze the system using the four system conditions

5. Identify key areas of improvement and positive assets that can be built upon.


B1 – Determine the scope

• Your river / catchment / …


System

Customers

Community/Region

PoliticiansSuppliers

General Public

Interest Groups

Partners

Researchers & Universities

Media

Social FactorsFor example, lifestyle, values, culture, demography, ethics, trends in media and business

Economical factorsFor example world market

prize on raw material,relative prizes, inflation,interest, unemployment

CompetitorsOwners

Co-Workers

B2 – Determine Stakeholders

Political FactorsFor example political goals, guidelines, laws, taxes,subventions for environment

Technical FactorsFor example R&D, technical systems, standards, patent,

environment and health aspects

relative prizes


B2 – Determine Stakeholders

1. In small groups list all the stakeholders who might impact or be impacted by the river system

2. Prioritize the top 5 stakeholder groups who will be most important to engage with.


B3 – Determine Flows

Step #3: Identify inputs , outputs and waste

Draw a diagram showing (for your case);• What are the Needs you are meeting in

society?• What is the end product or service (Output)?• What goes in to make this (Input)?• What is left-over (Waste)?• What is Lost?


FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN NEEDS

AffectionProtection

Understanding

Participation

Subsistence

Freedom

Identity Idleness

Creation

Matrix of Human Needs


B 4 – SC Analysis

For your area of analysis, using the system conditions:

• List the positive & negative aspects on th eriver system• SC1, SC2 & SC3 & SC4


SC1 ...concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth’s crust,

SC2 ...concentrations of substances produced by society,

SC3...degradation by physical means,

SC4...people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to meet their needs.

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing...

and, in that society...

System

Success

Strategy

Action

Tools

System Conditions


B5 – Determine Significant Areas

•Overall, what do you feel are the most significant sustainability challenges?

•What are the key improvement areas?

•What are the best assets it can build upon?


ABCD

Awareness

Baseline

Creative Solutions


Present

Future





C. Step

1.Brainstorm actions, programs, infrastructure, investments that might take us toward our sustainability vision.


ABCD

Awareness

Baseline

Creative Solutions


Present

Future







Is it a flexible platform? 2233

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D. Step - Three Strategic Questions


D. Step

Your Challenge: You are a team of water managers that have to improve the river system. Formulate:

1.Three short-term actions that can be taken forward (low hanging fruit).

2.Three long-term measures that you recommend and why.

• List stakeholders needed to realize your measures and those who are most impacted.

• What needs to change to be successful?

copyright © 2007 the natural step abcd – strategic planning process

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