Over the Horizon Book

Horizon scanning is one of those buzzy new business phrases. Every company wants to predict what services and products people will want in the future. But often companies sacrifice long-term planning in favour of satisfying shareholders with immediate impact on the profit margin. In Over the Horizon, Bill and Gillian Hollins argue that this strategy can be a costly mistake. Their motto is "survive the present whilst planning for the future." Most advice available on product and service development tends to focus on the short term. In order to ensure customer loyalty and a healthy dividend, they say, companies should not only be improving their products and services today but also making sure that future products are the best they can be. Over the Horizon is an easy read with anecdotal case studies and an accessible style. Particularly interesting is the way the Hollins' have "sliced" the managerial process into four timeframes, which work in parallel. Timeframe One asks, "what does the company provide now and how can this product be improved?" Two focuses on the development of next generation products. Three brings innovation and creativity into the mix. Four poses the question, "what does your organisation need to do to survive more than 10 years ahead?" Aimed at people with a working knowledge of management and organisational theory and senior managers with responsibility for strategic planning, Bill and Gillian Hollins have crafted a book which will help drive your business beyond the next horizon without coming down with a bump. --Kristen BowditchRead More