Why visions aren't future mission statements A mission is a statement clearly defines why an organization exists. It should be short and very clear. It should differentiate the organization from its competitors. Why an organization exists should state unique value. A vision states should be aspirational and forward-looking. It should derive from, and complement the mission … [Read more...] about Why Visions Aren’t Future Mission Statements
The Strategic Value of Knowledge in M&A
This week's (January 03, 2011) McKinsey missive focuses on the strategic value of IT in M&A. All well and good, and I encourage your review, but I think there is a bigger issue, and that is the value of knowledge in M&A. IT is a knowledge capacity. It is not just a tool, but through software, it represents the embedded process knowledge of an organization, and to a … [Read more...] about The Strategic Value of Knowledge in M&A
Colleges and Universities: Stewards of Knowledge or Preparers for Work?
Many learning institutions believe that there is a disparity between a liberal arts education and the workforce education. Preparing people for work is seen as catering to industry, which has evolved a very different culture from academia. If we look historically, however, the collegia of Bologna were formed to confer degrees, which were essentially licenses to teach, to join … [Read more...] about Colleges and Universities: Stewards of Knowledge or Preparers for Work?
Why Start-Ups Need More Strategic Planning, and Why Investors Should Help Provide It
Single-minded passion for the idea. That is a typical of what people think about when think about the success of a new product or service. The individual and his or her team that tirelessly drive toward their vision. The problem is, visions don't exist in a vacuum. I have said this to startups for years. Even VCs and angel investors don't understand the role of strategy. They … [Read more...] about Why Start-Ups Need More Strategic Planning, and Why Investors Should Help Provide It
Does Advertising Help Make Information Sources Seem More Legitimate?
I just caught myself wondering about the legitimacy of a site that I came across when researching pirates for a story I am writing. I wasn't familiar with the site, but the advertising immediately made me more comfortable with it. When I saw Best Buy, AT&T, Chase and BMW associated with article I was reading, I figured that the site was probably legit. As I started writing … [Read more...] about Does Advertising Help Make Information Sources Seem More Legitimate?