The one perfect solution does not exist. The world is too uncertain for that. But a solution that will work for you is out there, waiting to be discovered.

For many years now, certainly since Scenarios was first published, the only constants in the business environment have been turbulence and change. Today things are no different.

Scenario planning enables managers to face up to this uncertainty by evolving from the idea of finding the "best strategy" to one of mobilising the "best strategizing process". In this long-awaited new edition of his bestselling classic, Kees van der Heijden shows you how to move your organization to meet the future by turning its ongoing "strategic conversation" to its own advantage. Linking your organization's unique (but often tacit) business idea with scenario thinking, and building on the principles of organizational learning, he describes practical ways to develop those skills that will enhance the continuous scenario-based strategy process.

• Preface
• The Context
  • 1965 to 1990: Five Discoveries at Shell
  • Introduction to Scenario-based Planning
  • Three Competing Paradigms in Strategic Management
• The Principles of Scenario-based Planning
  • Strategising
  • The Business Idea of an Organisation
  • The Uncertain Environment
  • Scenario Analysis
  • Scenarios and the Strategic Conversation
• The Practice of Scenario-based planning
  • The Practitioner's Art
  • Articulation of the Business Idea
  • Competitive Positioning
  • Scenario Development
  • Option Planning
• Institutionalising Scenario-based planning
  • The Management of Change
  • Planning Process
  • Guiding the Strategic Conversation
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Index