ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the processes which can be used to analyse the past and current performance of a business – the where-are-we-now scenario. In effect, this is the first stage of the quantum leap from operational to strategic thinking. The process will enable us systematically to examine and critically review the key aspects of business performance, and to identify areas where actions are needed to improve or strengthen current systems and procedures. This goes beyond an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the business, and the opportunities and threats it faces – that was okay for the start-up stages of the business but now we need to examine the needs of the business in more detail. It is, in effect, an audit of each facet of the business and the way it operates. It attempts to answer the first of the three key questions asked by the strategic planning process – where are we now, where do we want to go and how do we get there? The chapter also relates to the three mandatory Units within the Revised Business Development Standards – A1: Review the business; A2: Develop your plans for the business; and A3: Check your own management skills.
