Abstract for: Executive Buy-In: Turning Corporate System Dynamics Consulting Into Action

Corporate consulting is aimed at providing executives with confidence in their decision making. In this domain system dynamics is not a solution driven tool, but rather a methodology that show the implications of making or not making decisions. It allows for various options to be evaluated to explore the impact it will have on organisational performance. The challenge remains to communicate the implications to the executive suite. Traditionally SD projects are aimed at large policy interventions that do not always address the immediate needs of executives, namely, what is the most appropriate action to take. Executives rely on staff to prepare options and analyse risks and rewards. SD allows us to dynamically evaluate the implications of decisions and actions on the organisation over time. Firstly, the work is presented focusing on confidence building. Analysis is presented as exploratory in nature showing options both in terms of wins and losses. Secondly, any conclusions are to be drawn by the executives based on the information provided. This communication process draws the executives into and makes them part of the process of decision formulation, rather than just presenting a solution. A critical element of the communication process is the death of the traditional presentation. The Toyota Production System is known for its A3 presentations and standup meetings.