A13: STRATEGY TABLE***

...once the strategic decisions are identified on the DECISION HIERARCHY via an ISSUE RAISING session, and a better picture of how they relate to the UNCERTAINTIES and VALUES are clarified on a DECISION DIAGRAM, we can generate alternatives.

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An alternative should be doable while bringing the highest possible value.

Having multiple strategic decisions (to be made now) and having multiple paths available for each decision means that a large number of alternatives are possible. But not all of those alternatives are going to be feasible or will make sense. Furthermore, decision makers usually come up with alternatives that are slightly different from each other. However, in order to unlock more value, it is important to look at the extreme possibilities that would give insight on how to find an alternative that is more valuable.

Therefore:

• Find the decision levers that will form the columns of the strategy table. These decision levers are the same ones from the "decide now" part of the DECISION HIERARCHY
• Generate feasible alternatives by using a combination of the strategic decisions (to be made now).
  • If an alternative is based on future decisions that cannot be done due to operational reasons, then that alternative would not be of value.
  • If an alternative does not meet STANDARDS, then that alternative should not be considered.
• Try to avoid having similar alternatives by creating extreme alternatives.
• Furthermore, you can create hybrids based on the analysis. In Kim's party problem, the porch is an alternative that is a hybrid of indoors and outdoors.

Documenting each alternative:

• Each alternative should have a name based on the theme (i.e., aggressive, momentum, etc.)
• State the rationale for each alternative with a short description.
• Mention major uncertainties related to each alternative, for which you can benefit from the DECISION DIAGRAM.
• Mention the weaknesses and strengths of each alternative for which you can use a force-field diagram.

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While building a strategy table, keep in mind that generating EDGE ALTERNATIVES would help you explore the possibility of creating more value.