GB2460623A

GB2460623A - Data analysis

Info

Publication number: GB2460623A
Application number: GB0807925A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chris Hart
Original assignee: COGNITION EOS
Current assignee: COGNITION EOS
Priority date: 2008-05-01
Filing date: 2008-05-01
Publication date: 2009-12-09
Also published as: GB0807925D0

Abstract

A method for the analysis of data, specifically the input, analysis and presentation of data relating to the operating space of an organisation, the apparatus comprising: an input, wherein the input receives axis data and element data, the element data comprising a location of an element in an area defined by the axis data and an element descriptor; the apparatus further comprising: a processor for processing the axis and element data in response to a command input from a user and storing the axis and element data in a memory means; and an output for outputting the processed axis and element data. Preferably further comprising displaying the axis and element data on a display and further wherein the displayed axis, and element data can be manipulated and edited by a user.

Description

Data Analysis The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the analysis of data, more specifically the input, analysis and presentation of data relating to the operating space of an organisation.

Organisations often "map" out their field of play or operating space visually in order to understand the environment in which the company or organisation operates. Specifically two-dimensional maps are used to understand what the competition is doing, where the competition is focusing their effort, where concentrations of activity are and where there are gaps in the market place, for

example.

The collative thinking of an organisation's strategic planning team is mapped out and then challenged in an interactive manner, usually in a workshop or "brainstorming" environment. Many different maps are created, for example of a product space, market space, or of competitor activity. The maps are generally two-dimensional grids with different X and Y co-ordinates, depending upon their use. Squares, circles, lines and other symbols are used to record the activity, or "space taken up" by different types of elements, such as a particular competitor's position in a specific market place. These maps are recorded by hand onto large sheets of paper, such as on flip charts or on acetate sheets so they can be projected, onto a wall or screen using an overhead projector for

example.

If acetate sheets are used, then the hand drawn maps can be overlaid. This is a technique often employed by the army for example to overlay the position of enemy locations onto a geographical map. It is also used to analyse gaps or opportunities in one or another market place where particular competitors do not currently have activity.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a method and system for the analysis of data, which overcomes, or at least reduces some of the above-

mentioned problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides apparatus for the analysis of data, the apparatus comprising: an input, wherein the input receives axis data and element data, the element data comprising a location of an element in an area defined by the axis data and an element descriptor; the apparatus further comprising: a processor for processing the axis and element data in response to a command input from a user and storing the axis and element data in a memory means; and an output for outputting the processed axis and element data.

Other preferred features are recited in the dependent claims.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method for the analysis of data, the method comprising: receiving axis data and element data, the element data comprising a location of an element in an area defined by the axis data and an element descriptor; processing the axis and element data in response to a command input from a user and storing the axis and element data in a memory means; outputting the processed axis and element data.

Other preferred features are recited in the dependent claims.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for strategic planning, the method comprising: defining axis, element, link and segment data; defining courses of action; defining scenarios; generating tasks.

One embodiment of the invention will now be more fully described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a diagram showing a mission mapping system architecture, according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagram showing a base layer overlay, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagram showing a base layer, a macro analysis layer and a critical dynamic activity layer, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a diagram showing a second example of a critical dynamic activity overlay, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a screen shot of the overlay tool showing three overlays and a symbol palette, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a diagram of a synchronisation matrix, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing a mission mapping methodology, according the first embodiment of the present invention.

In a brief overview of one embodiment of the present invention, there is shown in Figure 1 a mission mapping system architecture. The Mission Mapping1M system 11 comprises a data server layer 12, an overlay tool 15, a scenario generator 14, a synchronisation matrix 16 and a database 13. The data server layer 12 also produces reports 17.

The overlay tool 15 is the main user interface with the system 11. The overlay tool 15 further comprises the following: projects 151, overlays 152, tree views 153, segments 154, symbols 155, print screen 156 and a timeline 157.

A project 151 is created by a user for each exercise and contains the overlays 152 and symbols 155 to be used by a particular user. All the data pertaining to a particular project 151 is stored permanently in the database 13 so a record of past exercises is created.

Overlays 152 are represented three dimensionally by the overlay tool 15 in a series of layers. The view of the overlays 152 can be manipulated by the user using the overlay tool 15 to show the overlays 152 at any angle. If the overlay tool 15 is implemented on a prior art computer, with keyboard and mouse, then the mouse can be used to drag the overlays around and effectively spin then around on their central axis. Prior art touch screen systems may also be used and it should be clear to someone skilled in the art that many ways of viewing the data are possible.

There are seven different types over overlay 152 and each overlay 152 is created in turn with the overlay tool 15 by a user. All seven types of overlays 152 have the same functionality and their meaning is determined by the labelling and the symbols used by the user. Using the overlay tool 15 users can show and hide any of the seven overlays 152 and also move them up and down in the display order.

Each of the seven types of overlays 152 is described in turn following: 1. Base Plate -The mapping capability of the overlay tool 15 begins with the creation of the base plate' or operating space. The base plate created by the user is particular to the organisation using the system 11, but would always be based on an x' and y' axis grid of squares. The x, y axis could either by a true representation of a real geographical location, or it could be a matrix map of different products via different distribution channels. Changing the title of the x and y co-ordinates on the base layer by a user defines the field of play, or operating space, that is to be mapped out using subsequent overlays. An example base plate for the publication industry would define various products such as hard back books, soft back books, listening tapes and periodicals etc. Example distribution channels could be bookshops, the internet, catalogues and book fairs. Other examples of base layers could be a target housing estate in London to be used by the police to map "problem areas", or a grid of a football pitch for a football club or team.

2. Market Values -This overlay defines the "value" of respective parts of the topography or market place. This is the "logic engine" of all layers that sit above. Each segment of the market or grid square within the matrix has the ability to numerically represent the following for example: a. Market size b. Market trend, in ascendancy or decline (e.g BetaMax vs VHS video formats) c. Opportunity score (qualitative estimate of market potential) The quantitative and qualitative data that is input by a user using this overlay is common to all subsequent overlays and any sub-overlays (described in further details following).

3. Macro Analysis -The third layer gives an overview of the issues beyond the organisation's sphere of influence. For example details concerning the political, government policy, regulatory controls and general economic trends that concern the organisation can be input using this overlay.

4. Critical Dynamic Activity -This is the "busiest" layer where the majority of the user's activity will take place. The significant parts of this layer are: a. The Competition -A competitor's footprint' on the matrix (represented by a specific symbol as described following) should show: Their relative size ii Market share iii. Current strength and threat level against the user iv. Their anticipated strategic intent v. Possible significant activity in the next 12/18 months vi. Details of the most radical initiative the competitor might carry out b. Suppliers -The supplier's "footprint" on this overlay should show their power over the user's organisation. What is the threat of supplier price increases for example is data that is inputted by a user into this overlay.

c. Consumers -This is a critical element as it involves a number of facets: Strength of the buyer (e.g supermarkets over the farmer) ii. Consumer/social trend assumptions -what is influencing the consumer d. Innovation and Technology -Data input by a user here should describe the critical innovations and technological improvements in this space.

e. Fusions -Data input by a user here should describe the partnerships, tactical or strategic, that need to be made, or relationships that need to be developed to help achieve the user's strategic intent.

5. Strategic Intent -This is a simple overlay that pinpoints where the user is currently and where they want to get to. This is a visualisation of friendly forces, i.e. answering the questions such as "what do I currently have at my disposal" and "where I want to be?" 6. Choices of Action -Using this overlay a user maps what effect the organisation wants to have on its operating space. This can be as simple as attack' arrows denoting the organisation moving into a particular market space, or a blocking action that the user may wish to make.

7. Scenario Generation -The final overlay enables the user to create likely scenarios giving the user the ability to say what if across a number of possible (or impossible) situations by anticipating likely competitor activity, regulatory control, social actions terrorist activity etc etc. The scenario generation overlay has a coupling to the logic engine' or market value overlay, allowing particular scenarios to automatically change the landscape' of the operating space and the dynamic activity happening within it.

Example two-dimensional overlays are shown in Figures 2, 3 & 4 following. A representation of a three-dimensional overlay as displayed by the overlay tool is shown in Figure 5 following.

Segments 154 will contain visual indictors to show basic information such as market trend, using icons for example. More detailed information, such as anticipated strategic intent will be available upon interrogation of the segment 154. An example is described with reference to Figure 4 following. The overlay tools 15 allows a user to zoom in on a particular overlay segment 154. In the critical dynamic activity overlay a segment will contain Competitive Forces' data, for example. A table containing example Competitive Forces data can be seen in Table I following.

Table I

The existence of close substitutes increases the propensity of customers to switch to alternatives in response to price increases ___________________________ Issue Score (1-5) _________________________________________________________ 5 being highly relevant Buyer propensity to substitute _______________________ Relative price performance of substitute _______________________ Buyer switching costs _______________________ Perceived level of product differentiation ______________________ Average: _____________________ Threat of new entrants Profitable markets that yield high returns will draw firms. The result is many new entrants, which will effectively decrease profitability, unless new entry can be blocked by incumbents Issue Score (1-5) _________________________________________________________ 5 beip hjghly relevant Existence of barriers to entry (Patents) _______________________ Economies of product differences (Brand Equity) ______________________ Switching costs or sunk costs _______________________ Capital requirements ______________________ Average: ______________________ Intensity of Competitive Rivalry Major determinant of competitiveness. Sometimes rivals compete aggressively and sometimes rivals compete in non price dimensions such as innovation, marketing etc Issue Score (1-5) being highly relevant Number of competitors _____________________ Rate of industry growth ______________________ Intermittent industry overcapacity ______________________ Diversity of competitors ______________________ Average: ______________________ Bargaining Power of Customers The ability of customers to put the firm under pressure and it also effects the customer's sensitivitvjo price changes ___________________________ Issue Score (1-5) ________________________________________________________ 5 being highly relevant Buyer concentration to firm ratio _______________________ Buyer volume Bargaining leverage _______________________ Availability of existing and substitute products ________________________ Average: ______________________ Bargaining Power of Suppliers Suppliers of raw materials, components and services to the firm can be a source of power over the firm. Suppliers may refuse to work with the firm or charge excessively high prices for unique resources Issue Score (1-5) ___________________________________________________________ 5 being highly relevant Supplier switching cost relative to firm switching cost Degree of differentiation of inputs _______________________ Presence of substitute inputs ________________________ Supplier concentration to firm concentration ratio _______________________ Average: ______________________ On a particular segment 154 is chosen, or clicked on by a user using a mouse and screen of a computer for example, the above tables would be shown to the side of the particular market segment. This is in addition to information regarding market size, trend/trajectory and opportunity that can also be displayed in the same way.

A tool bar containing a pie-defined symbol set will allow symbols 155 to be dragged and dropped onto the active overlay 152. Example symbols are: Oblong/rectangle: the competition.

Star: Radical innovations.

Hexagon: Regulatory controls.

Dotted lines: connections/fusions -relationships with partners.

Oval: concentrations of activity.

Square: Market/Segment trends.

Different colours, company logos, or brands can be used to describe different competitors or even the organisations own locations within the field of play. A generic line symbol 155 is also provided to allow other shapes to be constructed, such as the attack' arrows specified in the Choices of Action' overlay. The user will be able to enter and edit symbol data and also reposition symbols 155. Symbols 155 can be hidden or shown to de-clutter the display.

Symbols 155 also contain visual indicators allowing interrogation in the same way as a segment. An example is described with reference to Figure 4 following.

A tree view 153 is provided to display the projects 151 and overlays 152. This will allow a hierarchy of projects 151 to be provided where, typically, a sub project will contain greater detail relating to a segment 154 within the parent project. Within a project 151 a tree view of overlays 152 must be connected by the same market values, this ensures that the dimensional data between sub and parent overlays 152 is the same in order to maintain the link between the data recorded in the system 11.

A Print 156 function allows a "screen dump" of the currently displayed grids will be provided. The print out will include notes and data associated with the displayed symbols 155.

A time line 157 is displayed by the overlay tool 15. The time scale is editable to display in increments of one week to one year. As the time line 157 is moved manually or automatically symbols 155 will displayed in colour or greyed out according to their active time.

The database 13 is a MySQL� database which stores all current and historical data. The data server layer 12 is an interface between the overlay tool 15 and the database 13. The database 13 contains tables to store project 151, overlay 152, segment 154 and symbol 155 data. The database 13 also stores scenarios generated by the scenario generator 14 as well as synchronisation matrix 16 data.

On the courses of action overlay, diamonds can be placed on the grid squares by the user to note action points. A record of the action point is then generated which requires that a person or resource within the organisation be allocated to their task. The record is in fact an internal "order form". These and other symbols 155 that have a time element can be exported from the overlay tool 15 to the synchronisation matrix 16. On the synchronisation matrix 16 a symbol representing each task is created. These tasks, known as events, will also take the form of a diamond. The synchronisation matrix 16 is also manually editable to allow exported symbols 155 to be edited and new tasks, or events added.

Events are created from the Tasks and given the current time by default. Users can edit Task times and add linked sub Tasks.

An example synchronisation matrix 16 is described further with reference to Figure 6 following.

A report 17 can be generated automatically by the data server layer 12 showing parent Task and all related sub Tasks. An example format of the report 17 can be seen in Table 2 following.

Table 2

Mission (To which the task relates): Task: (This is the task taken directly from the task on the synch matrix) Detail:

Description:

Implied Task Functional Detail of Measure of Responsibility Completion Group Task Success Date -11 - (drop down) (outcome & ______________ ______________ Activity focused) ______________ ______________ ______________

I

(The implied tasks are the sub tasks to achieve the above task) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ The above report is generated by the diamonds/flags that are placed on the "best course of action" overlay and then exported to the synchronisation matrix 16. The intent being this report is to give a briefing sheet by tasks, delegate the responsibility to somebody and record who and which function is carrying out the task.

The scenario generator 14 is a separate tool or function within the system 11 and is normally only used when all the seven overlays 15 are populated with at least a small piece of data. Specifically, the minimum required is that at least one scenario has been created by the user on the scenario generation overlay.

The scenario generator 14 then takes this scenario and feeds back its effects in to the data in the other overlays to show, for example what might the effect of a price hike in crude oil have on the available markets and competitor positions.

The overlay tool 15 will be designed primarily for display on projection equipment with an emphasis on multi-user interaction. This entails the use of a wireless mouse I track ball. This will allow the projection to be manipulated from a distance of approximately 10 metres down to a few centimetres. The mouse tool provides the same functionality as a standard prior art tracker mouse interface for example. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that other

prior art display methods could be used.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a base layer overlay, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. There is shown a base layer 20, which comprises 9 grid squares 21. The base layer 20 further comprises an x axis 23 which is entitled "Distribution Channels" and a y axis 22, which is entitled "Products/Services". The creation by a user of the x 23 and y 22 axis forms the

organisations' operating space, or field of play.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a base layer, a macro analysis layer and a critical dynamic activity layer, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. There is shown a base layer 30, a macro analysis layer 31 and a critical dynamic activity layer 32. The macro analysis layer 31 further comprises an oval symbol 36 which represents the regulatory controls imposed on the organisation by its local government, for example.

The critical dynamic activity layer 32 further comprises a first square symbol 33 which represents what the organisation's competitors are doing, as well as a second square symbol 34 which contains a description of the organisations current position in that market place. A further star symbol 35 represents new innovations within the market place and dotted lines 39 represent "fusions" or partnerships between the organisation and its competitors Figure 4 is a diagram showing a second example of a critical dynamic activity overlay, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this overlay 40, there is shown a first square symbol 42 which represents competitor A and a second square symbol 43 which represents competitor B. The size of the two square symbols, 42, 43 represents the relative size of each of the two competitors in terms of market share. This market share is represented by a piece of pie 41, 41' in the top right hand corner of each of the two symbols 42, 43. Two arrows 44, 44' represent the perceived threat level of each competitor to the organisation. Three question marks 46, 46', 46" are displayed which allow the interrogation by the user of the symbol to display more detailed

description 47, 47'of the object or segment.

A further arrow 45 on the overlay symbolises the size of the current market trend of the segment displayed.

Figure 5 is a screen shot 50 of the overlay tool showing three overlays and a symbol palette, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a diagram of a synchronisation matrix, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. There is shown a synchronisation matrix which comprises a time line 61 showing the months of the following year.

Specified tasks 62 are also shown, the tasks have been highlighted from the course of action overlay. The tasks 62 are lined together with task links 63 and the tasks and task links can be moved around the synchronisation matrix 60 by a user. All tasks 60 have a link to a document store in the database 13 where detaired information on the task is held.

Subordinate tasks 64 are also shown. The end 65 of a course of action being described by the tasks 64 is also shown.

The purpose of the synchronisation matrix 16 is to plot activities and events in a chronological manner, in order to allow the organisation to plan their strategies and ensure tasks/plans are carried out. The synchronisation matrix 16 allows the user to view all activity that has been plotted on the courses of action overlay and visualise activity that is happening sequentially and concurrently.

This is a critical enabler for an organisation as it engenders confidence in the plan/strategy that the correct time has been apportioned to the task and that adequate resources are available.

Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing a mission mapping methodology, according the first embodiment of the present invention. The Mission MappingTM methodology starts at the point marked "S" and comprises the following steps: Al. Understanding Strategic Intent (USI). This involves using brainstorm activities and floor exercises to result in the data to be inputted into the mapping system previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

A2. Defining the organisations operating space (DOS).

Understanding macro, industry and competitor activity and input data into base layer, market values, macro analysis & critical dynamic activity overlays (as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 4).

Inputs into these overlays include: Macro influences -Political, economic, social Industry analysis -Industry and market analysis Competitor activity and likely courses of action Technological and innovative influences Quantitative, qualitative and subjective data merged together A3. Choice of Action (COA). The organisation should understand what effect does the operating space have on the organisations strategic Intent and input this data into the choice of action overlay (as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 4) A4. Scenario Generation (SG) What are the organisations courses of action, what scenarios could be generated and contingencies planned? A5. Synchronisation Matrix (SM) How is the execution of the strategy or contingency plan synchronised? In principle Mission MappingTM is made up of three elements, a method for mapping out a users operating space, a means for both visually displaying the outcome of the mapping methodology and storage of that data and a means by which analysis of an effect can take place of a particular cause within an operating space.

Some of the possible outcomes of the Mission MappingTM method and system are as follows: * A 3 dimensional view of the organisation's operating space * Well grounded strategies and plans * Develop potential courses of action * Scenario generation * Mitigating contingency plans * Synchronisation matrix * Execution of strategy/implementation framework The versatility of the present invention means that the apparatus and method can be implemented in many contexts, indicated following: 1. Business 2. Sports 3. Emergency Services 4. Military 5. Leadership/Team building Different applications for the present invention are envisaged, as indicated following: * Annual strategic planning conference * Specific initiative/campaign planning * Sales force deployment planning * Competitor analysis * Competitive forces analysis (Buyer/Supplier etc) * Strategic what if' planning One advantage of the present invention is that it allows the unique creation of a user's topography'. This is not a geography (necessarily), but allows a user to use the x' and y' axis of their particular operating space. This creates the base level or foundation of a specific Mission MappingTM exercise for a given user. It enables a grid to be produced, which will allow further interrogation of particular grid squares for more in depth information.

A further advantage is that 3-Dimensional overlays give a high degree of visibility. The base layer grid then has further overlays added to it with information relevant to the user. The overlays include all critical dynamic activity that affects the user's operating space, this may include information on the competitor, enemy, criminal activity hotspots, regulatory controls, government interventions, technology for example.

A further advantage is the ability to create hierarchies. The base level grid may apply to a user's macro operation. A particular grid square maybe interrogated to gain detail at a lower level down the organisation. These hierarchies can go down a number of levels.

A further advantage is that quantitative, qualitative and subjective data can be combined to give a comprehensive and realistic view of the user's operating space. Most organisations generate an enormous amount of data, Mission MappingTM rationalises the amount of qualitative data required and displays it visually to give a view of the operating space. This can enhance the ability of the user to anticipate the future plays of the competition, as well as identify opportunities within their operating space.

A further advantage is that the present invention allows users to manipulate key players and activities in the field of play. The present invention enables the user to "physically walk" on to their operating space and move both critical activities

and players around the field of play.

A further advantage is that as the operating space is developed the user has the ability to continually record and save to a database the picture of the field of play as it develops. The storage and accessibility of all data is key to the ongoing user relationship and quality of the regular updates of the operating space. Further, due to the database storage capability, the courses of action that the user develops can be recorded and critical scenarios can be run against each course of action.

A further advantage is that once a strategy has been devised, the critical activity can be flagged and transferred onto a synchronisation matrix from which missions can be aligned and communicated.

It will be appreciated that although only one particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, various modifications and improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. -18-

Claims

Claims: 1. Apparatus for the analysis of data, the apparatus comprising: an input, wherein the input receives axis data and element data, the element data comprising a location of an element in an area defined by the axis data and an element descriptor; the apparatus further comprising: a processor for processing the axis and element data in response to a command input from a user and storing the axis and element data in a memory means; and an output for outputting the processed axis and element data.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the element data further comprises size data relating to the size of the element.
3. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising link data, wherein the link data relates to links between elements.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the input further receives segment data, the segment data relating to an area defined by the axis data, the processor processing, storing and outputting the segment data.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the processed axis, element, link and segment data is displayed on a display.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the processed axis, element, link and segment data is displayed on a display using overlays.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the processed axis, element, link and segment data is displayed on a display using hierarchical overlays.
8. Apparatus according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the displayed axis, element, link and segment data can be manipulated and edited by a user.
9. Apparatus according any preceding claim, wherein the input receives courses of action data, the course of action data relating to a course of action that may be taken.
10.Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processor processes, stores and outputs the courses of action data.
11.Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the processed courses of action data is displayed as tasks on a time line.
12.Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the displayed tasks can be manipulated and edited by a user.
13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the input receives scenario data, the scenario data relating to scenarios that may be carried out.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising processing the scenario data and depending upon the result, amending one of the element data, link data, segment data, or courses of action data.
15.Apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising storing and outputting the modified element data, link data, segment data, or courses of action data.
16.Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the element data relates to any one of a macro influence, an industry analysis, a competitor activity, a technological or innovative influences, a regulatory control, or data concerning an organisation. -20 -
17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the element data, link data, segment data, or courses of action data is qualitative and/or quantitative.
18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the output is a report.
19.A method for the analysis of data, the method comprising: receiving axis data and element data, the element data comprising a location of an element in an area defined by the axis data and an element descriptor; processing the axis and element data in response to a command input from a user; storing the axis and element data in a memory means; and outputting the processed axis and element data.
20.A method according to claim 19, wherein the element data further comprises size data relating to the size of the element.
21.A method according to either claim 19 or 20, further comprising link data, wherein the link data relates to links between elements.
22.A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising receiving segment data, the segment data relating to an area defined by the axis data, the processor processing, storing and outputting the segment data.
23.A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising displaying the processed axis, element, link and segment data on a display.
24. A method according to any of claims 19 to 23, further comprising displaying the processed axis, element, link and segment data on a display using overlays.

-21 -
25.A method according to any of claims 19 to 24, further comprising displaying the processed axis, element, link and segment data on a display using hierarchical overlays.
26.A method according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the displayed axis, element, link and segment data can be manipulated and edited by a user.
27.A method according to any of claims 19 to 26, further comprising receiving courses of action data, the course of action data relating to a course of action that may be taken.
28.A method according to claim 27, further comprising processing, storing and outputting the courses of action data.
29.A method according to claim 28, further comprising displaying the processed courses of action data as a task on a time line.
30.A method according to claim 29, wherein the displayed tasks can be manipulated and edited by a user.
31. A method according to any of claims 19 to 30, further comprising receiving scenario data, the scenario data relating to scenarios that may be carried out.
32.A method according to claim 31, further comprising processing the scenario data and depending upon the result, amending one of the element data, link data, segment data, or courses of action data.
33.A method according to claim 32, further comprising storing and outputting the modified element data, link data, segment data, or courses of action data.

-22 -
34.A method according to any of claims 19 to 33, wherein the element data relates to any one of a macro influence, an industry analysis, a competitor activity, a technological or innovative influences, a regulatory control, or data concerning an organisation.
35.A method according to any of claims 19 to 34, wherein the element data, link data, segment data, or courses of action data is qualitative and/or quantitative.
36.A method according to any of claims 19 to 34, further comprising outputting a report.
37.A method for strategic planning, the method comprising: defining axis, element, link and segment data; defining courses of action; defining scenarios; and generating tasks.
38.A method as claimed in claim 37, further comprising synchronising tasks with a time line.
39.A method as claimed in either claim 37 or 38, further comprising generating new courses of action dependent on the outcome of the scenarios.
40.A method according to any of claims 37 to 39, wherein the element data relates to any one of a macro influence, an industry analysis, a competitor activity, a technological or innovative influences, a regulatory control, or data concerning an organisation.
41.A system as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.
42.A method as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 7.