3. Types of change

We have described external changes to be either opportunities or threats (they can be both at the same time as well). These changes can be further classified into types of change. There is no hard and fast way of doing this, but a good mix includes

Having this list of topics in mind, it is easier to consider the changes that are known to be taking place outside the company.

Example

A team has been set up to do some strategic planning for the company.

One team member asks the question "What technologies are coming along that we need to respond to?". The more technology minded experts in the meeting can then discuss this. Those changes are then seen to be a potential threat, an opportunity or even both.

Another person ask the question "Are there changes in the market place that we need to respond to?". A marketing specialist can then explain what is happening out there.

In this way the impact of external change can be analysed and documented along with a plan of what to do about it.