UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff PPeennnnssyyllvvaanniiaa SScchhoollaarrllyyCCoommmmoonnss Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics Organizational Dynamics Programs Theses 4-3-2007 AApppplliiccaattiioonnss ooff IInntteerraaccttiivvee PPllaannnniinngg MMeetthhooddoollooggyy Donna Aura Lumbo University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/od_theses_msod Part of the Organization Development Commons Lumbo, Donna Aura, "Applications of Interactive Planning Methodology" (2007). Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics Theses. 3. https://repository.upenn.edu/od_theses_msod/3 Submitted to the Program of Organizational Dynamics in the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania. Advisor: Dr. Alan M. Barstow This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/od_theses_msod/3 For more information, please contact [email protected]. AApppplliiccaattiioonnss ooff IInntteerraaccttiivvee PPllaannnniinngg MMeetthhooddoollooggyy AAbbssttrraacctt This thesis examines the evolution, rationale and application of the Interactive Planning Methodology described by Russell Ackoff (1981). It focuses on the facilitator, particularly on the competencies required, for one to successfully facilitate the methodology. Data were gathered from direct observation of an interactive planning exercise at GlaxoSmithKline in Philadelphia, PA, and interviews conducted on select practitioners and clients of the methodology. Results indicated that an effective facilitator must possess excellent communication skills, a high degree of analytical skills, and considerable people skills. In addition, one must be able to: (1) understand group dynamics and the differences in personalities of individuals, and must know how to use this knowledge to guide the group in a productive way; (2) establish an atmosphere in which the participants are willing to share their ideas and build on others' ideas; (3) maintain the energy level of the participants and enable them to stay focused on the task; and (4) connect their previous knowledge and experience to the current situation. Lastly, a facilitator of the Interactive Planning Methodology must be creative. Creativity is manifested by expressing unusual thoughts and being interesting and stimulating. DDiisscciipplliinneess Organization Development CCoommmmeennttss Submitted to the Program of Organizational Dynamics in the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania. Advisor: Dr. Alan M. Barstow This thesis or dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn.edu/od_theses_msod/3 APPLICATIONS OF INTERACTIVE PLANNING METHODOLOGY by Donna Aura A. Lumbo Submitted to the Program of Organizational Dynamics in the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2007 ii APPLICATIONS OF INTERACTIVE PLANNING METHODOLOGY Approved by: _________________________________________________ Larry M. Starr, Ph.D., Program Director __________________________________________________ Alan M. Barstow, Ph.D., Advisor __________________________________________________ Jason X. Magidson, Ph.D., Reader iii ABSTRACT This thesis examines the evolution, rationale and application of the Interactive Planning Methodology described by Russell Ackoff (1981). It focuses on the facilitator, particularly on the competencies required, for one to successfully facilitate the methodology. Data were gathered from direct observation of an interactive planning exercise at GlaxoSmithKline in Philadelphia, PA, and interviews conducted on select practitioners and clients of the methodology. Results indicated that an effective facilitator must possess excellent communication skills, a high degree of analytical skills, and considerable people skills. In addition, one must be able to: (1) understand group dynamics and the differences in personalities of individuals, and must know how to use this knowledge to guide the group in a productive way; (2) establish an atmosphere in which the participants are willing to share their ideas and build on others’ ideas; (3) maintain the energy level of the participants and enable them to stay focused on the task; and (4) connect their previous knowledge and experience to the current situation. Lastly, a facilitator of the Interactive Planning Methodology must be creative. Creativity is manifested by expressing unusual thoughts and being interesting and stimulating. iii iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Appreciation is extended to Dr. Alan Barstow, my capstone course advisor, and to Dr. Jason Magidson, my capstone reader, for their interest and guidance during the preparation of this document. I would also like to thank Dr. Larry Starr and the wonderful people of the Organizational dynamics office and my superiors and colleagues at the Central Bank of the Philippines for their support, advice, and encouragement throughout my tenure in the Organizational Dynamics program. I would like to express my gratitude to the following for taking the time out of their busy schedules to share with me their experience and expertise on the Interactive Planning Methodology: Dr. Russell Ackoff, Dr. John Pourdehnad, Dr. Sheldon Rovin, Dr. Jim Leemann, Dr. Gerald Suarez, Mr. Gordon Yonel, Mr. Russell Force, Ms. Adele Hebb, and Mr. Robert Lyon. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for always believing in me. iv v LIST OF TABLES TABLE Page 1 Characteristics of Creative Individuals 51 v vi LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE Page 1 Systems Approaches 9 vi vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv LIST OF TABLES v LIST OF FIGURES vi CHAPTER 1 Systems Thinking 1 Introduction What is a System? History of Systems Thinking 2 Contemporary Systems Thinking 8 Organizational Cybernetics Soft Systems Thinking Critical Systems Thinking 3 Interactive Planning Methodology 14 Background and Rationale Operating Principles Why use the Interactive Planning Methodology? 4 The Interactive Planning Process 22 Formulating the Mess Ends Planning Means Planning Resource Planning Design of Implementation and Control 5 Case Studies: Illustrations of the Process 30 Alcoa-Tennessee Super Fresh GlaxoSmithKline vii viii 6 The Facilitator 39 Competencies Required Importance of Creativity 7 Summary and Recommendation 56 REFERENCES 59 APPENDIX 61 viii