Issue Analysis
Our aim:
- to determine all the major factors which have generated the current situation
- to identify the key propositions, together with those groups which support them
- to prepare a comprehensive formulation of all the arguments involved, in the form of propositions and counter-propositions
- to predict, with probabilities and timings attached, various likely future scenarios
- to recommend courses of action intended to exploit opportunities and to minimise risk
Form of Reporting: The end-product usually takes the form of a continuous reporting process which provides first a basic analysis of the issue and subsequently up-dates on aspects of the issue as matters develop. One of the components of the basic report is a briefing document for clients on all the arguments the client may have to face and how best to deal with them, depending on the type of audience the client is addressing.
Experience: We have used our Issue Analysis techniques on some major projects. In particular, we were retained throughout the Gulf War to analyse the various courses of action which the main Western Governments might pursue and to identify those factors, including media coverage and public opinion, which might have an influence on governmental policy decisions. The service has also been applied to such matters as industrial disputes in the UK; to the relationship between the Health Service and private healthcare; and to the issue of mutuality in the financial services sector.
