Setting & Achieving Goals

M-O-S-A© (Market - Objectives - Strategies - Action Plans)

The Problem

Small and medium-sized companies tend to underestimate the significance of structure, systems and processes. Managers tend to rely on their instincts rather than on analytical thinking and rational planning. While instincts may have served them well in their domestic markets, relying on instincts can be a recipe for disaster when applied in an foreign market.

The Solution

M-O-S-A © (Market-Objectives-Strategies-Action Plans) is a very simple yet sophisticated management tool that we and our clients have been using in managing small, medium and some large companies and their many affiliates around the world. Our clients find MOSA to be the most creative system to plan and to define goals and develop distinct strategies; the most practical system to agree on Action Plans; the most motivating system based on participation and empowerment. Last but not least: M-O-S-A© works across cultural barriers.

M-O-S-A© is a creative business-planning and communication tool and, at the same time, an effective control system. It is so persuasive that it even brings structure into the private aspects of life of many employees.

M stands for Market

Many companies don’t really know their (foreign) market. But to set realistic Objectives, to develop distinct Strategies and meaningful Action Plans, they will have to know the target market, its customers and competitors. So, MOSA starts with a thorough analysis and definition of the target market.

That’s Step One.

O stands for Objectives

It is not unusual for us to find that management and staff differ with regard to their firm’s key Objectives. Often, Objectives are being confused with Strategies and Strategies with Action Plans.

Objectives have to be

Specific, concise, clear
Quantifiable, measurable, verifiable
Challenging, stimulating

That’s Step Two.

S stands for Strategies

S stands for Strategies that are an “integrated set of actions aimed at achieving competitive advantage”.

Strategies have to be

Integrated (not segregated, separate from other Strategies selected)
Sustainable (not easily invalidated, overturned, overruled, weakened)
Competitive (externally not internally oriented)

That’s Step Three.

A stands for Action Plans

A stands for Action Plans that are practical and efficient, and – most importantly - necessary and sufficient to implement the Strategies selected to achieve the Objectives.

That’s Step Four.

“Qualifiers”

Certain qualifying steps immediately following the development of the Strategies and – again – immediately following the Action Plans will ensure that as many Strategies and Action Plans as necessary but as few as possible will be adopted. The MOSA process requires another important qualifier – a consensus among all participants after each step and before the next step will be taken. Without such consensus it does not make sense to continue the process.

Barriers/Support needed: Early on, one will have to anticipate obstacles to overcome, barriers to be removed. That includes support of other individuals or of the organization to the extent that they are necessary to achieve Objectives. M-O-S-A© will help to identify and anticipate such critical conditions well in advance. This will greatly enhance chances to achieve Objectives.

Setting challenging yet realistically achievable Objectives - based on consensus
Developing distinct Strategies aimed at customers and competitors
Implementing Action Plans necessary and sufficient to achieve Objectives

MOSA stands for

Self-management: Creative, efficient, successful management of human resources – satisfying creative needs
Time management: Controlling cost, improving efficiency
Participation/empowerment: Covering all major strategic and operational decisions of your company
Management Training on the job - for all participants
Career development
Motivation:
Performance
Results:

Our Service

MOSA is deceptively simple but the client will greatly benefit if we introduce the system to his firm, business unit, subsidiary or partner company. (MOSA is a great tool to communicate and cooperate with Distributors and Dealers!) We can “train the trainer” or we will moderate the process once a year for all or for selected business units. As a third party, we can do things, a client will not or cannot do. Having no self interest in the process and the outcome, we have no conflict of interest. We can ask all kind of questions, we can insist on getting answers from any participant – no matter what his/her ranks is. We can open cans because we are not afraid of worms.