A neural networks-based approach for strategic planning

We establish a systematic approach that incorporates neural networks in conjunction with portfolio matrices to assist managers in evaluating and forming strategic plans. Based on the principle of dispersing risks, we also provide a linear integer programming model, which helps in allocating the annual budget optimally among proposed strategies. The approach has been successfully implemented for a major food industry leader in Taiwan for its annual strategic planning. Although a particular portfolio matrix model was adopted in our approach, the framework proposed here can be modified to incorporate other strategy-evaluation measures. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.