Improving development performance in growing companies

Despite the ups and downs of the technology stock markets, there are still many interesting cases of spectacular growth by high tech companies. However, many companies fail to achieve it because growth brings its own problems and crises. What have successful companies done so well to deliver growth? Can their experiences and ways of working be used elsewhere? Is such growth simply the result of good products and good lack or can more startup organizations avoid failure? As companies grow their management must respond to changing requirements. Successful growing companies adapt to changing environments by using a holistic framework to take control of growth crises. This paper sets out the development framework created by PA Consulting Group. It encapsulates experience and research gained from working with many small and fast growing high tech companies in a wide range of industries including telecommunications, consumer electronics and healthcare. The development framework has six dimensions each critical to successful growth: vision, priorities, resources, pathway, business blueprint and action. The framework builds on existing business lifecycle and innovation models. The recommended application of the development framework focuses on achieving and maintaining an appropriate balance between these dimensions. Applying the framework is a three-stage process that involves testing the current balance, identifying the future balance and implementing the action plan for change. Appropriate diagnostic tools support each stage. Four brief case studies are provided to illustrate how application of the development framework has been successful in different industries. The paper finishes with a section describing the results of research to prove hypotheses drawn from the development framework. In conclusion, this paper indicates that the development framework can be used proactively to shape a company and sustain high growth success.