Success or failure of today's transport agencies depends on how well they are prepared for, and respond to, emerging economic, social, environmental and technological changes in their external operating environment. A strategic scanning process of the external environment was introduced into Main Roads Western Australia in 1996 and had a number of objectives: (1) to outline possible futures and issues facing the organisation; (2) to develop a learning organisation by building a strategic capability; (3) to involve stakeholders in future issues facing Main Roads. Strategy staff identified transport futures issues which were collated and analysed by a specialist consultant and published on a quarterly basis in RoadScan, as well as online. Issues raised were workshopped with staff and discussed with stakeholders. A number of emerging issues were identified for further research and analysis. Staff have developed a strategic capability and stakeholders have been involved in developing the future directions for road transport. An evaluation of RoadScan showed overwhelming support. (A)
Abstract