Summary: Guiding Principles

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This section summarises the themes introduced in previous sections of the paper as a short list of essential points to be included in the proposed framework.  The following principles will guide development of the next stage of work:

1. Understanding the bigger picture

‘Property is a necessary support to the operational business.  Getting your property strategy right requires a complete and detailed understanding of the wider business strategy and its operations.’  Keith Martin, Partner, Donaldsons [4] 

2. Identifying critical relationships

Understanding the links between property and business and eliminating disconnects in the system is vital, particularly connections with valuations and finance.  A common basis of measurement is a prerequisite to this requirement.

3. Multiple perspectives

There is no right or wrong way, or even any objective way, to define a system and its boundaries.  The quality of analysis and a successful outcome will depend upon taking into account and working with multiple perspectives. [8] 

4. Learning

This is the route to making sound decisions in situations that are complex and where outcomes are unpredictable - personal and organisational learning comprises a continual cycle of evaluating the outcomes of planned situations, identifying what needs to change and acting on the system to improve performance.

5. Communication

Each of the above principles depends upon the effective flow of information across different parts of the organisation, particularly feedback - this is the basis of good communication - it requires an appropriate organisational structure.

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