project highlights - case study

Project

Alzheimer’s Association Strategic Review

Client

Alzheimer’s Australia WA (AWA)

Opportunity

In 2006, Alzheimer’s Australia WA commissioned Creating Communities to undertake an independent review of the organisation's strategic operations and functioning.
The initiative was proposed following the commitment by the Federal Government to establish dementia as a National Health Priority and inject $200 million funding over a four-year period. As a result of this announcement, there has been an increase in the number of dementia-related programs and services being offered, as well as a general rise in the number of service providers in the area of dementia and aged care.
In response to this changing environment, AWA acknowledged the need to undertake a review of its strategic direction and organisational functioning in order to better position itself for the future.

Our Role

Creating Communities has had a key role in the execution of AWA’s new strategic direction, enabling staff, board members and key stakeholders to have input into the future direction of the organisation. A number of strategies were employed to meet the review objectives, including:

• Coordination of a review of the strategic plan with the AWA management team;

• A review of existing literature, reports and objectives from the national Alzheimer’s Australia body and Alzheimer’s Australia WA;

• In-depth consultation with AWA’s key stakeholders;

• Preparation of a comprehensive report on stakeholder perceptions and feedback in relation to AWA’s current position, the future of the dementia and aged care market place and future priorities and opportunities;

• Presentation of research findings to the AWA Board and the management team;

• Facilitation of a strategic priorities workshop with the AWA board and management team; and

• Preparation of a strategic priorities report and recommended strategic direction updates.

Outcomes

The approach undertaken by Creating Communities was well received by Alzheimer’s Australia WA, with recommendations being incorporated into the future strategic planning of the organisation.
Feedback from the board and staff members highlighted how important it was to employ an independent organisation to explore many of the issues in need of being addressed. The research undertaken as part of the strategic planning strategy was considered invaluable during the prioritisation workshop, providing much of the direction for many of the discussions. In addition to the independent research, AWA board and staff found the utilisation of a fully trained and independent facilitator one of the key ingredients for smooth and productive interactions during the entire process.
The subsequent strategic outcomes have ensured that AWA is in a position to move the organisation well into the future market place and remain “leaders” within the dementia field.