I. Introduction

This session will introduce the objectives of the course and will provide an overview of the different types of roadmaps as well as the methodology and processes used to develop them. The session will also examine how roadmapping development, implementation and update roles influence team choices.

II. Methods and Tools to Get Started

This session will examine key steps in the early stages of roadmapping methodology, including how to:

• Kick-off the process of roadmap development – special considerations

•  Integrate market pull, technology push, and competitive clash into the roadmap and planning activities. Examine the five ways that people view the future

• Conduct an Impact Analysis: participants will be introduced to Impact Wheels, a practical tool to examine the higher order and non-obvious factors that can affect the long-term success or failure of roadmaps

• Evaluate the impact of external factors on the successful implementation of the strategic plan; learn key strategies for how to capture the reactions of external parties to your strategic plan and incorporate them in the process

• Enlist the support of experts, both internal and external, to enhance the roadmapping development. Practical tips on how to access experts, define their roles and engage available tools in the process

III. Refining Your Roadmap Approach

This session will review the various types, approaches, and classes of roadmaps. Participants will learn how to select the right roadmap type (or combinations of roadmaps) for their particular organization’s needs.  Instructors will examine the following types of roadmaps and key uses for each:

• Technology

• Science/Research

• Services

• Project

• Market 

• Opportunities

• Product/Technology 

• Capabilities

IV. Making Roadmaps Actionable:
Managing Organizational Barriers

The use of group intelligence and collaboration is critical in developing actionable roadmaps. This session will address how to manage:

• The impact of individual interests, expectations, concerns, and perspectives on roadmap planning, execution, and management

• The role of corporate and industry culture

• Common barriers and breakdowns for roadmap planning and culture management

• The importance of holding creative tension in the process

V. Integrating Tools into Your
Roadmapping Process/Sessions

This session will introduce additional tools that can be integrated in roadmap planning and development sessions. Discussion of these tools will include hands-on exercises on how to apply the following tools:

• Force Field Analysis: A discussion of the forces that drive and shape technology advancements and how these forces can impact decision making in your organization

• Scenarios: Learn techniques for developing scenarios for the future and how to use these alternative scenarios to integrate flexibility into the roadmapping process

• Technology Forecasting: Learn how technology forecasting techniques are used to enhance the utility and timeliness of strategic plans

• Morphological Analysis: How to determine the innovation of competing technologies and new approaches

VI. Roadmapping Application

This session will specifically examine:

• The drivers for roadmaps and how other strategic tools fit into the roadmapping methodology and process

• The technical and programmatic response

• How to apply your roadmapping process and product/technology roadmap to future facing business (as well as to the plans, actions, and strategic considerations of achieving that vision)

VII. Implementation

This session will review key factors for implementation and update stages. The instructors will walk you through the necessary process steps and success variables that contribute to an active, involved and supported roadmap.