Measuring Strategic Capabilities
The importance of gaining control of strategic capabilities that influence corporate success. Frameworks and techniques - including the balanced scorecard - that enable organizations to measure capabilities such as talent, speed, shared mindset and customer connectivity across functions and against industry norms. (1933 words)

Communication Competence
This briefing outlines the competence, background and qualifications of communications specialists. Several organizations have attempted to define communication competence at an individual level. Among them is GTE, where the public affairs department has developed a clearly defined set of core competencies for communications practitioners. At an individual level, internal communication practitioners are expected to have a high level of strategic understanding as well as commercial awareness and change management skills. (7294 words)

The New HR Director
This briefing deals with the personal qualities, experience and qualifications of the strategic HR director who can play a full role in defining and delivering HR strategy. Why the HR director needs to be accepted as a part of the management team, capable of demonstrating both strategic thinking and general management skills. (5464 words)

Delivering Services Effectively
This briefing deals with the effective delivery of HR services, particularly through outsourcing and shared services centres.  Their role in enabling companies to focus on core processes and reduce the cost of delivering services and improving service quality. The cost and other advantages gained by early adopters such as Shell and GE. (3323 words)

BT Northern Ireland case study
The story behind BT Northern Ireland's corporate change programme called 'A Better Life' designed to create a coaching style of management and unlock the energy, contribution and creativity of the employee-base. (4757 words)

Developing a Strategic HR Capability
This briefing highlights the development of skills and competencies that enable HR to play a strategic role in the organization. At a time when more companies are turning to shared services and outsourcing to allow HR to focus on more value-adding activities, it underlines the risks of losing control over service delivery. With examples from BAE Systems, British Telecom and Kelly Services (3342 words)

Superdrug case study
Health and beauty retailer Superdrug's business transformation programme Living the Mission involved the education and training of all employees in total quality management (TQM) tools and techniques and using a cultural survey to track progress against cultural objectives. (4720 words)

What is Strategic HR?
How HR's increasing value to the business and its growing relevance to delivering corporate strategy has developed over the past decade or so. Examples include the recent experience of Kelly Services, Orange UK and Allied Irish Bank, where HR has been successfully positioned as a driver of strategic success. (6602 words)