Implementing an updated strategy and 3 year plan at EFQM 
Since the end of 2009 EFQM has been reviewing its strategy in the context of a changed world, with the objective of clearly defining our Mission, Vision and Values for the next three years. We have been able to call on the support of members to guide us, and use the resources of the EFQM Framework and tools to structure our work. As we have been promoting the use of the EFQM Model as a valuable input to setting strategy, this is what we have done in our own case: start with the intended results and work out the enablers that will help us to achieve them.

The updated and clarified strategy and three year plan, which was the result of consultations with representatives from the members based around a Self-Assessment and the recommendations of internal working groups, were officially launched at the Learning Edge in Glasgow in June, where Pierre Cachet presented the key conclusions and solicited feedback from members. [Read more]

Strix plans for global growth
Strix develops key technologies for small domestic appliances, such as safety control systems, thermostats and filtration systems (for filter kettles, fridge jugs and chilled water units). Employing around 750 people worldwide, the company markets its products through some of the world’s best known home appliance brands, such as Bosch, Siemens, Philips, Black and Decker and Rowenta in over one hundred countries. The Head Office is in the Isle of Man with sales offices across the United Kingdom, Belgium, Russia, China and Hong Kong. The company’s core product of thermostatic controls for small appliances dominates its market, with over 50% share: global market penetration is such that “one in five people across the world use a Strix safety control on a regular basis, resulting in over one billion uses of its products per day”.

For the past thirty years, Strix has benefited from strong margins and good sales growth, based on its technological leadership and close customer relationships. The company has taken great care of its intellectual property rights: extending and defending patents on its inventions and careful management of licensing agreements around the world. In a recent legal case early in 2010, Strix made history by winning a patent infringement case against two local Chinese companies in a Beijing intermediate court. This decision was applauded by commentators outside China, many of whom share the opinion of the CEO of Strix, Paul Hussey, that the case could mark the beginning of a new era in business relationships with China. [Read more]

It's not just a game - By Geoff Carter
Watching the early rounds of the World Cup taking place in South Africa, I am impressed by a number of things, not the least of which are the 'surprisingly' good results of some smaller nations.  We have already seen several of the more fancied sides (and I personally include England in that) held to a draw, or beaten, by supposedly 'smaller' teams.  This happens more often than not in the early stages of the World Cup, so one surprise is that anyone should be surprised.  What is so disappointing is the almost universal discussion among pundits both professional and amateur that the entire fault lies with the losing side (or their manager).  [Read more]

Also take a look at our other blogs:
Top of the list?  Why ranking tables are a poor substitute for EFQM Assessment, by Hervé Legenvre [Read more]
Taking information for granted, by Melissa Rancourt [Read more]
There is no 'acceptance' in entrepreneurialism, by Melissa Rancourt [Read more]
The delayed cost of complacency, by Melissa Rancourt [Read more]
We're not out of the jungle, yet, by Hervé Legenvre [Read more]
Taking our place in the bonus debate, by Hervé Legenvre [Read more]
Better service can be slower service, by Melissa Rancourt [Read more]

EFQM brings together organisations striving for Sustainable Excellence.  
Click here to read more about the mission and vision of EFQM.