138 Navigating Strategic Decisions: The Power of Sound Analysis and Forecasting
Following the outline of the SDF process, the most notable steps and activities, whose order may be
changed as needed, are
1. Assigning experienced and dedicated SDF team members to the NPD project right at the
start of the new product assessment.
2. Developing close business links and personal relationships with all functions represented
on the NPD project team and with external sources of intelligence and expertise.
3. Establishing an end-to-end SDF process customized to t each stage of an NPD project
from the idea to the product launch phase.
4. Identifying the long pole in the tent; that is, identifying what needs to be known, determin-
ing the activit