Case Study

SURFing the TSUNAMI: A framework for assessing and adapting in turbulent times

11 pages
January 2025
Reference: IMD-7-2629

This technical note introduces two powerful frameworks for navigating complex, rapidly changing business environments: TSUNAMI and SURF. The TSUNAMI framework provides a comprehensive tool for assessing external challenges across seven dimensions: technological disruption, socio-economic shifts, upheaval potential, network vulnerability, accelerating climate impacts, market transformation, and impact intensity. The SURF framework complements this by focusing on developing adaptive organizational capabilities: strategic thinking, unified ecosystem leadership, resilient organization and flexible tenacity. The note offers detailed explanations of each framework, practical assessment tools and guidance on their application. It serves as a standalone resource for leaders and organizations seeking to enhance their ability to thrive in turbulent times. Additionally, it provides the theoretical foundation for the GreenGro case series (A) and (B) (IMD-7-2627 and IMD-7-2628), which illustrates the practical application of these frameworks in a real-world scenario. Whether used independently or in conjunction with the GreenGro cases, this technical note equips readers with valuable tools for systematic analysis of complex business environments and development of adaptive organizational capabilities. It is designed to be relevant across various industries and applicable to different levels of management education, from advanced undergraduates to executive education participants.

Learning Objective
  • Understand the TSUNAMI framework and its seven dimensions for assessing external challenges
  • Learn to apply the SURF framework to develop critical organizational capabilities
  • Gain proficiency in using the TSUNAMI and SURF assessment tools
  • Analyze the interconnections between external challenges and internal capabilities
  • Develop strategies for thriving in rapidly changing business environments
Keywords
Future Readiness, Agility, Business Transformation, Leadership, Organizational Change, Scenario Planning, Strategic Management
Type
Generalized Experience
Copyright
© 2024
Available Languages
English
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This case study is part of a series
  • GreenGro (A): Cultivating a future
  • GreenGro (B): SURFing the TSUNAMI
  • SURFing the TSUNAMI: A framework for assessing and adapting in turbulent times
This case study is part of a series
  • GreenGro (A): Cultivating a future
  • GreenGro (B): SURFing the TSUNAMI
  • SURFing the TSUNAMI: A framework for assessing and adapting in turbulent times
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