Planning and controlling business succession planning using quality function deployment

In view of the current lack of established and formal techniques, this paper details a modification of the quality function deployment methodology for business succession planning (BSP). A detailed overview of the proposed technique is provided, followed by an example to illustrate how the method can be used in practice. The new model incorporates three key stages of succession: (1) evaluating the incumbent and current position of the business, (2) evaluating the successor and competencies required for the future business, and (3) planning and implementation of essential tasks required for the future business. In addition to providing a holistic and practical tool for succession planning, the strengths of the framework include the ability to evaluate current and future competencies for succession, the potential for multiple successors to be assessed in relation to the current and future business, and an iterative procedure to enable flexibility and constant monitoring of the succession process.