Artificial neural network: An upcoming strategic decision planning support tool

Finding a reliable technique to help[ in the strategic planning is not a new research issue. Past studies, using several techniques and models, have shown only limited progress. Existing techniques are either too complex and time-consuming or too unreliable for full-scale adoption. Artificial neural network (ANN) technology seems capable of overcoming most of these shortcomings. This paper overviews existing techniques: the strategic-fit concept, CAPM, traditional DSS, and expert systems and contrasts them with ANN. An illustrative application is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of ANN in supporting a diversification strategic planning.