Managers are looking for ways to cut costs and speed their delivery time. Software such as Virtual CEO, he says can help. But Curt Swindoll, CEO of Cool Strategies, a management consulting firm in Brea, Calif., noted that Virtual CEO software is only a tool that helps a company determine its strategic plan. Organizations don't change simply by regurgitating information from its executives, whether it comes in the form of software or interviews. The consultant using the Virtual CEO assessment works with a company in person, forming effective strategy by the exchange of ideas.
Technology enables the process to move at new economy speed.
The software is effective when management is open to using its feedback to develop an action plan, says consultant Swindoll. Still, he noted that online answers are more objective and consistent that those gleaned from interviews. Because people answer multiple choice questions management consultants agree that their responses are less arbitrary and less prone to subjective interpretation. Calif. Johnson's firm works with clients to formulate a strategic plan to improve the bottom line. Johnson says the software helps companies identify which issues are critical to their success, along with areas in which they are weak.