This book represents a higher level approach for accountants and financial managers to the key and frequently mentioned need for more sophisticated information in the areas of budgeting, forecasting and planning. This publication provides a framework for integrating these important tasks in order to function successfully in ambiguous environments.

Using a recently conducted industry survey the authors analyse current practices and then provide proven strategies that integrate the individual tasks of budgeting and forecasting into a flexible planning framework that allows the reader to maximise rewards and minimise risks in uncertain business conditions. The book contains:

• A proposed planning framework grounded in original thinking and based on best practices found in management methodologies such as the balanced scorecard.  
• The application of technology to the framework with details on some of the new planning approaches adopted by new vendors and not previously covered.
• The results of a survey conducted specifically for the book on the current state and satisfaction of planning within organisations.
• Essential content that flows across a number of fundamental tasks critical to the expanded role of accountants and financial managers in today’s organisations. The authors provide a solid strategic foundation for activities that are now central to the role of management accountants.