Research Reports

Many consultants call formal succession planning the most important business strategy NOT being implemented today in most firms.

Yet, survey respondents to IOMA’s recent 2005 design firm survey indicate that many firms have not taken the first step in succession planning, despite their acknowledgement of its importance.

As the largest generation of Americans moves closer to retirement, the design industry will not be immune to the impact of this exodus of talent — and must make the necessary plans to be prepared for succession.

In Design Firm Succession Planning, you’ll learn the key questions that define a successful transition:

1. Who are the future leaders of your firm — and have they been fully trained?
2. Should there be a formal plan and a committee in charge??
3. Which is preferable — a CEO with a board or a managing partner with sole decision-making responsibility?

With data and analysis based on survey responses — and over 50 charts and tables — you’ll go step-by-step through the process of how to begin planning for your firm’s future, how to prepare and execute transfer of ownership, what key issues exist in establishing finance and corporate structures, and, finally, how to best manage the transition itself.

Design Firm Succession Planning is available as a soft cover book or PDF file for immediate download.

Preview this report's Table of Contents, List of Figures, and Introduction.