Designing a strategic plan through an emerging knowledge generation process : The ATM experience

Purpose – The aim of this contribution is to describe a new methodology for designing strategic plans and how it was implemented by ATM, a public transportation agency based in Milan, Italy. Design/methodology/approach – This methodology is founded on a new system theory, called “quantum systemics”. It is based on models and metaphors both of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. It provides a real conceptual guide to creating profoundly participative strategic plans which are self‐implementing. In synthesis this methodology is a new operational model for “strategy government”. Findings – The output of this experience has been the validation of the methodology: the strategic plans have been self‐implemented and planned objectives have been reached. As by‐product, taking part in this process enabled all the fundamental communicative and relational skills to be developed. Originality/value – The originality consists in the “foundation” of methodology (quantum physics). The value consists in the process which generates very participative and, because of that, self‐implementing strategic plans.