A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Management

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology,2000

Research in environmental scanning practices (ESPs) has shown how effective and efficient companies can be in a changing environment. Little research has been done to assess the nature of ESPs in finance and telecommunications companies in Asia. A conceptual framework has been designed using environmental scanning concepts from the review of the literature, case studies, interviews, and questionnaires. This study shows that companies with high rates of return on investment focus on a limited number of ESPs features, such as the economy and the relationships. Only basic ESPs have been applied in finance and telecommunications companies. The economic dimension is the most important environmental scanning factor applied for finance and telecommunications companies. Finance companies have used a limited form of methodology, such as rule of thumb in analysing a changeable environment. Telecommunications companies, which obtain concessions are successful by identifying technological demand specified by the government and matching appropriate service providers without using any formal environmental scanning techniques for analysis. An environmental scanning model is necessary for developing better ESPs for various industries in which turbulent environment will increasingly occur. Results show that the consistency in applying ESPs could provide the top management with far-sighted and proactive emphasis in the design and launch of a new product or service. Perceptions of appropriate environmental scanning factors influence top management to clarify strategic issues caused by the volatility of the environmental and to act appropriately. Moreover, the application of environmental scanning techniques for analysis provides the decision-sensitive data to solve strategic problems.