ROAD Glossary

Core Values

The fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that influence an

organization's culture, behavior, and decision-making processes.

Vision Incorporating a BHAG

A long-term, ambitious goal that is clear, compelling, and designed to

inspire and drive the organization toward extraordinary outcomes.

Core Competencies

Unique skills, capabilities, and resources that provide an organization

with a competitive advantage and distinguish it in the marketplace.

Needs of Underserved Markets

Identifying and addressing gaps in products or services for customers

segments or communities that have been overlooked or inadequately served.

Divergent Thinking

A creative thought process that involves generating multiple, novel ideas,

solutions, or possibilities to solve a problem, address a challenge, or generate growth.

Experimentation

The systematic process of testing ideas, products, or strategies to assess

feasibility, effectiveness, or potential for innovation.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Innovative and risk-taking initiatives that aim to create, develop, and

scale new business opportunities.

Enablers

Tools, systems, technologies, or practices that facilitate the achievement

of goals, improve efficiency, or enhance capabilities.

Modular Structure

An organizational design characterized by the use of independent units or

components that can be reconfigured to adapt to changing needs or demands.

Smart Power

The strategic use of a combination of soft power (persuasion and

influence) and hard power (coercion or force) to achieve goals effectively.

Alignment

Ensuring consistency and harmony between an organization’s vision,

strategy, objectives, and operations to drive unified efforts.

Environmental Considerations

Incorporating environmental sustainability into decision-making, operations, and strategies to minimize ecological impact and promote

eco-friendly practices.

Community Interests

Prioritizing the well-being, needs, and concerns of the community in

business strategies and practices to build trust and support.

Governance Practices

Structures, policies, and processes used to ensure accountability, responsiveness to stakeholders, transparency, and ethical behavior

within an organization.

AI Tools—Strategy

Using artificial intelligence to analyze data, forecast trends, and make

strategic decisions that align with organizational goals.

AI Tools—Procurement

Leveraging AI to optimize supply chain processes, including inventory

management, demand forecasting, and logistics.

AI Tools—Operations

The application of AI technologies to streamline and enhance operational

efficiency, productivity, and resource utilization.

AI Tools—Distribution

Utilizing AI to optimize distribution networks, delivery routes, and

inventory allocation for better customer service and cost efficiency.

AI Tools—Financial Risk

Employing AI-driven models and analytics to identify, predict, and

mitigate potential financial risks and fraud.

Upskilling

Providing employees with training and education to develop new skills or

enhance existing ones, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly changing work environment.

Job Rotation

A workforce development practice where employees are moved between

different roles or departments to gain a broader understanding of the organization and build diverse skills.

Public-Private Partnerships

Public-Private and University Partnerships (PPUPs) are collaborations between government entities, private businesses, and academic institutions

institutions to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.