Scenario Planning and the Future of the Panama Canal Learn about the process of scenario-based strategic planning, a long range planning tool that helps companies and institutions rehearse the future. See the process and results come to life as it was applied by the Panama Canal Commission back in 1997 in its preparations for transfer of ownership and operating authority from the US in December 1999. Mr. Kennedy managed this engagement to help the future management of the Panama Canal prepare for this transfer. The Executive Planning Department of the Commission hired The Futures Group (TFG), now part of Deloitte Consulting, to develop a set of planning scenarios for the future of global transportation (with specific attention to the maritime component) set in a 40 to 50 year time horizon. In preparation for the September 1997 Universal Congress on the Future of the Canal, TFG helped Canal executives use the scenarios to identify and test new business strategies that will sustain the Canal in a wide variety of operating environments. Importantly, the scenario process helped the Canal management stress test the multi-decade, multi-billion dollar issue to proceed with the construction of a third set of locks and lanes. Mr. Kennedy presented the findings of the scenario planning project at the September 1997 Universal Congress.

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