presentation by genesis strategic management consultants 12 november 2002

PresentationPresentation

byby

GENESISGENESIS

Strategic Management Consultants Strategic Management Consultants

12 November 200212 November 2002

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND

Preparation and Planning for the 2002 FIFA World Cup

Evaluation Review

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Overall AimsOverall Aims

To examine the performance and role of the FAI in all To examine the performance and role of the FAI in all operational matters in the preparation and support of the operational matters in the preparation and support of the Irish team at the 2002 FIFA World CupIrish team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup

To consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of To consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of these procedures and arrangements against other similar these procedures and arrangements against other similar international comparatorsinternational comparators

To examine how the Senior Irish team fits into FAI To examine how the Senior Irish team fits into FAI structuresstructures

In the light of the above to recommend a strategy for the In the light of the above to recommend a strategy for the FAI to devise suitable policies to achieve greater and FAI to devise suitable policies to achieve greater and consistent success during the forthcoming UEFA consistent success during the forthcoming UEFA European Championship and subsequent World Cup European Championship and subsequent World Cup campaignscampaigns


In detail…In detail…

Review planning which the FAI carried out for the 2002 FIFA Review planning which the FAI carried out for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, especially from the end of qualifying in November World Cup, especially from the end of qualifying in November 20012001

Assess quality of the plans for preparation for this TournamentAssess quality of the plans for preparation for this Tournament Review the events which occurred during the acclimatisation Review the events which occurred during the acclimatisation

and Training Camps immediately prior to the FIFA World Cupand Training Camps immediately prior to the FIFA World Cup Gather the views of stakeholders in the Irish international Gather the views of stakeholders in the Irish international

teamsteams Review the effectiveness of the FAI structures and staff in Review the effectiveness of the FAI structures and staff in

support of the International Teams, especially for a World Cupsupport of the International Teams, especially for a World Cup Assess the effectiveness of the FAI’s media relations and the Assess the effectiveness of the FAI’s media relations and the

management of their public relationsmanagement of their public relations Review management processes and procedures deployed by Review management processes and procedures deployed by

the FAIthe FAI


Our ApproachOur Approach

Data review and analysisData review and analysis Interviews (88 in total)Interviews (88 in total)

27 interviews27 interviews Team Management, Coaches, Management, AdministratorsTeam Management, Coaches, Management, Administrators

• 1 declined to be formally interviewed1 declined to be formally interviewed FAI staff and voluntary leadership FAI staff and voluntary leadership

4 Interviews with Irish Sports Council, Department of Tourism, Culture and 4 Interviews with Irish Sports Council, Department of Tourism, Culture and SportSport

18 interviews with journalists/media correspondents in Ireland and England18 interviews with journalists/media correspondents in Ireland and England 9 Interviews with other stakeholders 9 Interviews with other stakeholders Attendance at Eircom League matchesAttendance at Eircom League matches

Interviews with PlayersInterviews with Players 23 invitations issued; 14 inputs received23 invitations issued; 14 inputs received 6 interviews with Premiership Club managers in England6 interviews with Premiership Club managers in England

Comparator analysisComparator analysis Other national football associations - Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and Other national football associations - Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and

EnglandEngland Peak Performing Organisations - comparison for FAI with research e.g. New Peak Performing Organisations - comparison for FAI with research e.g. New

Zealand All Blacks, Netherlands Hockey, Rugby Football LeagueZealand All Blacks, Netherlands Hockey, Rugby Football League


Ireland’s International AchievementsIreland’s International Achievements

In recent years Ireland have achieved:In recent years Ireland have achieved: 1990 World Cup (Italy) - 8th - with 4 draws1990 World Cup (Italy) - 8th - with 4 draws 1992 European Nations Cup - did not qualify - behind England in 1992 European Nations Cup - did not qualify - behind England in

Group 7Group 7 1994 World Cup (USA) - qualified for 2nd round; lost to Holland 1994 World Cup (USA) - qualified for 2nd round; lost to Holland

1996 European Nations - did not qualify - lost to Holland (play 1996 European Nations - did not qualify - lost to Holland (play off)off)

1998 World Cup (France) - did not qualify - lost to Belgium 1998 World Cup (France) - did not qualify - lost to Belgium (play-off)(play-off)

2000 European Nations Cup - did not qualify - lost to Turkey 2000 European Nations Cup - did not qualify - lost to Turkey (play-off) on away goals(play-off) on away goals

2002 World Cup (Japan/Korea) - qualified for 2nd round; ranked 2002 World Cup (Japan/Korea) - qualified for 2nd round; ranked 13th in the world after the event13th in the world after the event

Highlights at Junior level:Highlights at Junior level: Junior squads have enjoyed consistent success over the last Junior squads have enjoyed consistent success over the last

decade frequently finishing in top quartile positions in European decade frequently finishing in top quartile positions in European Nations TournamentsNations Tournaments


The Context of Football The Context of Football

Football as an international sport is boomingFootball as an international sport is booming The importance of the English PremiershipThe importance of the English Premiership The viability of football in Ireland and the FAI as an The viability of football in Ireland and the FAI as an

organisation is closely linked to the success or organisation is closely linked to the success or otherwise of its senior international teamotherwise of its senior international team

The competition for Ireland, in the 2nd tier of football The competition for Ireland, in the 2nd tier of football nations, has intensified nations, has intensified


The Irish International PlayersThe Irish International Players

Young players with potential tend to leave Ireland at 15-Young players with potential tend to leave Ireland at 15-16 to join a Premiership/First Division club in the UK16 to join a Premiership/First Division club in the UK

They participate in excellent competition in the top They participate in excellent competition in the top English/Scottish Premierships English/Scottish Premierships

This experience has raised expectations for a much This experience has raised expectations for a much higher standard of service/support than 10-12 years agohigher standard of service/support than 10-12 years ago

Roy Keane is at the extreme edge of these expectationsRoy Keane is at the extreme edge of these expectations


Ireland - the Celtic TigerIreland - the Celtic Tiger

Irish squads, especially in the last 12 years, have Irish squads, especially in the last 12 years, have appeared to perform above expectations, in marked appeared to perform above expectations, in marked contrast to otherscontrast to others

Most people felt this was due to:Most people felt this was due to: Strong morale and team spirit - almost like a clubStrong morale and team spirit - almost like a club Feeling of ‘we have nothing to lose’Feeling of ‘we have nothing to lose’ Spirit of fun in the squad and ‘get on with it’ when in Spirit of fun in the squad and ‘get on with it’ when in

adversityadversity Social relationship with one Social relationship with one ananother and fansother and fans

Ireland’s national economic performance over the last Ireland’s national economic performance over the last decade has more than matched that of its football teams. decade has more than matched that of its football teams.

Public sector funding for football is likely to be less Public sector funding for football is likely to be less available than in the past, or at least to a lesser extent available than in the past, or at least to a lesser extent than previous grantsthan previous grants


FAI ObjectivesFAI Objectives

Specifically for the FIFA 2002 World CupSpecifically for the FIFA 2002 World Cup No explicit objectives written down or agreed between No explicit objectives written down or agreed between

FAI and team managementFAI and team management Implicit, but not sharedImplicit, but not shared

To qualify for the second stageTo qualify for the second stage To do as well as we couldTo do as well as we could To earn net €1.5m.To earn net €1.5m.

No official structures and processes set up by FAI - just No official structures and processes set up by FAI - just the Working Groupthe Working Group


Preparing for BattlePreparing for Battle

In December 2001 a Working Group was set upIn December 2001 a Working Group was set up No dedicated plan or budget was prepared for the 2002 No dedicated plan or budget was prepared for the 2002

World CupWorld Cup Plans were made to improve ticketing arrangements and Plans were made to improve ticketing arrangements and

these seem to have worked wellthese seem to have worked well Pressure recognised by Board with secondment, in March Pressure recognised by Board with secondment, in March

2002, of 2 extra members of staff to handle commercial 2002, of 2 extra members of staff to handle commercial opportunitiesopportunities

Friendly matches chosen well against relevant opponentsFriendly matches chosen well against relevant opponents


Saipan - Relaxation and Saipan - Relaxation and AcclimatisationAcclimatisation

Chosen from a number of Chosen from a number of alternativesalternatives 1000 miles south of Tokyo1000 miles south of Tokyo One hour time difference One hour time difference

(forward) from Japan(forward) from Japan US ‘Commonwealth’ - US US ‘Commonwealth’ - US

cultureculture Serious training not on the Serious training not on the

agendaagenda Did the players really Did the players really

understand this?understand this? Evidence that this was Evidence that this was

explained and agreed at the explained and agreed at the team meeting the day team meeting the day before Niall Quinn’s before Niall Quinn’s testimonial testimonial

Roy Keane was not presentRoy Keane was not present 5 star hotel and facilities5 star hotel and facilities

Key staff arrived 2 days in Key staff arrived 2 days in advance to ease check in advance to ease check in etcetc


Saipan - in SummarySaipan - in Summary

Good choice of venue for acclimatisation and relaxation, Good choice of venue for acclimatisation and relaxation, but it added a disproportionately large complexity to but it added a disproportionately large complexity to logisticslogistics Additional 3rd leg to an already tiring journeyAdditional 3rd leg to an already tiring journey Out of mobile phone/wireless contact for manyOut of mobile phone/wireless contact for many Journalists looking for a storyJournalists looking for a story

The Pitch and Skip incidents were hugely more damaging The Pitch and Skip incidents were hugely more damaging than the technical impact on the team’s performancethan the technical impact on the team’s performance

FAI support for Press Officer and Team Management FAI support for Press Officer and Team Management totally inadequatetotally inadequate Mick had to take control of the management of media Mick had to take control of the management of media

relations and had little support from othersrelations and had little support from others No crisis management policy or procedure to fall back on No crisis management policy or procedure to fall back on

in Saipan or at homein Saipan or at home Exposed the flaws which were always there in:Exposed the flaws which were always there in:

Leadership, Management and CommunicationLeadership, Management and Communication The ‘Them and Us’ between the Team and the FAIThe ‘Them and Us’ between the Team and the FAI


Saipan – the good, the bad and the Saipan – the good, the bad and the ugly from the Players’ perspectiveugly from the Players’ perspective

Was the purpose of Saipan clear and agreed by all?Was the purpose of Saipan clear and agreed by all? Hotel and other facilities were excellent Hotel and other facilities were excellent Acclimatisation was goodAcclimatisation was good Roy / Mick debacle created real stress for the playersRoy / Mick debacle created real stress for the players The pitch was the major issueThe pitch was the major issue

The late arrival of the skips with kit, balls and drinks was a The late arrival of the skips with kit, balls and drinks was a much lesser issuemuch lesser issue


For the Future….For the Future….

Transport & LogisticsTransport & Logistics Better planning and attention to detailBetter planning and attention to detail More direct (chartered) flightsMore direct (chartered) flights All training facilities and equipment to be checked and delivered All training facilities and equipment to be checked and delivered

on timeon time Including good gyms in hotelsIncluding good gyms in hotels

For the PlayersFor the Players Greater protection from the pressGreater protection from the press Masseurs as well as physiotherapistsMasseurs as well as physiotherapists Arrangements made for families travelling to major tournamentsArrangements made for families travelling to major tournaments

and and nono expectation that FAI should pay expectation that FAI should pay Greater attention to detail Greater attention to detail

Minimise/remove players’ stress so that they focus only on the Minimise/remove players’ stress so that they focus only on the footballfootball

Demonstrate respect for players and their needsDemonstrate respect for players and their needs Need a bridge between the FAI and the playersNeed a bridge between the FAI and the players

The idea of a team ‘manager’ well receivedThe idea of a team ‘manager’ well received

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PERFORMINGPERFORMING

The Total Team on the FieldThe Total Team on the Field

(Reviewed by David Whitaker)(Reviewed by David Whitaker)


Planning the World Cup CampaignPlanning the World Cup Campaign

Good Practice:Good Practice: Solid thought processes went into the choice of training Solid thought processes went into the choice of training

camp at Saipancamp at Saipan This turned out to be ideal with regards to time zone, This turned out to be ideal with regards to time zone,

sympathetic personal environment and heat and humiditysympathetic personal environment and heat and humidity

Good research and planning regarding acclimatisation to Good research and planning regarding acclimatisation to and playing in these conditionsand playing in these conditions

Experiences of both the medical team and the coaching Experiences of both the medical team and the coaching staff used to establish good practices for acclimatisationstaff used to establish good practices for acclimatisation

Phases of the programme after departure from Ireland Phases of the programme after departure from Ireland were clear in the minds of the management teamwere clear in the minds of the management team


Capturing the LearningCapturing the Learning

Review ProcessesReview Processes No formal processes in place to review campaign and No formal processes in place to review campaign and

capture learningcapture learning No reports written or requested by FAINo reports written or requested by FAI No formal reviews by management teamNo formal reviews by management team No formal reviews with playersNo formal reviews with players


OVERALL FINDINGSOVERALL FINDINGS

Reflecting on the Past Reflecting on the Past


Our Overall FindingsOur Overall Findings

The Irish Football team, in achieving a ranking of 13th in the world, The Irish Football team, in achieving a ranking of 13th in the world, consolidated through their performance (12th place) in the FIFA consolidated through their performance (12th place) in the FIFA 2002 World Cup, achieved a credible performance2002 World Cup, achieved a credible performance

The commercial objective of a surplus of €1m is likely to be The commercial objective of a surplus of €1m is likely to be achievedachieved

The ticketing arrangements in particular were considerably better The ticketing arrangements in particular were considerably better and more professional than in 1994and more professional than in 1994

The much publicised incidents relating to the late delivery of skips The much publicised incidents relating to the late delivery of skips and the quality of the training pitch in Saipan had little technical and the quality of the training pitch in Saipan had little technical impact on the performance of the squad in the World Cupimpact on the performance of the squad in the World Cup They did result in Ireland’s Captain and arguably best player going They did result in Ireland’s Captain and arguably best player going

homehome They were the final straw in a self fulfilling prophecyThey were the final straw in a self fulfilling prophecy

The seeds which culminated in the captain’s withdrawal from the The seeds which culminated in the captain’s withdrawal from the squad had been sown many years before and well nurtured over squad had been sown many years before and well nurtured over an extended period of timean extended period of time

Many observers believed the potential of the Irish squad was not Many observers believed the potential of the Irish squad was not fully realisedfully realised



The overall planning by the FAI was inadequate for an The overall planning by the FAI was inadequate for an event the size and scale of the 2002 World Cup. The fact event the size and scale of the 2002 World Cup. The fact that the eventual outcome was positive (on the field and that the eventual outcome was positive (on the field and commercially) was more a matter of luck than effective commercially) was more a matter of luck than effective management practicemanagement practice The size, scale and possible impact of the World Cup were The size, scale and possible impact of the World Cup were

under-estimated. under-estimated. Except that carried out by the Team Management and a Except that carried out by the Team Management and a

number of very capable individuals - both groups working number of very capable individuals - both groups working almost in isolation from the FAIalmost in isolation from the FAI

The inexperienced Working Group was too informal in its set-The inexperienced Working Group was too informal in its set-up and operation and had little control over the outcomeup and operation and had little control over the outcome

No formal learning was captured from previous major No formal learning was captured from previous major tournaments, or deployed to benefit the planning for this tournaments, or deployed to benefit the planning for this tournamenttournament

The impact of additional workload for the World Cup not The impact of additional workload for the World Cup not consideredconsidered



In general there is not a culture of discipline in the management In general there is not a culture of discipline in the management of the FAI, with most basic management disciplines non of the FAI, with most basic management disciplines non existentexistent

There were lots of words written about the FAI, its team and There were lots of words written about the FAI, its team and players before and during the 2002 World Cupplayers before and during the 2002 World Cup There was, however, little effective communication with There was, however, little effective communication with

stakeholdersstakeholders The management of the crises which emerged before and The management of the crises which emerged before and

during the 2002 World Cup left a lot to be desiredduring the 2002 World Cup left a lot to be desired No management of high performance is practised by the FAI No management of high performance is practised by the FAI

other than that delivered by the Senior Team and other team other than that delivered by the Senior Team and other team managementmanagement The Development Plan ‘One Game; One Association’ does not The Development Plan ‘One Game; One Association’ does not

address this in any depthaddress this in any depth There is no strategy or plans to develop key areas such as sports There is no strategy or plans to develop key areas such as sports

science and medicinescience and medicine Given the clear talent emerging from Ireland this represents an Given the clear talent emerging from Ireland this represents an

opportunity lostopportunity lost



In comparison with other nations the following key points In comparison with other nations the following key points emerged:emerged: Country B – full debriefing carried out with players, management and Country B – full debriefing carried out with players, management and

staffstaff Country C – planning by HQ staff and Head Coach; debriefing planned Country C – planning by HQ staff and Head Coach; debriefing planned

for later in 2002for later in 2002 Country D - have a World Cup Committee, integrating Team and Country D - have a World Cup Committee, integrating Team and

Technical ManagementTechnical Management The FA (England) began planning in March 2001, with a full time The FA (England) began planning in March 2001, with a full time

Project Manager. No Journalists, or Officials are allowed to travel with Project Manager. No Journalists, or Officials are allowed to travel with the team. All travel is direct, by charter flightthe team. All travel is direct, by charter flight

The scope and complexity of the activity carried out by the FAI The scope and complexity of the activity carried out by the FAI have grown significantly over the last decade. Little has changed have grown significantly over the last decade. Little has changed in the governance and management of the Association over that in the governance and management of the Association over that timetime

The voluntary leadership and professional management The voluntary leadership and professional management structures of the FAI are designed to govern football structures of the FAI are designed to govern football domestically, and do not address the needs of the International domestically, and do not address the needs of the International team competing as it does at the highest level in the worldteam competing as it does at the highest level in the world

They fail even to recognise good organisational practice They fail even to recognise good organisational practice employed elsewhere in sport, including in Irelandemployed elsewhere in sport, including in Ireland


RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

Creating the FutureCreating the Future


The FAI have a ChoiceThe FAI have a Choice

The FAI can improve its performance byThe FAI can improve its performance by Accepting the need for change in the way they do thingsAccepting the need for change in the way they do things Making a number of modest changes in areas such as Making a number of modest changes in areas such as

travel arrangements, PR/media and the way they treat travel arrangements, PR/media and the way they treat their playerstheir players

Tightening up on management practices, processes and Tightening up on management practices, processes and proceduresprocedures

Improving the management and logistics for major Improving the management and logistics for major tournamentstournaments

This will This will notnot improve their competitive capability improve their competitive capability or performance in the tough and more competitive or performance in the tough and more competitive world of football, or resolve the major issues that world of football, or resolve the major issues that emerged during the 2002 World Cupemerged during the 2002 World Cup

It will also It will also notnot achieve the ‘new beginning’ desired achieve the ‘new beginning’ desired by almost everyone we spoke to during this by almost everyone we spoke to during this review…review…


No Choice?No Choice?

Alternatively the FAI canAlternatively the FAI can Accept the need for transformation in the way it manages Accept the need for transformation in the way it manages

football and the performance of its international teamsfootball and the performance of its international teams recognising the importance of its players recognising the importance of its players

Recognise that to compete successfully and exploit the Recognise that to compete successfully and exploit the current growth in football as a sport and business, it current growth in football as a sport and business, it needs to modernise and professionalise the leadership needs to modernise and professionalise the leadership and management of the sportand management of the sport

Set objectives for success over the next 8 years which Set objectives for success over the next 8 years which will result in taking football to a leading position in Irish will result in taking football to a leading position in Irish sportsport and the FAI to a position as a peak performing organisation, and the FAI to a position as a peak performing organisation,

admired throughout the nation and the football worldadmired throughout the nation and the football world Achieve a period of sustained stability Achieve a period of sustained stability A new beginning is open to the FAI as a result of the A new beginning is open to the FAI as a result of the

crises in 2002, if it wishes to grasp that opportunitycrises in 2002, if it wishes to grasp that opportunity


Our Summary RecommendationsOur Summary Recommendations

Immediate Action (next 3 months)Immediate Action (next 3 months) The FAI must accept openly The FAI must accept openly

need for greater professionalismneed for greater professionalism need for changeneed for change

They must acknowledge openly the importanceThey must acknowledge openly the importance providing for their players and coaches as the first priorityproviding for their players and coaches as the first priority planning and managing their arrangementsplanning and managing their arrangements

A number of changes should be considered to policies and A number of changes should be considered to policies and practices regarding the travel and other arrangements for practices regarding the travel and other arrangements for international fixtures and major tournaments e.g. charter flights, international fixtures and major tournaments e.g. charter flights, media arrangements, contingency planningmedia arrangements, contingency planning

The FAI needs to take action in the following specific management The FAI needs to take action in the following specific management areas e.g. contracts of employment, job descriptions, performance areas e.g. contracts of employment, job descriptions, performance review processesreview processes



Developing Effective Management and Functions (next 6 Developing Effective Management and Functions (next 6 months)months)

The FAI needs to make a number of senior appointments to The FAI needs to make a number of senior appointments to lead and deliver the change secure sustained performance lead and deliver the change secure sustained performance Chief Executive of the FAIChief Executive of the FAI Director of PerformanceDirector of Performance Director of Football OperationsDirector of Football Operations Director of Marketing and Communications Director of Marketing and Communications Director of Finance & Administration Director of Finance & Administration

The FAI should prepare an International Performance Plan for The FAI should prepare an International Performance Plan for the next 4-8 years to include:the next 4-8 years to include: Setting up an International Performance GroupSetting up an International Performance Group



Developing Effective Management and Functions (next 6 Developing Effective Management and Functions (next 6 months)months)

Development and implementation of a High Performance Development and implementation of a High Performance Strategy Strategy

The FAI needs to embrace the need for a culture of discipline The FAI needs to embrace the need for a culture of discipline and planning, within the ethos that is unique and special to and planning, within the ethos that is unique and special to IrelandIreland Setting objectives and making plansSetting objectives and making plans Reviewing these plans regularly to secure successful outcomesReviewing these plans regularly to secure successful outcomes Developing the skills of their peopleDeveloping the skills of their people

The FAI should continue their excellent work of developing The FAI should continue their excellent work of developing coaching in Ireland, working with the NCTC to address especially coaching in Ireland, working with the NCTC to address especially the recruitment and development of future high performance the recruitment and development of future high performance coachescoaches



For the Long-Term (Planned over the next 12 months)For the Long-Term (Planned over the next 12 months) A new beginning is open to the sport, if it wishes to grasp that A new beginning is open to the sport, if it wishes to grasp that

opportunity. To achieve this there must be:opportunity. To achieve this there must be: Greater engagement and development of the key stakeholders in the sportGreater engagement and development of the key stakeholders in the sport Football in Ireland should undertake a Development Initiative (4 Year Football in Ireland should undertake a Development Initiative (4 Year

Business Plan) Business Plan) The focus for development should be tightened along the lines of the The focus for development should be tightened along the lines of the

Regional developments planned in ‘One Game; One Association’ with the Regional developments planned in ‘One Game; One Association’ with the League of Ireland clubs fully behind these efforts.League of Ireland clubs fully behind these efforts.

Football in Ireland needs to determine its goals with an Football in Ireland needs to determine its goals with an accompanying strategy for the sport over the next 8-10 years (say to accompanying strategy for the sport over the next 8-10 years (say to the 2010 World Cup). the 2010 World Cup).

If the FAI is serious about competing in the world class of 21st If the FAI is serious about competing in the world class of 21st century football, it needs to modernise and professionalise to reflect century football, it needs to modernise and professionalise to reflect the needs of 21st century sport. The key areas to address are:the needs of 21st century sport. The key areas to address are: Development of effective voluntary leadership, professional management Development of effective voluntary leadership, professional management

and structuresand structures Reform of the existing Board of Management and CouncilReform of the existing Board of Management and Council


ImplicationsImplications

Our recommendations are likely to involve an additional Our recommendations are likely to involve an additional spend, which we believe can be covered out of existing spend, which we believe can be covered out of existing and planned revenuesand planned revenues Appointment of key executives is likely to cost an additional Appointment of key executives is likely to cost an additional

€400k€400k Savings of €200k may be possible to compensate for these Savings of €200k may be possible to compensate for these

appointmentsappointments A target of €150k should be set for additional external A target of €150k should be set for additional external

income income FAI should consider increasing annual subscriptions to raise FAI should consider increasing annual subscriptions to raise

a further €100k, each year, to support the change over the a further €100k, each year, to support the change over the next 4 years next 4 years


FINALLY, THANK YOUFINALLY, THANK YOU

presentation by genesis strategic management consultants 12 november 2002

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