Figure 1. Strategy entries: conceptual processes (see also: Strategy relationships)

This Encyclopedia is based on the assumption that there is an intimate relationship between its different sections and with the international organization profiles in the companion Yearbook of International Organizations. For this reason, ways were sought to use experimental computer programmes to scan such texts "intelligently" and to generate potential strategy names from existing formulations. These potential strategies could then be reviewed for inclusion and/or subject to manual editorial refinement. There were two principal initiatives of this kind.

In addition to the relationships between strategies (see previous Note 3.6), individual strategies may also refer to entries in other Encyclopedia sections or UIA databases.

1. General method of relationship

Showing relationships between strategies is as vital a part of the editorial process as providing a text description. Two main groups of cross-references are provided between individual strategy entries. These are:

1. Strategy names and keywords

In keeping with the Encyclopedia's catholic and inclusive approach to recognizing strategies, the editors have made every attempt to include the widest possible range of potential strategies, subject to being able to provide them with appropriate names.

Consistent with the general approach to other sections of the Encyclopedia, a variety of methods was used for collecting information on strategy-related initiatives. The intention has been to use different, but complementary, sources in order to build up strategy profiles containing information from different perspectives.

1. From international organizations

This note covers many of the routine methods and day-by-day procedures and guidelines used during the several months of active processing of documentation for strategies in this volume.

1. Administration vs. conceptual preoccupations

In selecting strategies for this volume, it could easily be assumed that only "positive" strategies are worthy of inclusion. It might be hoped that only "positive" strategies are appropriate to remedying the many problems of society and bringing about a better world in the form of a "positive" future.

1. Distinguishing between strategy and tactic

In both the military and business environments careful distinctions are drawn between strategy and tactics. The following distinctions, for example, have been adapted from those of George Steiner (Top Management Planning, 1969).

This section provides commentaries on method related to the Global Strategies and Solutions area of the Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential

Related Sections