Marc Wouters

2017

Long-term budgeting is common practice in financial R&D planning, but actual strategic considerations are often neglected in the process. Fundamental changes in budgeting methods are difficult to establish, so instead I propose an enhancement to the existing long-term budget planning process to enhance the strategic component of long-term budgeting. In a case study, this thesis conceives and applies an approach to analyze potential developments in cost structure based on scenario planning and the product portfolio. The case company gained valuable insights from the results of the approach, and I would especially recommend applying it for times of perceived upheaval in the industry and for companies seeking to raise the strategic focus of their long-term financial planning.