Since its establishment in 1978, TFI has been actively involved in assisting a wide range of clients in coordinating the activities of various individuals and groups within organizations and between organizations. These clients have included both private companies and government agencies. In the course of offering these facilitation services, TFI has adopted or developed a variety of proven facilitation techniques and has gained experience in the practical application of these techniques in widely varying groups and circumstances. The techniques employed by TFI include, but are not limited to, Impact Analysis, Nominal Group Conferencing, Stakeholder Analysis, Morphological Structuring, Cross Impact Analysis, and Focus Groups.
A proprietary approach to planning developed by TFI–Technology Advantage Management–has proven to be particularly useful in integrating various separate activities into a unified effort. The particular techniques employed in a given facilitation project depend on the individuals and organizations involved, the objectives of the project, past experiences of participants, time available, and a host of project particulars. However, experience has demonstrated that successful projects depend on a clear definition of objectives, continuing interest and involvement of participants, feelings of trust and confidence, and a commitment by all involved to the highest standard of excellence. The choice of techniques and decisions on how the techniques will be employed depends on how these requirements can best be met.
The clients utilizing TFI's facilitation services have varied greatly: federal government agencies, electric utilities, chemical manufacturing companies, universities, research institutes, telecommunications companies, and consumer product companies to name a few. The objectives of these clients in using TFI's facilitation services have been as varied as the clients themselves.
Project objectives have included:
The experience of the TFI staff, the availability of a wide range of proven tools, and the existence of a strong support staff gives a very strong capability to provide outstanding facilitation services to its clients.