Richard A. Loreto (R.A.L.) Consulting Limited (www.ralconsulting.ca)
is a Canadian company specializing in the analysis of policy and management
processes and issues. Since 1975, R.A.L. has served numerous clients in
the public and private sectors across Canada and in the United States.
The company has operated on a full-time basis since 1990 and works with
an extensive network of associates.
Although R.A.L. has undertaken a variety of projects, its principal areas of expertise are business strategy development and group facilitation.
R.A.L. works collaboratively with clients, exhibits a strong commitment to balanced and systematic analysis, and emphasizes the need to develop workable plans for change. Moreover, R.A.L. offers the client a unique combination of academic knowledge and practical experience. Richard Loreto, president of the firm, has taught courses in political science and public administration at four Ontario universities. He is co-editor of Urban Policy Issues: Canadian Perspectives and has written articles for a number of scholarly books and professional magazines. Richard speaks frequently to businesses and governments on the topic of demographic trends in Canada and the United States and the implications for consumer products and services, marketing, and the labour market.
Business strategy development is an area where the firm has substantial expertise and experience. R.A.L.'s objective is to involve all stakeholders in the change process to foster consensus and commitment. The firm and its associates are skilled in the use of focus groups, interviews, and surveys as means of eliciting stakeholder perceptions and employ statistical analysis to ensure objectivity and rigour. Demographic analysis is at the centre of R.A.L.'s approach to the environmental scanning process. Action-oriented plans and follow up are key elements of the company's approach.
Group
facilitation is a strength that has evolved from the extensive post-secondary
teaching experience of Richard Loreto (Ph.D., University of Toronto, 1984)
and many of his associates. R.A.L.’s approach to group facilitation rests
on the belief that managed stakeholder participation drives effective
planning, decision-making, and issue resolution. Managed stakeholder participation
is substantive, flexible, balanced, and focused. The right stakeholders
must participate at the right time and in the right manner. Failure to
do so will result in a group process that is ineffective.
© RAL Consulting Limited, 2008