I mentioned that this introduction module would overview three of the four key concepts that are the governing principles of APT.

Before I explain Key Concept No. 3, let's do a quick recap of the first two Key Concepts. Key Concept No. 3, builds on these first two Key Concepts.

Key Concept 1 was that APT uses boxes to represent your ideas and other forms of thinking. Very simple.

Key Concept 2 was that APT follows strict rules when it breaks big things down into smaller things. We called this the Object Law. It says, The W _ _ _ _ is the sum of the P _ _ _ _.  Still fairly simple.

When I developed the procedure that has become Key Concept 3 , the power of the APT system took a massive leap forward. It provided a simple solution to a number of hard problems.

If you are like me, you most likely have to formulate plans for things that you do not fully understand. Key Concept 3 is an innovative technique that can enable you to prepare very effective business and project plans when there are a lot of unknowns.

So let's jump into the overview explanation. 

http://www.apt.co.nz/Intro/040_1.htm

If your head is in confusion, you will find it difficult to translate creative ideas into practical reality. You will not have clear organised thinking.

I have a solution to this problem. It comes in the form of a three step thinking system.

In the diagram to the right, you will see that each process step has a unique symbol. 

 Let me explain their purpose.

Caution: For some, the thinking that goes with this third concept may be quite different. If for any reason you struggle with the logic of my explanation, the Business Planning case study that I have provided, should bring clarity.

Some have mentioned that they found it useful to review this topic again, after they read through the Restaurant Business Planning example I have provided.  

~ This symbol indicates creative or conceptual thinking

When preparing business and project plans, there can be a tendency to stifle creativity and to not 'think outside of the square'. 

To avoid this, I suggest you give yourself permission to be very creative at the start of the planning process. 

In the APT system we use the ~ symbol to encourage creative conceptual expression. The computer people call this symbol a 'Tilde'. I like simple language, so let's call this symbol a 'squiggle'.  

All going well, you should find this squiggle symbol on the top left hand section of your computer keyboard.

Whenever you use the ~ symbol, you are indicating that the item being described is conceptual thinking. It is a desired or ideal situation that may or may not be possible. You are not claiming it to be reality.

Another way of explaining this is to say 'when you use the  symbol, you have permission to dream'.

You will see a serious application of this concept in the Restaurant Business Plan example that I have included in this module.

Next, let me tell your about # thinking.

This symbol indicates 'Plan Design' thinking

The name of this item is a 'hash' symbol. In most forms of planning, there is a huge tendency to dive into the details. This can cause you to lose sight of the big picture and get bogged down. Premature attention to detail is another creativity killer.

Design or plan thinking is the solution. You will see that it allows us to scheme and design potential solutions without having to worry about masses of fiddly details. 

If you like big picture thinking, I think you will like this process step. If you are not so good at big picture thinking, this concept should give you a whole new perspective.

The simplest way to show you howthinking works is by example. 

In the Restaurant Business Plan example, you will see how the use of thinking allows you to see a complete plan on a single page. 

The 'asterisk' symbol is used to indicate that the information that follows it is believed to be reality or realistic thinking.

For a plan to have down-to-earth value, it must describe real, practical actions that you can make occur (with the knowledge and actual resources available).

To illustrate its practical application, you will see thinking expressed in the Action Plans section of the Restaurant Business Plan.

~ = indicates that an idea, dream or conceptual idea is being expressed that may or may not be possible. Used in APT Vision Charts.

# = indicates the whole or a part  of a solution plan design is being described. Used in APT Plan Charts

* = indicates that the action step information is claimed to be realistic thinking. Used in APT Action Plan descriptions.

These three symbols are designed to help you to have clear organised thinking.