SDG’s founders set out to create an organization that combined the best of academia and business: important problems, rigorous processes, continuous learning, collegiality, individual accountability, and -- perhaps most important -- fun. In 1981, they opened an office in Menlo Park, California, with the mission of doing important, exciting, and ethical work and thereby creating value for clients and the firm.
From the first, SDG’s leaders were fascinated by finding solutions to important, complex problems through decision analysis – a term first coined in 1963 by SDG founder Ronald A. Howard at Stanford University. The approach they developed to management consulting is still the core of the firm’s practice, but it has been modified over the years to incorporate new concepts and new technology. As the firm’s approach evolved, its service offerings broadened. SDG consultants now work with clients in all aspects of creating, delivering, and protecting shareholder value.
Today, the field first pioneered by our founders is included in virtually all business school curricula, a testament to the vision of Dr. Howard, Carl Spetzler, James Matheson,and Jeff Foran. They are still actively affiliated with the firm, continuing to provide our present staff with the benefit of their experience and insights.
