However, executives are well-advised to think again; a process-centric focus is becoming a real value add throughout the industry. Let's see what's behind this "new" direction and how it's re-shaping the way that executives and management conduct their business.

The frustration was evident on Diane Kolaritsch’s face as she pointed to the projection on the screen behind her. The audience could see a building construction time line; and there was an X about three quarters of the way along indicating where, as Head of Sustainable Development for Swire properties, Kolaritsch and her team got involved in the design and build of several case studies of residential and commercial developments.

The stage she pointed towards was detailed planning and construction stages. At three quarters of the way along the time line it was clear that layers of decisions had already been made and the green strategy would have to sit on  top of them rather than being built in from day one.