Strategic planning is an important tool for organizational success. It involves the development of schemes that are followed by the entire organization to reach a goal. Strategic planning guidance can be used in any coordinated effort involving more than one person.
Strategic planning has traditionally been heavily used in military operations and government activities. In the business world, strategic planning provides direction in finance and marketing, human resources, information technology, and the general orientation of the company.
Many guidelines exist for embarking on a strategic planning process for your organization. Expert author Jennifer Bailey identifies six important factors to consider including:
– Organizational Mission – How and why it should be achieved.
– Situation Analysis – Examine the organization’s current state.
– Vision and Strategic Goals – Identify expectations and performance indicators.
– Strategic Issues – Identify the issues and barriers facing the organization.
– Plan-of-action – Formulate a plan to deal with strategic issues.
– Program Planning – Translate strategies into concrete, well thought out actions.
Strategic planning guidance should never be considered as a guidebook or secret formula for success according to Jennifer Bailey. Rather, it should involve the evolution of simple steps working toward a coordinated, time-bound planning process.
e-StrategicPlanning is an informational resource for strategic business planning, non-profit strategic planning, strategic media planning and more. Having good information is key to formulating a workable plan for your organization.
