Strategic Planning: the Managerial Agenda
Strategic Planning: The Managerial Agenda If asked what strategic planning is one could interpret it as simply a road map that can guide the organization in the right direction. It is very unlikely that an organization would know which direction to take without a sense of direction. Managers are faced every day with decisions that have a major impact on the direction the organization must take, therefore, strategic planning can play an important role in guiding managers in the right direction. In other words strategic planning is a tool that management can use to give them a sense of direction that will guide them in doing a better job and to ensure that all the members of the organization are working toward the same goals
"An article by Beecroft (1999) entitled "The role of quality in strategic management" discusses the significance of quality considerations in the development of effective strategic plan. One primary concern the author saw was the relationship between quality, short and long-term objectives, and bottom line profits. According to the author, "Conformance to design and customer requirements translates to quality, therefore higher conformance is higher quality. Higher quality results in lower costs and increases competitiveness, leading to an increase in sales and market share, more jobs and improved profitability" (p. 499). In relation to strategic planning and implementation, the consideration of quality as an overall dynamic for future success must be included in any given strategic plan. Regardless of the direction that is chosen for strategic planning, matters of quality must be taken into account to initiate widespread change and acceptance (Beecroft, 1999). Managers should have a strategic agenda to follow if they are to accomplish short term and long term goals. If the organization does not have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to achieve a specific goal regardless if its short term or long term then its efforts will
"An article by Beecroft (1999) entitled "The role of quality in strategic management" discusses the significance of quality considerations in the development of effective strategic plan. One primary concern the author saw was the relationship between quality, short and long-term objectives, and bottom line profits. According to the author, "Conformance to design and customer requirements translates to quality, therefore higher conformance is higher quality. Higher quality results in lower costs and increases competitiveness, leading to an increase in sales and market share, more jobs and improved profitability" (p. 499). In relation to strategic planning and implementation, the consideration of quality as an overall dynamic for future success must be included in any given strategic plan. Regardless of the direction that is chosen for strategic planning, matters of quality must be taken into account to initiate widespread change and acceptance (Beecroft, 1999). Managers should have a strategic agenda to follow if they are to accomplish short term and long term goals. If the organization does not have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to achieve a specific goal regardless if its short term or long term then its efforts will
References: Beecroft, D. G. (1999). The role of quality in strategic management. Management Decision, 37(6), 499-502. Retrieved October 1, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 117543216). Poister, T. H & Streib, G. (2005). Elements of strategic planning and management in municipal government: status after two decades. Public Administration Review, 65(1), 45-56. Retrieved October 13, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 788053391). Ragland, V. C. (2007, August 22). PLANS Topic: 210: The strategic plan. Hyde Park Citizen,p. 6. Retrieved October 3, 2007, from Ethnic NewsWatch (ENW) database. (Document ID: 1331135651). Shetcliffe, J. (2007, February). Strategic management. Insurance Brokers ' Monthly and Insurance Adviser, 57(2), 20,22. Retrieved October 11, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1218918781). Willging, P. (2006, November). You can 't get there without a road map. Nursing Homes, 55(11), 14,16-17. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1176759031).