Strategic Planning

tomorrow is built today Each of us knows very well that our decisions and actions or non-actions of today will counterfeit our early tomorrow. The collective consciousness of this fact and our efforts in the direction of a better future back tooth definitively act upon in say to devise the future what we like to see the future heap be provokedMind rules non only heart and body but either the look onive issues in this world. The strategies of life be created by man with his ideas and go aroutinees. Think twice to bulge with you speak is a long-familiar term in day to day life, this statement has got a deep meaning inwardly itself, i.e., before you ar about to say something think bout what you be vent to speak and what would be its out devolves by and by on.It is well said that if you want to accomplish something in life, dream for it and broadcast how to achieve that goal or objective once getting started. Things perpetu everyy gets complicated for a person if the tasks involved in it ar non familiar to that very person who was suppose to finish it off. Its always said that, two ar better always rather indeed spurting single because two masses working in concert makes things possible easily n quickly, thought process bout its outcomes in elevate and the result that comes out is always systematic and shell possible.Some human beings follow others foot tramples and some create their own ideas and work to a great extent effectively and efficiently for attainment of their goals and objectives. Achievements never knocks at the door after dreaming bout them. ace and only(a) has to work out in real to achieve such tasks. As our day routine gets started we do look for a change so that the coming day should be better in likeness to the previous one. The major consume of most of the multitude in todays world is profit(monetary) and state of grace and yes definitely a long term well know never ending name in the market abode just n ot in their country but most of the spokespersons of the world. Future remains in hand if a task or work is performed efficiently and effectively keeping in question all the basic operations which are supposed to be included in that cognize task. liveliness has changed a lot with real life competitions and challenges coming up day by day. Whatever step one moves should be effective and well balanced as the other could be smarter and go through past what he/she is. Challenges not only arise within individuals but similarly within group of people and competitors. Each and every movement should be well endned and then only should be undertaken for its progress. For the highest take of stability one has to adopt advance skills and objectives as these only help in attainment of goals and objectives.strategic PLANNINGStrategic homework is a commission tool, period. As with both(prenominal) management tool, it is employ for one purpose only to help an transcription do a bette r job to focus its energy, to moderate that members of the fundamental law are working toward the uniform goals, to assess and adjust the formations direction in response to a changing environment. In short, strategic supplying is a disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions and actions that configuration and guide what an shaping is, what it does, and why it does it, with a focus on the future.A raillery by word dissection of this definition provides the key elements that underlie the meaning and success of a strategic planning figure out The play is strategic because it involves preparing the best way to respond to the circumstances of the government activitys environment, whether or not its circumstances are known in advance nonprofits often essential respond to dynamic and even hostile environments. Being strategic, then, meat being undetermined about the governances objectives, being aware of the makeups resources, and incorporating both into being co nsciously responsive to a dynamic environment.The process is about planning because it involves intentionally practiceting goals (i.e., choosing a desired future) and development an approach to achieving those goals.The process is disciplined in that it calls for a accredited direct and pattern to keep it focused and harvest-homeive. The process raises a sequence of questions that helps planners examine experience, test assumptions, gather and in bodily information about the present, and anticipate the environment in which the governing will be working in the future. Finally, the process is about fundamental decisions and actions because choices must(prenominal) be make in order to answer the sequence of questions mentioned supra.The plan is ultimately no more, and no less(prenominal), than a set of decisions about what to do, why to do it, and how to do it. Because it is impossible to do everything that needs to be done in this world, strategic planning implies that some or ganisational decisions and actions are more important than others and that more of the strategy lies in making the tough decisions about what is most important to achieving faceal success.The strategic planning weed be complex, challenging, and even messy, but it is always defined by the basic ideas outlined above and you ignore always return to these basics for insight into your own strategic planning process.Strategic planning is only useful if it supports strategic thinking and leads to strategic management the basis for an effective validation. Strategic thinking means asking, be we doing the right thing? Perhaps, more precisely, it means making that assessment using trey key un reduce adequatenesss about strategic thinking a definite purpose be in header an understanding of the environment, particularly of the forces that affect or impede the fulfilment of that purpose and creativity in developing effective responses to those forces.Strategic planning has also been described as a tool but it is not a substitute for the exercise of judgment by leadership. Ultimately, the leaders of any enterprise need to devolve on back and ask, and answer, What are the most important issues to respond to? and How shall we respond? Just as the hammer does not create the bookshelf, so the data analysis and decision-making tools of strategic planning do not make the organization work they stool only support the intuition, reasoning skills, and judgment that people bring to their organization.Finally, strategic planning, though described as disciplined, does not typically flow smoothly from one step to the next. It is a germinal process, and the fresh insight arrived at today might very well alter the decision made yesterday. Inevitably the process moves send on and back several dates before arriving at the final set of decisions.WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE MIGHT BE?WHAT KIND OF FUTURE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE?Competitions and challenges in the market or in a working concern is the primary cheek .it bothers all the managers of a growing concern in way or the other. Whether, it is the harvest-tide (which they deal in or going to launch in the market), price (what should be the price related with other substitutes available in the market), senior status (what would be its demands in future), uniqueness (how it would be different from the other offshoots) and rather endless number of features. production is concerned with costumers, their tastes, choices. Mood differs from one body to the other. Nobody chip in the same kind of needs or wants. Thereby products also vary in prices, weight and size. Production is always carried out keeping in mind the perfect market built in bed.The basic aim of every individual is to name profit and blessing in the market. The stability and up-to-date growth is a must concern. To achieve all the goals and objectives all the plans are well made and accordingly strategies are designed. A strategy no t only helps in a unique start of work but also gives the best outcomes of the efforts made for future. It takes years to earn goodwill in the market therefore it is a must to make plans whatever is effective for the start-up of the work. End numbers of features are taken in consideration by any of the famous well-known federation or assiduity whoever are the known leaders in the market. Sum of the known features are* Members the number of people who are going to lead the environment and the owners of the business concern. Most of the business concerns contrive partners. They have to aim at the goals and objectives, moreover, decide what their future would be. They are the only leaders to decide the nature of their business and what would be the size and how globally it should be recognised. They look out for not just competitors but also have to follow some law and orders of the government. These owners employ experienced staff as managers to work under them and employees to wo rk under managers known as subordinates. Owners are the decision makers.* Capital investments or the amount to be engaged into the business is one of the important feature without which nothing could be worked out.* Product plans are made regarding the product that has to be brought up in the market. number of issues are considered like, costumers and their choices, other resembling or same employment products that would come up or already exists in the market,. The managers have to decide, how their products would be unique and how it would be better then the rest of the companies products available in the market. How it would be cheaper and what goodwill would it bring to the company. Whether it has the future or not in the major aspect considered.* Market strategies relates to market size and its globalization as well. angiotensin-converting enzyme has to think bout nodes and tends and fashions in the market. Managers have to plan out for the best market for their companies p roducts and its variations.* Machinery and equipments new methods of production are used with new techniques available so that product could be easily made with less while consumption. Therefore, experienced and well defined staff is appointed and supervisors always motivates the employees and brings in new innovative ideas regarding production.* Available resources A strategy not only helps in effective production but also helps in usage of resources available. Less wastage results in more profit and best outcome.* Employ welfare Board of directors gives utmost respect to their employees and take care of their employees whether they are managers or subordinates by providing them with comforts and t for each oneing them the new innovative ideas. They also give them bonus for their effective and efficient hard work they put on for production.* Exports-Imports strategies are designed on the matter for exports of products and markets for trade are searched in a way or the other to ear n profit and goodwill. They also take care of the importers from whom they have to but the raw material and stuff for production. A strong relation could only be maintained if the company have well detailed strategies regarding their work performance.* Strengths and Weaknesses managers or the board of directors make plans to overcome the weaknesses whatever they could be. The strategies are designed in such a way that it lasts long and have enough strength to overcome every declining effect. A long durable performance can only be obtained if the growing concern gets hold of their weaknesses.* Web page as internet has proved to be one of the best sources in business relationships of most business companies. Owners make it a point to design their companys web page in such a manner that each and every product and its features along with price details are easily understandable. Strategies are made to achieve goals and targets not only through internet but also globally.Concluding with an ExampleLongview Solutions and mark & Spencer strike readiness to New HeightsTHIS IS MARKS & SPENCER attach & Spencer is one of the UKs take retailers of clothing, foods, homeware and financial services. Operating within approximately 12.5 million square feet of selling space, serving ten million customers a week in over 340 UK stores, mark & Spencer employs more than 67,000 people. The company also trades in wholly owned stores in the state of Ireland and Hong Kong, and has over 150 franchise stores in 28 countries operating through a network of partnerships. In 2002/2003, Group turnover was in excess of 8 billion.SITUATIONWith extensive operations in the unify Kingdom, Marks & Spencer required a financial planning, actual reporting, and reforecasting solution to be used by all stakeholders in the planning process across all business units, service areas, and stores. There was a requirement for consistent, cohesive data that could be viewed and reported upon at various lev els of summarisation from individual compute holders to a consolidated Group position.BUSINESS CHALLENGEThe Marks & Spencer objective was to approach the planning process in a professional manner, passing accountability to individual moneymaking(prenominal) budget holders. The breathing process was spreadsheet-driven and long with a heavy reliance upon the Finance Group to manipulate and consolidate the data, leaving less time for challenging and detailed analysis.SOLUTIONMarks & Spencer considered tail fin critical factors in its decision process Product, People, Policy, Principles, and Price. Marks & Spencer selected Corporate cognitive process Management (CPM) application Khalix(r) by Longview Solutions because it best met their needs on all five key performance criteria. Khalix was able to* Provide Marks & Spencer with a single, faultless version of the financial verity through one central repository of data* Delegate ownership and accountability for budgets and plans ba ck to the commercial budget holders* Reduce the overall time required to achieve an approved, realistic budget* Meet Marks & Spencers need for a flexible solution that could adapt and grow with the company* Perform what-if analysis during budget creation, to facilitate better decision-making and minimise risk* Provide Marks & Spencer with a solution that would fit with their corporate technology standards and future requirements* Achieve consistency of reporting across similar business unitsRESULTSWith Longview Solutions Corporate Performance Management application, Marks & Spencer is able to provide excellent service to internal customers and has achieved the following results* Speedier and more accurate budgeting and planning process, with an overall reduction in process time.* High visibility of consistent, accurate data which is brotherly to all One version of the financial truth* Successful ownership for budget-setting to the appropriate level and clear visibility of ownershi p and accountability of planned performance at all levels of business* Ability to pretermit time analysing and challenging the plan, removing risk, and exploiting opportunities to achieve a realistic plan* Strong relationship between the Longview Solutions and Marks & Spencer teams, which has resulted in a high level strategic partnership that is helping shape future product direction* Ease of maintenance for database changes and reportingThus Strategic planning brings in longevity and successfulness for modern corporations.BibliographyTEXT BOOKS-Strategic Management personal credit line Policy by Thomas L.Wheelen and J. David Hunger. (Ninth edition).-Strategic Management by thaumaturgy L Thompson.-Strategic Management-An Introduction by RonaldRosen.-The Strategy Process-Concepts, Contexts, Cases byHenry Mintzberg and James Brian Quinn.-Strategic Management by Cardiff Business SchoolCardiff University.-Sir John Harvey- Jones, Past chairman ICI, 1987WEB-http//www.longview.com/cust omersuccess/M&S.asp-http//www.lordofthewebs.com/portfolio/StrategicPlanning.aspStrategic PlanningStrategic Planning MGT3880 Leadership for Organizations George Henson Strategic planning is a process of optimism by an organization. It anticipates the future of the organizational goals and strategically plans how the organization will achieve those goals. Strategic planning involves several steps in its process those steps are (1) strategic thinking including external analysis, (2) internal analysis, (3) identifying key strategic issues, (4) developing viable strategic alternatives, and (5) choosing the best strategy using as criteria whatever the company defines as success (Abraham, 2012).The opening move ships bell coffeehouse requires a strategic plan to ensure effectiveness so that new clientele, products and profits are within reach in the near future. The Opening price Cafe is a new organization and a revised strategic plan can assist with tackling new goals and growth for th e organization over the next three years. This organization is very distinct because it offers services and products that exclude them from other leading competitors. In particular, the organization is responsible for employing individuals with great customer service and providing the client with quality individuals and extraordinary services.Also, the organization capitalizes on its starring(predicate) training of culinary and customer service skills which separates it from other competitors. The organization members are required to understand the organizational policies and are the first to ensure that the employees and clients needs are addressed. The managers of the organization are responsible for deciding the direction in which the department should go, what the company should produce, and hence in what industry it competes (Abraham, 2012).Understanding the organizations competitors, identifying the customers, rather they can provide and how the company will continue to remai n profitable is the managements responsibility. In order for the strategic plan to be effective the direction of the company must be understood. The student believes that the current direction is understood but is not being implemented correctly. The company knows what they want to offer good products and great services this will allow the organization to compete with leading competitors.The menu of this organization differs from the cafe products to catering services and menu. The organization is aware of who the customer is but is unaware of how to meet them which is a weakness of the organization. During this strategic planning process a trick up analysis must be completed to understand the organizations strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats of the organization. The deck out analysis is a straightforward model that provides direction and serves as a basis for the development of trade plans (Danca, 2012).The SWOT analysis is being conducted for the benefit of meeting certain goals, the organization has to address the strengths and weaknesses internally and the opportunities and threats externally. The Opening chime has several strengths but the employee relations and effective specialization are two of the organizations strengths. Opening Bell Cafe is a respectable employer and values its employees. They ensure that the employees flavour a part of the team which extends employee relations so that everyone has a pleasant experience with Opening Bell Cafe.Effective differentiation is the second strength of the organization. Effective differentiation permits the organization to study the competition and questions if they offer the same as competitors. While studying the group has to be realistic about behaviors that will allow the organization to compete with leading brands while identifying ways to improve. These strengths allow the organization to offer well trained employees and fuck products the competitors do not offer. Exploiting the str engths give the Opening Bell the ability to market and promote ahead of the competition.Weaknesses of the organization need to be understood in order for the organization to have growth and tackle goals. One weakness of the organization is the narrow product line and piteous marketing skills. Having a narrow product line limits this company from competing with other cafes that offer a selection of breakfast, and lunch. Poor marketing skills limited the organization from reaching millions of potential customers. Just recently the organization established a website which means the people who do not go utilize their stores or catering was unaware that the organization exists.Strategically the company can avoid these issues by planning for new menu items and developing a marketing strategy. If the company can begin to offer more products and reach potential clients the organization can increase growth, revenue and earnings. Capitalizing on opportunities can be beneficial to the organiz ation as well. The opportunity has a specific technical definition it is a product-market issue (Abraham, 2012). The company can address this situation by creating a new product for an existing market. Opening Bell can also, expand the market for an existing product.Creating new products and expanding on existing products can bring about new clients which can offer the organization appeal from their competitors. Such small changes can be huge when competing with leading brands such as Starbucks or Dunkin Doughnuts. Threats can be unfavorable to any company however identifying threats can help the company when strategizing. The threats for the Opening Bell consist of competitors having stronger brand name and the downturn in the economy. All consumers are currently aware of the leading brand names of Starbucks and Dunkin Doughnuts.Since Opening Bell is aware of these leading brand names they have to offer variations of products and experience. The leading brands do not offer deliver y which means that local companies can phone in orders or even order online. Experts say that, a downturn in the economy can mean that customers are spending less (Anonymous,1990). After the threats are set the organization can work towards increasing customer relations. After conducting the SWOT analysis the student has identified areas that are crucial toward the strategic planning process.The crucial areas are employee relations, poor marketing skills, expand the market for an existing product, and expanding on new products. If these areas are continuous strengths of the organization the organization can focus on other areas that may need restructuring. Employee relations are a part of the operational aspect of the business. Managers are required to guarantee that the organization employees know what to do and how to do it. For this aspect to remain an organizational strength it is essential that all employees know how to communicate effectively.One expert states, In order to co pe with competition, technological developments and customer demands, managers seek different solutions and tools to manage the unstable, rapidly changing, and never predictable situation which involves communicating effectively (Johansson, 2008). This statement shows the organization that in order to continue growth in the industry the organization should continue focusing on employee relations. The organizations poor marketing skills have to be addressed in order for the strategic plan to be effective.It seems that at the present time the organization does not let a marketing team or manager. The Opening Bell cannot dismiss what marketing the organization can do for the growth of the company. Having a marketing team who can promote the organization and improve customer relations will be valuable for the organization. The organization should put a budget together that permits marketing opportunities. This issue cannot be overlooked any longer the Word of Mouth marketing strategy h as gotten the organization so far and now the growth is at a cessation.The organization has to utilize the tools of the internet and video to compete with the leading brands. Having a marketing team who can create promotional opportunities for customers can increase customer acquisition. The strategic plan has to improve the marketing skills of the organization. Expanding the market for an existing product can be challenging but the organization can grow from improving something that is already prevalent for other brands. Since, the organization utilizing fresh ingredients there is nothing like freshly baked cookies and homemade hot chocolate.There is already a market for these items and making them fresh to order with like a fifteen minute wait time would be fulfilling for the consumer. The hot chocolate would be a great in markets where the winters are cold and something speedy is always desired One expert states that, In fact, line extensions may be the answer to construct sal es and moving your company in a whole new direction (Mischina, 2004). Being able to expand can open a whole new avenue for the organization that has not been offered by the leading competitors.Expanding on a new product for an existing market can create long-run growth for the organization. In todays world of healthy eating offering gluten free product or even allergen free products on the daily menu can set the organization apart from leading competitors. These new products can provide a much needed solution to a large problem that others have not offered yet. The previously mentioned areas are essential to the strategic plan of the Opening Bell because they provide an avenue on what is being done and what can be done to further advance the organization.The external analysis which entails observing, analyzing, and understanding what is changing in a companys external environment to anticipate what the future might hold has been completed (Abraham, 2012). Secondly, the internal a nalysis involves knowing analyzing, and understanding everything about the company itself, curiously what makes it a strong competitor or why it isnt as strong as it could be (Abraham, 2012). twain of these steps in the strategic planning process have been completed. The key strategic issues have been identified and managers are working on resolving the issue.Annual objectives will be set also, to mensurate these critical challenges. To rhythm the success of the strategic plan the Opening Bell will utilize the metrics of revenue growth and the return of investments. These two measuring tools can allow the organization to measure the success or failures of the organization. tax income growth is used more often when a firms revenue growth has been inadequate or flat, or when issues of market share and market positioning are strategically significant (Abraham, 2012,).The organization must measure the growth of revenue to warrant an effective strategic plan. Measuring revenue growt h allows the leader to be aware of rather the organization is prepared monetarily for the strategic plan that has been set forward. Also, the strategic plan sets forward what the allotted monies will be used for and how. Secondly, the return of investments can measure the success of the strategic plan. A ROI is a profitability measure. When utilizing the ROI managers should be aware that ROI can measure the performance of the organization, managers and its business units.Lastly, the strategic plan should include strategic implementation because its the only way to boost ROI and increase your chances of success (Evans, 2012). two of these metrics are capable of measuring the success of the strategic plan which can help any adjustments that need take stray to guarantee the company is headed toward success. For an organization such as the Opening Bell Cafe a strategic plan will help to provide sustain the ups and downs of this uncertain economy.Planning strategically can ensure that the organization meets goals that they have established. All of the strategic planning process steps have been addressed and will be implemented in the near future. Effectiveness is only possible when all employees are on the same page with one another and when a directive is put into place for all to follow. Indeed, the organization is new to the industry but they have found that revising the strategic plan can lead to growth for the organization. Reference Abraham, S. 2012) Strategic Management for Organizations. San Diego, CA Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved from https//content. ashford. edu/books Anonymous. (1990). 1990 SWOT Analysis. Retrieved from http//som. csudh. edu/depts/cis/meyadat/ClassesPage/CIS502/casestudies/SWOT Danca , A. (2012). SWOT Analysis. Retrieved from http//www. stfrancis. edu/content/ba/ghkickul/stuwebs/btopics/works/swot. htm Evans J, (2012). 8 Steps to Boost the ROI of Your Strategic Planning Efforts. Retrieved from http//www. vancarmichael. com/Mana gement/5844/8-Steps-to-Boost-the-ROI-of-Your-Strategic-Planning-Efforts. hypertext markup language Johansson, Catrin (2008). Speaking of change three communication approaches in studies of organizational change. Corporate Communications 13. 3 Retrieved from http//search. proquest. com/docview/214190184/ Mishina,Y. (2004), Are more resources always better for growth? Resource stickiness in market and product expansion. Strat. Mgmt. Retrieved from http//onlinelibrary. wiley. com/doi/10. 1002/smj. 424/ squeeze