Running Head STRATEGIC PLANNING

Why Should Strategic Planning Be A Critical Tool For Running A Business?

Why Should Strategic Planning Be A Critical Tool For Running A Business?

Introduction

Strategic planning has been very sound and touted as almost mystical process, from which organizational leadership will magically occur. In fact, strategic planning is simply a recognition that your organization is actually happening then (Mintzberg, 1994), as well as a means of creating a positive future. Most organizations have extensive experience in developing annual goals and objectives, budget development and planning of ongoing activities. Strategic planning shared some basic concepts with these activities, but differs in that it is considering the establishment of general management and strategy of the organization. Ideally, it provides a framework in which these activities can occur. (Elkin, 1998)

The term "strategic planning" and "long-term planning" is sometimes used interchangeably, but there are important differences between them. Strategic planning is aimed at achieving a specific, clearly defined objectives for the benefit of the whole organization. It is certainly possible to have a number of long-term goals and plans, which are completely independent of each other, and indeed a leading role in various directions. Strategic planning is a means of providing a very fundamental decisions and determining the course so that your short-and long-term planning is better targeted and comprehensive. These differences and the relationship between the strategic, long-and short-term planning is important to clearly understand the beginning of this process:

Strategic planning defines the organization-wide goals, directions and destinations. It defines a strategy for success. (Mintzberg, 1994)

Long-Term planning is to develop plans to address multi-year period. Organization of long-term plan will hopefully be directed at achieving the objectives of the strategic plan. (Elkin, 1998)

Short-Range planning can be seen as a solution for one year or less. Annual goals and objectives are one example of the organization may also develop short-range plans to engage in any particular situation, problem or crisis. Ideally, plans will be neighbor to move toward the realization of long-term plan, which in turn will support the strategic plan. (Kendall, 1997)

Strategic planning deals with some very fundamental questions of institutional identity and integrity. It implies the willingness to take an honest look at all operations to improve and change. Scheduling can be a threat to some existing structures, but the impact of taking serious look at your organization might be worth investment.

The Success of Strategic Planning (Case of Apple Computer Inc.)

Successful strategic planning has always brought potential for Apple Inc. (http://www.apple.com/) This is the reality on the basis of activities carried out in consultation with those responsible for Apple in their daily activities. Strategic planning has the greatest chance of successful development and implementation, as activities related to personnel, which will influence the plan. (Kendall, 1997) Rather than an exclusive prerogative of the specialized and complex plans, strategic planning is an opportunity for staff at all levels in order to have a voice in shaping the future of this organization. (Mintzberg, 1994)

Develop a strategic plan is more art than ...