Describe Major Differences between Strategic and Tactical Planning A Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand what is meant by Strategic and Tactical Planning in an organization and how they impact the growth and development of an organization
- Analyze the similarities and differences between Strategic and Tactical Planning
- Understand how to apply Strategic and Tactical Planning to any organization
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Strategic planning is the process of defining an organization's vision, goals, and strategies for achieving them. It is a way of aligning the organization's resources, capabilities, and activities with its mission and values. Strategic planning is an essential skill for any organization that wants to achieve its goals and stay ahead of the competition. It involves developing and implementing action plans that align with the strategic direction of the organization, as well as monitoring and evaluating the results.
Strategic planning is not a one-time event, but a continuous cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing, and revising. It involves the participation and collaboration of various stakeholders, such as leaders, managers, employees, customers, partners, and suppliers. Strategic planning requires a clear understanding of the organization's current situation, future aspirations, and external environment. Strategic planning provides direction, alignment, and focus for the organization and its stakeholders.
Tactical planning is the process of identifying and implementing specific actions that will help achieve a strategic goal. Tactical planning involves breaking down a long-term vision into smaller, manageable steps that can be executed in a timely and efficient manner. Tactical planning requires a clear understanding of the current situation, the desired outcome, the available resources, the potential risks and the best course of action. Tactical planning also involves monitoring and evaluating the progress and results of each action, and making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal performance and alignment with the strategic goal.
The major differences between strategic and tactical planning are:
Time horizon: Strategic planning covers a longer period of time, usually three to five years or more, while tactical planning covers a shorter period of time, usually one year or less.
Scope: Strategic planning is more comprehensive and holistic, covering the entire organization and its environment, while tactical planning is more specific and detailed, covering a particular department, project or activity.
Level of abstraction: Strategic planning is more abstract and conceptual, focusing on the big picture and the long-term vision, while tactical planning is more concrete and operational, focusing on specific actions and tasks.
Level of involvement: Strategic planning requires more involvement from the top management and the board of directors, who provide guidance and direction for the organization, while tactical planning requires more involvement from the middle and lower management and the staff, who execute the action plans.
Level of flexibility: Strategic planning is more flexible and adaptable, allowing for changes and adjustments as the situation evolves, while tactical planning is more rigid and fixed, requiring adherence to the plan and accountability for the results.