As we know from several studies and own observations strategic planning can be a very hard business. In the literature a large number of ideas are available; some of them are very helpful. Others might be appropriate for a specific industry or even a specific organization. Sometimes it can be helpful to look beyond one’s [...]

This post will focus on options and ideas to improve strategic planning, again. A couple of days ago I have presented the first post “Ideas for overcoming analysis barriers” in this informal series – for improving strategic planning in your organization – in our strategy blog. But before starting with this new post I think [...]

Strategic planning is linked with a variety of problems and barriers. Some of them are related to sequence and tools of the planning process. Other problems and barriers exist since strategic planning takes place in the context of the firm’s culture; in some circumstances this culture can break the planning process. Therefore I would like [...]

When starting the process of strategic planning it is crucial to focus on the key strategic issues. Hence there is a key question: What is a key issue for my organization? If one walks around in a company and asks several managers you will end very likely with a number of very different ideas what [...]

Early indicators are very popular in the business world. People normally like them because they see a lot of advantages, such as Early indicators are perceived to provide some objectivity to otherwise fuzzy planning and forecasting processes. They are most often based on external data, ideally from an institution with a very high reputation. That [...]

Traditionally strategic planning has been recognized as very important activity to the effective management of the firm. However, according to some recent surveys (from 2006 and 2007), which are related to the organizational practice of strategic planning, “some” survey participants were not satisfied fully with the process or outcome. Hence I would like to select [...]

A couple of days ago I received a question concerning an external growth strategy. The core of that question had three different parts. When might this strategy route be appropriate?  What are the conditions for an organization to consider this route and what forms of strategies are applicable once the organization settles to take this [...]

Last week I had written about some of my experiences with strategic planning meetings – the pro’s and con’s, what can go wrong and how to avoid some of the problems. However, the process is not over the moment the meeting ends and everybody leaves the room. Even if the meeting was considered a great [...]

For all who are interested in issues of strategic planning I would like to recommend a new article from TheMcKinseyQuarterly. It is now available online without being a premium member of their web services. Core statements are Only 45 percent of survey respondents said that they were satisfied with their existing process for strategic planning [...]

Strategic planning meetings are a very controversial thing. They have a bit of a reputation to be just another fancy management trend. I have to admit that I, too, have my doubts if all of these meetings are worth the efforts. My experience tells me that there is much truth in Brian Quinn’s famous quote: [...]