>Strategic Planning Steps For Optimum Business Management Posted by nick_niesen on October 28th Emily Sonnett USA Jersey , 2010
Strategic Planning Steps Overview
The Strategic Planning Steps philosophybusiness system is an organizational tool that is used by groups and corporations globally to refine their goals and maximize their resources. Drawing from the concepts of strategic military planning, the Strategic Planning process is one way in which businesses strive to attain a competitive edge. Strategic planning involves defining goals, creating an adaptable business plan and measuring core competencies of staff to increase productivity and results. The understanding and implementation of Strategic Planning Steps can significantly affect a company''s ability to maximize revenue and growth. The steps have been used effectively in many fields of business, education and government to formulate productive business systems and resource management solutions.
Strategic Planning Steps Defined
While there are several different approaches to implementing Strategic Planning Steps Crystal Dunn USA Jersey , most models use the following definitions:
* Mission definition : The mission definition stage of Strategic Planning encourages an organization to develop a brief description of purpose to Inform potential stockholders, employees and customers what they can expect from the company. From the mission definition, a mission statement can be developed that serves as a company''s calling card and core focus description.
* VisionTrend Analysis : The next facet of Strategic Planning Steps directs a company to analyze current market trends and make committed decisions about where the business is heading. Defining long term goals and visualizing the future of the organization can help to focus current activities and important financial decisions.
* Strategic Objectives : Once long term goals have been set, the strategic objectives phase consists of formulating actual business plans to achieve the visualized goals. One acronym used frequently in this stage of Strategic Planning Steps is SMART. SMART stands for the type of objectives to be developed to fully realize the company''s long term goals. These objectives include:
* Critical Success Factors : Important milestones and achievements key to goal realization should be identified at the critical success factor stage of Strategic Planning. Singling out these factors provides an easy means for measuring the ongoing success of the business plan.
* Actions to be Implemented : After critical success factors have been identified, the next phase involves the development of action plans need to realize success. Specific tasks and organizations management strategies are designed to effectively implement the business plan. Task management is often defined by the core competencies required for each position in the company.
* Performance Analysis and Progress Measurement : The last of the most common steps is comprised of formulating methods by which to measure the organization''s progress. Comprehensive performance analysis tools and measurement criteria are developed to effectively monitor the success of the current system. These tools can be used to report both internally and externally on the progress and growth of the company.
Is e-Learning in Trouble?
First of all, e-learning means “electronic†learning. That covers a wide variety of topics, utilizing a wide variety of tools and platformsrom handheld devices and electronic pads to desktop computers Casey Short USA Jersey , and from standalone applications to web-based coursework.
One might think that the trend toward more e-learning would be accelerating, what with the recent recession, the threat of a new recession and more people out of work. The trend of Google searches for “e-learning†has been in a steady decline for the last seven years. The decline may be slowing, but when it gets close enough to zero Carli Lloyd USA Jersey , “slowing†doesn’t mean much.
E-learning certainly has many advantages. It has the convenience of being available on a student’s computer, especially if connected to the internet. In the corporate environment, though, one danger to e-learning is the idea that the training is always available Becky Sauerbrunn USA Jersey , so why rush it? Procrastination can be a major killer, especially in an environment where many other things seem to take a higher priority. Perhaps the “time management†class should be their first priority.
Outside the office, those who remain out of work might already have tried e-learning. Perhaps they did not find sufficient conversion from completed e-learning to the very desirable goal of landing a new job. And perhaps the right courses were not available, or the courses taken did not carry sufficient weight with the hiring managers they visited.
The funny thing about trends Alyssa Naeher USA Jersey , though, is that the pendulum can sometimes swing in the opposite direction as new approaches and new technology are implemented. And when trend statistics are bandied about, one needs to consider the possibility that some critical factors may not have been included. Take the Google “e-learning†trend, mentioned above. It could very well be that people are searching for the subject using a different term. And what do you know? The keyword “online training courses†is now on an uptrend and remaining far higher than most of the previous four years. Perhaps e-learning isn’t so dead after all.