Strategic Planning: A Managers Guide

One of a manager's most critical tasks is to develop strategy, and although thinking on strategy is constantly shifting, the underlying issues remain the same. Strategic planning is a task that exists in organisations of all sizes, and at various levels of responsibility. This exceptionally useful and concise book provides essential information for managers and practitioners of strategic management, particularly those requiring a bird's-eye view of the whole subject, who have neither the time nor inclination to read the encyclopaedic tomes that are currently available. The style is practical, without sacrificing integrity, and references are made to important sources in the literature. The book provides a framework for thinking about strategy, which can be used as the basis for a written plan, should this be needed. However, it is not assumed that the end product of strategic thinking is always a written plan, although this is often the case. Whether the plan is written or memorised, the steps and methods outlined in this book will help managers to develop a sound strategy. After taking the reader through a number of issues and steps in the development of corporate strategy, the book explores strategic thinking in the context of marketing, manufacturing, finance and human resources. The final chapter is optional, for those who are interested in an ongoing process of strategic planning.