Topic > Organizational planning: strategic planning and operational planning

IndexTypes of plansStrategic planningOperational planningOrganizational objectives without planning are meaningless. Planning is essential for organizations to achieve their short- and long-term goals. A goal is created to define an organization's vision (CSU-Global, n.d.). In the article Strategic Management: Formulation and Implementation Barnat (nd) describes a plan as “a written document that specifies the courses of action that the organization will take” (para. 1). There are various types of uses of planning organizations such as strategic and operational. Barnat argues that planning includes four main dimensions including repetitiveness, time, scope, and level (n.d., Barnat). The difference between these plans is based on the four dimensions. The organization's goals are also included in the planning process. Strategic and operational planning are necessary to achieve organizational goals because they keep the organization focused on the vision and provide staff with direction. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayTypes of PlansOrganizations use multiple planning methods to achieve goals. Two common planning methods are strategic planning and operational planning. Both strategic and operational planning help the organization achieve short- and long-term goals. These plans differ in many ways, however they serve a similar purpose. Strategic planning is based on the big picture while operational planning is based on the detail of the objectives. Strategic and operational plans work together to achieve organizational goals. Strategic Planning Organizations use strategic planning to achieve long-term goals. These types of plans can take three to five years to implement (CSU-Global, n.d.). Teams across the organization work together to strategically plan for the future. Strategic planning doesn't happen on its own or overnight. In the journal article “Strategic Planning for Rapid, Profitable Growth” Lorange (1996) states: “Strategic planning does not happen by itself” (p.47). What Lorange means is that a lot of time, effort and collaboration goes into strategic planning. Strategic planning provides a vision for the organization. In the article Strategic Management: Formulation and Implementation Barnat (nd) states that strategic planning “provides direction for an organization's mission, objectives and strategies” (para. 9). Strategic planning focuses on the bigger picture of the organization's purpose. Strategic planning also includes decisions that can impact the direction of the company (Barnat, n.d.). Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the purpose of the organization when planning. Overall, strategic planning is a long-term strategy that provides a vision for the organization. (CSU-Global, n.d.). Having a shared vision is critical to achieving an organization's goals. Strategic plans keep an organization's vision in mind when planning. Operational Planning Operational planning is also necessary to achieve an organization's objectives. Unlike strategic planning, operational planning is based on short-term goals. Operational planning details how to achieve long-term goals (CSU-Global, n.d.). An organization uses the.