The spelling of the phrase "strategic plan" corresponds to its pronunciation as \stɹiːˈteɪdʒɪk plæn\. The stress falls on the second syllable of "strategic," and the first syllable of "plan." The word "strategic" denotes the importance of planning for success or achievement, while "plan" suggests a predetermined course of action for achieving a particular objective. The strategic plan is an essential tool for every organization to set objectives for its future, make informed decisions, and allocate resources efficiently.
A strategic plan is a comprehensive and detailed document that outlines an organization's long-term objectives, goals, and action plans to achieve sustainable success. It serves as a roadmap that guides and aligns the organization's activities and resources towards its desired future state.
A strategic plan typically includes an analysis of the organization's current situation and external environment, a clear vision statement, and a set of core values or beliefs that the organization adheres to. It also identifies the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis), which help in identifying strategic priorities and formulating strategies.
The plan then establishes the organization's strategic goals and objectives, which are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART goals). These goals are derived from the organization's vision and serve as a yardstick for measuring progress.
Furthermore, a strategic plan outlines the strategies and tactics that will be employed to achieve the goals. This includes resource allocation, human resource development, budgeting, marketing plans, and other operational plans. The plan also identifies key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be monitored to evaluate the success and effectiveness of the strategies implemented.
A well-developed strategic plan provides direction, clarity, and focus to the organization, ensuring that all stakeholders are working towards a shared vision and common goals. It serves as a powerful tool for decision-making, resource management, and performance measurement, enabling the organization to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing business environment.
The word "strategic" is derived from the Greek term "strategos", which means "army leader" or "general". The term "plan" traces back to the Latin word "plannum", meaning "flat surface" or "level ground". The development of the term "strategic plan" came about by combining these words. The concept of a strategic plan originated from military strategies and was later adapted for use in various fields such as business, education, and project management.