Formal and Informal Strategic Planning
Formal and Informal Strategic Planning

Author: Daniel Ebner

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-12-09

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13: 3658045027

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Previous research focused either on the relationship between strategic planning and performance or coordination mechanisms and performance. Therefore, a conceptually and empirically validated understanding of the interaction between these three factors is limited. This study addresses this gap in the literature by delivering three contributions to theory and empirical research: firstly, by clarifying and proposing the influences of strategic planning and strategic organization on the performance; secondly, by developing a model and associated hypotheses on both direct and interaction effects of strategic planning and coordination mechanisms; and thirdly, by testing the hypotheses. Findings regarding strategic planning suggest the coexistence of formal and informal strategic planning activities. Furthermore, results show that the relationship between strategic planning and performance is moderated by coordination mechanisms.

Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning
Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning

Author: Henry Mintzberg

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 1994-01-31

Total Pages: 637

ISBN-13: 1439107351

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In this definitive and revealing history, Henry Mintzberg, the iconoclastic former president of the Strategic Management Society, unmasks the press that has mesmerized so many organizations since 1965: strategic planning. One of our most brilliant and original management thinkers, Mintzberg concludes that the term is an oxymoron -- that strategy cannot be planned because planning is about analysis and strategy is about synthesis. That is why, he asserts, the process has failed so often and so dramatically. Mintzberg traces the origins and history of strategic planning through its prominence and subsequent fall. He argues that we must reconceive the process by which strategies are created -- by emphasizing informal learning and personal vision -- and the roles that can be played by planners. Mintzberg proposes new and unusual definitions of planning and strategy, and examines in novel and insightful ways the various models of strategic planning and the evidence of why they failed. Reviewing the so-called "pitfalls" of planning, he shows how the process itself can destroy commitment, narrow a company's vision, discourage change, and breed an atmosphere of politics. In a harsh critique of many sacred cows, he describes three basic fallacies of the process -- that discontinuities can be predicted, that strategists can be detached from the operations of the organization, and that the process of strategy-making itself can be formalized. Mintzberg devotes a substantial section to the new role for planning, plans, and planners, not inside the strategy-making process, but in support of it, providing some of its inputs and sometimes programming its outputs as well as encouraging strategic thinking in general. This book is required reading for anyone in an organization who is influenced by the planning or the strategy-making processes.

Dealing with Urban and Rural Shrinkage
Dealing with Urban and Rural Shrinkage

Author: Gert-Jan Hospers

Publisher: LIT Verlag Münster

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 148

ISBN-13: 3643908229

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More and more places across the world are confronted with demographic shrinkage. This edited volume discusses how local communities in city and countryside have responded to the challenge of population decline. It is argued that formal strategies based on political and public sector decisions are only one way to deal with shrinkage. Informal adaptation strategies developed by civil society play an important role as well. To illustrate this, the book brings together a variety of theoretical perspectives, case studies and policy lessons from both urban and rural areas. Gert-Jan Hospers is researcher at the University of Twente and Radboud University, the Netherlands. Josefina Syssner is researcher at the Centre for Municipality Studies at Linkoeping University, Sweden.

Creating Your Strategic Plan
Creating Your Strategic Plan

Author: John M. Bryson

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-06-28

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 1118067258

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Creating and Implementing Your Strategic Plan is the companion workbook to Bryson's landmark book, Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations, a step-by-step guide to putting strategic planning into effect. Using revised, easy-to-understand worksheets, the authors provide clear instructions for creating a strategic plan tailored to the needs of the individual organization. With more material on stakeholder analysis, visioning, strategic issue identification, and implementation, this new edition is the best resource for taking leaders, managers, and students through every step of the strategic planning process.

Scenario Planning in Organizations
Scenario Planning in Organizations

Author: Thomas J. Chermack

Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Published: 2011-02-14

Total Pages: 379

ISBN-13: 1605099082

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Scenario planning helps organization leaders, executives and decision-makers envision and develop strategies for multiple possible futures instead of just one. It enables organizations to become resilient and agile, carefully calibrating their responses and adapting quickly to new circumstances in a fast-changing environment. This book is the most comprehensive treatment to date of the scenario planning process. Unlike existing books it offers a thorough discussion of the evolution and theoretical foundations of scenario planning, examining its connections to learning theory, decision-making theory, mental model theory and more. Chermack emphasizes that scenario planning is far more than a simple set of steps to follow, as so many other practice-focused books do—he addresses the subtleties and complexities of planning. And, unique among scenario planning books, he deals not just with developing different scenarios but also with applying scenarios once they have been constructed, and assessing the impact of the scenario project. Using a case study based on a real scenario project Chermack lays out a comprehensive five phase scenario planning system—project preparation, scenario exploration, scenario development, scenario implementation and project assessment. Each chapter describes specific techniques for gathering and analyzing relevant data with a particular emphasis on the use of workshops to encourage dialogue. He offers a scenario project worksheet to help readers structure and manage scenario projects as well as avoid common pitfalls, and a discussion, based in recent neurological findings, of how scenario planning helps people to overcome barriers to creative thinking. “This book is about action and performance. Compelling and thoroughly researched, it offers every business executive a playbook for including uncertainty in the organizational change process and driving competitive advantage”. -- Tim Reynolds, Vice President, Talent and Organization Effectiveness, Whirlpool Corporation

Executive Teams in Research-Based Spin-Off Companies
Executive Teams in Research-Based Spin-Off Companies

Author: Rigo Tietz

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-10

Total Pages: 307

ISBN-13: 3658012153

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​Research-based spin-off companies are a special subgroup of new technology-based ventures and play an important role for innovation and economic development. Executive teams of academic spin-offs face several challenges in building up sustainable and profitable ventures, because they often lack managerial and entrepreneurial skills. Based on a quantitative analysis of 193 German spin-offs RigoTietz examines the relationships between executive team characteristics, strategic decision making, and firm performance. The study contributes to the entrepreneurship and strategic management literature and has practical implications for entrepreneurs and managers, policymakers and practitioners of start-up initiatives and technology transfer organisations.

CLEP® Principles of Management Book + Online
CLEP® Principles of Management Book + Online

Author: John R Ogilvie

Publisher: Research & Education Assoc.

Published: 2012-12-17

Total Pages: 402

ISBN-13: 0738683752

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Earn College Credit with REA’s Test Prep for CLEP Principles of Management Everything you need to pass the exam and get the college credit you deserve. REA leads the way in helping students pass their College Board CLEP exams and earn college credit while reducing their tuition costs. With 25+ years of experience in test prep for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), REA is your trusted source for the most up-to-date test-aligned content. Whether you’re an adult returning to finish your degree, a traditional-age college student, a military service member, or a high school or home-schooled student looking to get a head start on college and shorten your path to graduation, CLEP is perfect for you. REA’s expert authors know the CLEP tests inside out. And thanks to our partners at Proctortrack (proctortrack.com/clep), you can now take your exam at your convenience, from the comfort of home. Prep for success on the CLEP Principles of Management exam with REA’s personalized three-step plan: (1) focus your study, (2) review with the book, and (3) measure your test-readiness. Our Book + Online prep gives you all the tools you need to make the most of your study time: Diagnostic exam: Pinpoint what you already know and what you need to study. Targeted subject review: Learn what you’ll be tested on. Two full-length practice exams: Zero in on the topics that give you trouble now so you’ll be confident and prepared on test day. Glossary of key terms: Round out your prep with must-know vocabulary. REA is America’s recognized leader in CLEP preparation. Our test prep helps you earn valuable college credit, save on tuition, and accelerate your path to a college degree.

CLEP Principles of Management
CLEP Principles of Management

Author: John R. Ogilvie

Publisher: Research & Education Assoc.

Published: 2005-12

Total Pages: 406

ISBN-13: 9780738601250

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REA ... Real review, Real practice, Real results. An easier path to a college degree - get college credits without the classes. CLEP PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT - with TESTware Includes CD with timed practice tests, instant scoring, and more. Based on today’s official CLEP exam Are you prepared to excel on the CLEP? * Take the first practice test to discover what you know and what you should know * Set up a flexible study schedule by following our easy timeline * Use REA's advice to ready yourself for proper study and success Study what you need to know to pass the exam * The book's on-target subject review features coverage of all topics on the official CLEP exam, including operational and functional aspects of management, human resources, contemporary topics, and more * Smart and friendly lessons reinforce necessary skills * Key tutorials enhance specific abilities needed on the test * Targeted drills increase comprehension and help organize study Practice for real * Create the closest experience to test-day conditions with the book’s 2 full-length practice tests on REA’s TESTware CD, featuring test-taking against the clock, instant scoring by topic, handy mark-and-return function, pause function, and more. * OR choose paper-and-pencil testing at your own pace * Chart your progress with full and detailed explanations of all answers * Boost your confidence with test-taking strategies and experienced advice Specially Written for Solo Test Preparation! REA is the acknowledged leader in CLEP preparation, with the most extensive library of CLEP titles and software available. Most titles are also offered with REA's exclusive TESTware software to make your practice more effective and more like exam day. REA's CLEP Prep guides will help you get valuable credits, save on tuition, and advance your chosen career by earning a college degree.

Strategy Formulation in Entrepreneurial Firms
Strategy Formulation in Entrepreneurial Firms

Author: Azhdar Karami

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-04-01

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 1317049322

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This book is concerned with strategy formulation issues in the relatively neglected field of entrepreneurial firms. It raises questions, such as what is the strategic role of entrepreneurship in small businesses? How does the top management in small firms perceive the processes associated with strategy formulation? How are business strategies formulated and implemented in SMEs and importantly, are there lessons that can be learnt by large corporations from the smaller ones? Using a sample covering a wide range of entrepreneurial firms in the UK, the author addresses the lack of strategic thinking in the management of small firms and provides recommendations for effective strategic management processes.