Component Of Strategic Planning Research Articles

THE UTILIZATION OF EXPERT SYSTEMS IN THE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROCESS OF SMEs

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to present a framework for an expert system to assist SMEs in their strategic planning process. Besides a literature study, an empirical investigation was carried out amongst a random sample of SMEs. From the different functional management components, financial management was chosen as the component of strategic planning to be used for the development of an expert system to assist the entrepreneur in the strategic planning process. From the study it was clear that a system could be developed to provide expert knowledge to the entrepreneur to assist in the decision making process. This system, however, is only a prototype and further research is necessary before a final and comprehensive system can be developed.

Road to Successful Sales—A Three‐Step Process

As we head into the 1990s, marketing, business development, and communications will remain essential components of strategic planning, because many organizations will begin to “sell” their services not just market them. To develop a successful sales program, your firm must have an understanding of each process and how they are interdependent. Marketing—the organized, planned process to create, gain, and retain clients—is everybody's business. Business development is the “doing” part of marketing, and the communications program serves to carry out marketing and business development goals. Once the marketing plan is established and clarified, business development activities can begin: servicing current clients, lead finding, calling on potential clients, cold calling, and implementation of the communications program. Communications activities—corporate image making and public relations (including media placement, brochures, newsletters, advertising campaigns, direct mail, and special events pieces)—serve to...

The components of strategic planning

What is the current level of strategic planning in the United States? What objectives are quantified in the strategic plans? What kinds of environmental factors are identified in the planning process? What areas are planned for? How often are the strategic plans reviewed? These are among the questions which were raised in a recent survey of 323 companies whose results are summarized in this paper. It is hoped that this study will permit practitioners to compare their planning with planning being performed in their industry. Suggested improvements in the stategic planning process include more frequent monitoring of performance against the plans, more comprehensive environmental surveillance, and greater emphasis on organizational structure plans. The strategic planning process was found to be constantly evolving and cyclical. The strategic planning activity expanded during adversity and contracted when business prospects were good.