Requirements for Strategic Planning and Management

Several strategic-planning processes begin with the extension of the annual operating budget into a typical five-year projection. This can be a valuable exercise, particularly for organizations that have operated on a yearly or even monthly planning cycle. Most organizations soon discover that five-year operational and financial forecasts, in and of themselves, are ineffective as strategic-planning tools because they are predicated on the assumption of no significant change in environmental, economic, and competitive conditions.

There are certain concepts for the creation of strategy and its management of it.

• Aligning effort It’s important to ensure that all functions are aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. This is where a 10,000-foot helicopter ride is of benefit to have a broader view, ensuring that policies and practices are aligned with the strategy and intention.
• Controlling drift This is important to ensure that an organization is not coasting along doing what it’s always done and missing the boat or, at worse, becoming blindsided because of disruption in its marketplace or industry with substitution.
• Focusing on core competencies This means knowing what the organization is good at for its customer base and being sure to focus efforts on those competencies.

• Systems thinking Keep in mind the inter-relations of both internal and external factors, such as stakeholders, industry forces, and the other influences on an organization. This includes looking at both the opportunities and the risks or conflicts and to what degree the risks are acceptable to the organization.
• Using structure as a strategic level Does the structure of the organization support the strategy, or does it hamper it because of current policies and expectations within the organization?
• Using culture as a strategic level Does the culture align itself with the intended strategy? As an example, if the strategy is to have front-line employees make return decisions on the spot with a customer, is the organization’s orientation program providing training and demonstrated shadowing for new front-line hires to develop the desired behaviors?

Sharam Kohan
Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan: Biography

Sharam Kohan is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in law, human relations, and organizational leadership. Currently a degree candidate for an LLM at UC Berkeley Law, Sharam brings a unique blend of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

With a career that spans diverse sectors, Sharam's expertise extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as a Human Relations Commissioner, contributing his leadership to Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, where he worked on initiatives to improve community relations and promote equity. His dedication to social change is also evident in his philanthropic efforts as a donor to organizations like FACES SF, which provides vital resources and support to the Bay Area’s underserved communities.

An advocate for labor and employment rights, Sharam holds a specialization in Employment Law from Temple University School of Law, which has furthered his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. His professional journey includes leadership roles across human resources and operations, where he has honed his ability to manage teams, shape organizational culture, and implement effective strategies that drive success. He also holds SHRM certification, further solidifying his expertise in human resources management.

As a writer and thought leader, Sharam has authored multiple works that delve into complex philosophical and legal topics. His books, Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom, explore the intersections of law, philosophy, and human freedom, blending his academic background with a passion for intellectual inquiry. These works have garnered attention for their thoughtful analysis and exploration of complex ideas, establishing Sharam as a respected voice in both legal and philosophical circles.

Though not a traditional legal scholar, Sharam’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding law and society has made him a sought-after commentator on topics ranging from legal theory to organizational dynamics. His writing can be found on various platforms, including his blog at Harvard, where he shares insights on law, politics, and social issues.

Sharam Kohan is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with the knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the legal, social, and business landscapes.

For more on Sharam Kohan’s work, visit his blog at archive.blogs.harvard.edu/kohan and his author pages on Amazon, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre's Conception of Freedom.

Articles: 222

Related Posts