Workshop on the Strategic Planning Model
Updated on March 1, 2011: Slide 51 links revised and added Slide 55 1
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Fundamental Questions to Ask
Where are we now? (Assessment) Where do we need to be? (Gap / Future End State) How will we close the gap (Strategic Plan) How will we monitor our progress (Balanced Scorecard)
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
A Good Strategic Plan should . . .
Address critical performance issues Create the right balance between what the organization is capable of doing vs. what the organization would like to do Cover a sufficient time period to close the performance gap Visionary convey a desired future end state Flexible allow and accommodate change Guide decision making at lower levels operational, tactical, individual
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Strategic Planning Model ABCDE
Where we are Where we want to be How we will do it How are we doing
Assessment
Baseline
Components
Down to
Specifics
Evaluate
Environmental Scan Background Information Situational Analysis SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
Situation Past, Present and Future Significant Issues Align / Fit with Capabilities
Mission & Vision Values / Guiding Principles Major Goals Specific Objectives
Performance Measurement Targets / Standards of Performance Initiatives and Projects Action Plans
Performance Management Review Progress Balanced Scorecard Take Corrective Actions Feedback upstream revise plans
Gaps
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Assessment
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Assessment Model: SWOT
Internal Assessment: Organizational assets, resources, people, culture, systems, partnerships, suppliers, . . .
Assessment
External Assessment: Marketplace, competitors, social trends, technology, regulatory environment, economic cycles .
SWOT
SWOT
Good Points
Easy to Understand Apply at any organizational level
Possible Pitfalls
Needs to be Analytical and Specific Be honest about your weaknesses
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Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Strengths
Assessment
Strengths Those things that you do well, the high value or performance points Strengths can be tangible: Loyal customers, efficient distribution channels, very high quality products, excellent financial condition Strengths can be intangible: Good leadership, strategic insights, customer intelligence, solid reputation, high skilled workforce Often considered Core Competencies Best leverage points for growth without draining your resources
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Weaknesses
Assessment
Weaknesses Those things that prevent you from doing what you really need to do Since weaknesses are internal, they are within your control Weaknesses include: Bad leadership, unskilled workforce, insufficient resources, poor product quality, slow distribution and delivery channels, outdated technologies, lack of planning, . . .
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Opportunities
Assessment
Opportunities Potential areas for growth and higher performance External in nature marketplace, unhappy customers with competitors, better economic conditions, more open trading policies, . . Internal opportunities should be classified as Strengths Timing may be important for capitalizing on opportunities
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Threats
Assessment
Threats Challenges confronting the organization, external in nature Threats can take a wide range bad press coverage, shifts in consumer behavior, substitute products, new regulations, . . . May be useful to classify or assign probabilities to threats The more accurate you are in identifying threats, the better position you are for dealing with the sudden ripples of change
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Baseline
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Why create a baseline?
Baseline
Puts everything about the organization into a single context for comparability and planning Descriptive about the company as well as the overall environment Include information about relationships customers, suppliers, partners, . . . Preferred format is the Organizational Profile
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Organizational Profile 1. Operating Environment
Baseline
Products and Services Suppliers, Delivery Channels, Contracts, Arrangements, . . . Organizational Culture Barriers, Leadership, Communication, Cohesiveness . . . . Workforce Productivity Skill levels, diversity, contractors, aging workforce, . . . Infrastructure Systems, technology, facilities, . . Regulatory Product / Service Regulation, ISO Quality Standards, Safety, Environmental, . . .
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Organizational Profile 2. Business Relationships
Baseline
Organizational Structure Business Units, Functions, Board, Management Layers, . . . Customer Relationships Requirements, Satisfaction, Loyalty, Expectations, . . . Value Chain Relationship between everyone in the value chain . . . . Partner Relationships Alliances, long-term suppliers, customer partnerships, . . .
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Organizational Profile 3. Key Performance Categories Customer Products and Services Financial Human Capital Operational External (Regulatory Compliance, Social Responsibility, . . . )
Baseline
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Gap Analysis
Baseline / Org Profile
Baseline
Challenges / SWOT
Gap = Basis for LongTerm Strategic Plan
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Components
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Major Components of the Strategic Plan / Down to Action
Components
Strategic Plan
Mission Vision Goals Objectives O1 AI2 M3 T1 AI3
Why we exist What we want to be
Action Plans Evaluate Progress
What we must achieve to be successful O2
Specific outcomes expressed in measurable terms (NOT activities) Planned Actions to Achieve Objectives Indicators and Monitors of success Desired level of performance and timelines
Initiatives
Measures Targets
AI1
M1 M2 T1 T1
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Mission Statement
Components
Captures the essence of why the organization exists Who we are, what we do Explains the basic needs that you fulfill Expresses the core values of the organization Should be brief and to the point Easy to understand If possible, try to convey the unique nature of your organization and the role it plays that differentiates it from others
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Examples Good and Bad Mission Statements
NASA To Explore the Universe and Search for Life and to Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers Walt Disney To Make People Happy
Components
Does a good job of expressing the core values of the organization. Also conveys unique qualities about the organization.
Too vague and and unclear. Need more descriptive information about what makes the organization special.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Vision
Components
How the organization wants to be perceived in the future what success looks like An expression of the desired end state Challenges everyone to reach for something significant inspires a compelling future Provides a long-term focus for the entire organization
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Guiding Principles and Values
Components
Every organization should be guided by a set of values and beliefs Provides an underlying framework for making decisions part of the organizations culture Values are often rooted in ethical themes, such as honesty, trust, integrity, respect, fairness, . . . . Values should be applicable across the entire organization Values may be appropriate for certain best management practices best in terms of quality, exceptional customer service, etc.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Examples of Guiding Principles and Values
Components
We obey the law and do not compromise moral or ethical principles ever! We expect to be measured by what we do, as well as what we say.
We treat everyone with respect and appreciate individual differences. We carefully consider the impact of business decisions on our people and we recognize exceptional contributions.
We are strategically entrepreneurial in the pursuit of excellence, encouraging original thought and its application, and willing to take risks based on sound business judgment.
We are committed to forging public and private partnerships that combine diverse strengths, skills and resources.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Goals
Components
Describes a future end-state desired outcome that is supportive of the mission and vision. Shapes the way ahead in actionable terms. Best applied where there are clear choices about the future. Puts strategic focus into the organization specific ownership of the goal should be assigned to someone within the organization. May not work well where things are changing fast goals tend to be long-term for environments that have limited choices about the future.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Developing Goals
Components
Cascade from the top of the Strategic Plan Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles. Look at your strategic analysis SWOT, Environmental Scan, Past Performance, Gaps . . Limit to a critical few such as five to eight goals. Broad participation in the development of goals: Consensus from above buy-in at the execution level. Should drive higher levels of performance and close a critical performance gap.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Examples of Goals
Reorganize the entire organization for better responsiveness to customers
Components
We will partner with other businesses, industry leaders, and government agencies in order to better meet the needs of stakeholders across the entire value stream.
Manage our resources with fiscal responsibility and efficiency through a single comprehensive process that is aligned to our strategic plan.
Improve the quality and accuracy of service support information provided to our internal customers. Establish a means by which our decision making process is market and customer focus.
Maintain and enhance the physical conditions of our public facilities. 27
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Objectives
Components
Relevant - directly supports the goal Compels the organization into action Specific enough so we can quantify and measure the results Simple and easy to understand Realistic and attainable Conveys responsibility and ownership Acceptable to those who must execute May need several objectives to meet a goal
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Goals vs. Objectives
Components
GOALS Very short statement, few words Broad in scope
OBJECTIVES Longer statement, more descriptive Narrow in scope
Directly relates to the Mission Indirectly relates to the Mission Statement Statement Covers long time period (such as 10 years) Covers short time period (such 1 year budget cycle)
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Examples of Objectives
Components
Develop a customer intelligence database system to capture and analyze patterns in purchasing behavior across our product line. Launch at least three value stream pilot projects to kick-off our transformation to a leaner organization. Centralize the procurement process for improvements in enterprise-wide purchasing power.
Consolidate payable processing through a P-Card System over the next two years.
Monitor and address employee morale issues through an annual employee satisfaction survey across all business functions.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Down to Specifics
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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What are Action Plans?
Down to
Specifics
The Action Plan identifies the specific steps that will be taken to achieve the initiatives and strategic objectives where the rubber meets the road Each Initiative has a supporting Action Plan(s) attached to it Action Plans are geared toward operations, procedures, and processes They describe who does what, when it will be completed, and how the organization knows when steps are completed Like Initiatives, Action Plans require the monitoring of progress on Objectives, for which measures are needed
Objectives
Initiatives
Action Plans
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Characteristics of Action Plans
Down to
Specifics
Assign responsibility for the successful completion of the Action Plan. Who is responsible? What are the roles and responsibilities? Detail all required steps to achieve the Initiative that the Action Plan is supporting. Where will the actions be taken? Establish a time frame for the completion each steps. When will we need to take these actions? Establish the resources required to complete the steps. How much will it take to execute these actions? Define the specific actions (steps) that must be taken to implement the initiative. Determine the deliverables (in measurable terms) that should result from completion of individual steps. Identify in-process measures to ensure the processes used to carry out the action are working as intended. Define the expected results and milestones of the action plan. Provide a brief status report on each step, whether completed or not. What communication process will we follow? How well are we doing in executing our action plan? Based on the above criteria, you should be able to clearly define your action plan. If you have several action plans, you may have to prioritize.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Action Plan Execution
Down to
Specifics
Requires that you have answered the Who, What, How, Where, and When questions related to the project or initiative that drives strategic execution Coordinate with lower level sections, administrative and operating personnel since they will execute the Action Plan in the form of specific work plans Assign action responsibility and set timelines Develop working plans and schedules that have specific action steps Resource the project or initiative and document in the form of detail budgets (may require reallocation prior to execution) Monitor progress against milestones and measurements Correct and revise action plans per comparison of actual results against original action plan
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Quantify from Action Level Up in terms of Measurements
Down to
Specifics
Measure your milestones short-term outcomes at the Action Item level. Measure the outcomes of your objectives. Try to keep your measures one per objective. May want to include lead and lag measures to depict cause-effect relationships if you are uncertain about driving (leading) the desired outcome. Establish measures using a template to capture critical data elements
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Measurement Template
Down to
Specifics
(Insert organization name)
(Insert division name)
(Insert department name)
Risk Frame area objective supports
(Insert objective owner)
(Insert measurement owner)
(Insert reporting contact info)
Objective Description description of objective purpose, in sufficient detail for personnel not familiar with the objective to understand its intent. Objective descriptions are typically two or three paragraphs long. This will appear in the pop-up window when you mouse over the objective in the Balanced Scorecard System.
References source documentation for objective and objective description
Comments additional information about the objective not covered in above blocks, such as recommendations for further revision, additional organizations objective impacts, recommendations for coordination / alignment with other objectives, etc. Measure Name - The name exactly as you want it to appear in the Balanced Scorecard, including the measure number (i.e. Percent Employees Satisfied, etc.) Measure Description description of the measure, include its intent, data source, and organization responsible for providing measure data. This will appear in the pop-up window when you mouse over the measure in the Balanced Scorecard. Measure Formula formula used to calculate measure value (if any) Data Source - The source of the data manual, data spreadsheet, or database name and contact familiar with the data
Measure Weight - the relative weight of the measure based on the impact it has on the overall objective. The total weights for all measures for an objective must add to 100 Target Maximum Maximum expected value for the measure. Effective Date Date the target first becomes effective
Measure Reporter Person responsible for providing measure data. Include the name, organization and email. Frequency How often target data will be reported Units Units of measure
Target Point where the measure goes from green to amber Target Minimum Point where the measure goes from amber to red. The target minimum and target can not be the same value. Scorecard Perspective Name
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Criteria for Good Measures
Down to
Specifics
Integrity Complete; useful; inclusive of several types of measure; designed to measure the most important activities of the organization Reliable: Consistent
Accurate - Correct
Timely Available when needed: designed to use and report data in a usable timeframe Confidential and Secure: Free from inappropriate release or attack
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Examples of Measurements Lead Indicators
Down to
Specifics
Average time to initiate customer contact => shorter time should lead to better customer service Average response time to incident => below average response times should lead to increased effectiveness in dealing with incident Facilities that meet facility quality A1 rating => should lead to improved operational readiness for meeting customer needs
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Examples of Measurements Lag Indicators
Down to
Specifics
Overall customer satisfaction rating => how well you are doing looking back Business Units met budgeted service hour targets => after the fact reporting of service delivery volume Number of category C safety accidents at construction sites => historical report of what has already taken place
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Targets
Down to
Specifics
For each measurement, you should have at least one target Targets should stretch the organization to higher levels of performance Incremental improvements over current performance can be used to establish your targets Targets put focus on your strategy When you reach your targets, you have successfully executed your strategy
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Examples of Targets
Average Time to Process New Employee Setups in DB Utilization Rate for Rental Housing Units 65 days Year 2007 90% for Year 2007 60 days Year 2008 92% for Year 2008 70% for Year 2008 75% by 3th Quarter
Down to
Specifics
55 days Year 2009 95% for Year 2009 95% for Year 2009 90% by 4th Quarter
Toxic Sites meeting in-service 55% for compliance Year 2007 Personnel Fully Trained in Safety and Emergency 65% by 2rd Quarter
Open Positions Filled after 30 75 positions 100 day promotion period Sept 2007 positions Jan 2008 % Reduction in Orders Filled Short in 1st Cycle
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
135 positions July 2008 85% by Year 2010
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50% by Year 2008
65% by Year 2009
Sanity Check . . .
Down to
Specifics
Make sure everything is linked and connected for a tight end-to-end model for driving strategic execution.
OBJECTIVE
Improve Employee Satisfaction
MEASURE / TARGET
Measure
Percent Satisfaction
90% Employee Satisfaction Survey Rating
gap
INITIATIVE
Employee Productivity Improvement Program
45%
ACTION PLAN
Identify issues per a company wide survey
Target
90% favorable overall
Target
Actual
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Evaluate
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Continuous Feedback through the Balanced Scorecard
Evaluate
Cascade and align from the top to create a Strategic Management System. Use the Balanced Scorecard framework to organize and report actionable components. Use the Scorecard for managing the execution of your strategy. Scorecard forces you to look at different perspectives and take into account causeeffect relationships (lead and lag indicators) Improves how you communicate your strategy critical to execution.
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Evaluate Performance Management D2-D5: Build the Balanced Scorecard Establish a regular review cycle using your balanced scorecard. Analyze and compare trends using graphs for rapid communication of performance. Dont be afraid to change your metrics life cycle (inputs to outputs to outcomes) Work back upstream to revise your plans: Action Plans > Operating Plans > Strategic Plans Planning is very dynamic must be flexible to change. Recognize and reward good performance results Brainstorm and change take corrective action on poor performance results.
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Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Evaluate Automating the Process D2-D5: Build the Balanced Scorecard
1. Active Strategy ([Link])
2. Corda ([Link]) 3. Corporater ([Link]) 4. Rocket CorVu ([Link]) 5. Cockpit Communicator ([Link]) 6. Biz Score ([Link]) 7. Executive Dashboard ([Link]) 8. PM Express ([Link]) 9. Strategy 2 Act ([Link]) 10. 20 20 Software ([Link])
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Link Budgets to Strategic Plan
Evaluate
The worlds best Strategic Plan will fail if it is not adequately resourced through the budgeting process Strategic Plans cannot succeed without people, time, money, and other key resources Aligning resources validates that initiatives and action plans comprising the strategic plan support the strategic objectives
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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What Resources? How to Link?
Every Action Plan should identify the following:
Evaluate
The people resources needed to succeed The time resources needed to succeed The money resources needed to succeed The physical resources (facilities, technology, etc.) needed to succeed Resource information is gathered by Objective Owners which is provided to the Budget Coordinators for each Business Unit. Resources identified for each Action Plan are used to establish the total cost of the Initiative. Cost-bundling of Initiatives at the Objective level is used by our Business Unit Budget Coordinators to create the Operating Plan Budget
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Some Final Thoughts
Integrate all components from the top to the bottom: Vision > Mission > Goals > Objectives > Measures > Targets > Initiatives > Action Plans > Budgets. Get Early Wins (Quick Kills) to create some momentum Seek external expertise (where possible and permissible) Articulate your requirements to senior leadership if they are really serious about strategic execution
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Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
Recommended Workbook
This is a very useful workbook which includes templates to walk you through every step of strategic planning. Even though it is written for Nonprofits, it can be used for any type of an organization seeking to develop a good strategic plan. You can order this workbook from the link below:
[Link]
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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Thanks for your participation!
Matt H. Evans, matt@[Link]
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