Operational Planning in Perspective

So, the question is: How does one go about ‘translating’ strategy into an operational plan?

The question where the operational plan fits into the bigger picture should first be answered. The diagram below shows the total organisational planning structure, which includes operational planning:

As indicated, vision and mission are usually seen as the strategic part of the planning process, whereas setting goals, objectives, action plans and tactics are normally part of the operational planning process.

It should be recognised that the lines are not as solid as depicted in the diagram.

• The strategic planning process includes a process of setting company goals and objectives, which would later be broken down into departmental goals and objectives.
• The operational planning process, although more focused on the goals, objectives, action plans and tactics of an operational unit, could include that the unit design their own vision and mission, aligned with that of the company.

For the purpose of this module we will focus on the operational planning process. Before we start off with the process of operational planning, we should however know where our department fits into the bigger picture of the organisation. For that purpose, in our first exercise, we will review our company vision, mission and strategic plan.