Drafting the strategic plan

Most of the plan has already been done if you have followed the steps so far. You just need to collate it all and edit it into one consistent document. You should now have done your background research and will be able to copy and paste it into a rough draft of your strategic plan. You have all the information that you got by researching client needs, resource requirements, interests of key stakeholders, and business viability.

Use these planning questions:

1. What is the overall purpose and philosophy of the organization?
2. What are the strategies and objectives needed for the future? Detail each strategy with:
1. an assigned priority
2. detail on the financial implications
3. a timeframe
4. responsible parties
5. measurable performance indicators
6. times for milestone reviews, and
7. a plan for operational management
8. a plan for change management (link)
3. How does that translate into a set of aims and objectives that are:
• clearly understood,
• measurable
• attainable and
• evaluated?
4. Determine an appropriate structure for the organization to match its philosophy and purpose
5. What strategic alliances do you have or need? Negotiate their participation and maintain it.
6. What will be the lines of decision-making and accountability? How will you implement and monitor them?
7. What are your priorities, immediate goals and long term goals for improving the quality of service?
8. Consult with relevant people and agencies as you go, and make sure they final result will enable you to meet your clients' needs.

Your plan should be:

1. Strategic, that is, give a strategic direction with a rationale. It needs to include:
• the desired direction
• the supporting rationale and the reasons for change
• how it will improve outcomes, and
• priorities, immediate goals, and long term goals for improving quality of service in plan
2. Operational, that is, indicate how you will practically implement the changes:
• anticipate practical difficulties
• design policies to foster quality service
• draft any changes in your organization's practices and procedures, and
• include resources (e.g. budget, extra staff time, etc.)
3. Financial, with estimated cash flow projections, budgetary information, and defined implementation/service plans.
4. Risk-managed, that is, you need to foresee the risks, assess them and do something about them (e.g. contingency plans)

In doing the above, check that you have:

• designed strategies to involve and communicate with all major stakeholders
• used information technology and software programs as required in the workplace
• coordinated the use of relevant information technology effectively to address organization requirements in line with OHS guidelines
• thought strategically, analytically and evaluatively
• made decisions effectively
• done sound environmental scanning
• done high level liaison
• used high level oral and written communication

Check that all aspects of strategic business plan are mutually supportive. Then circulate it for comment, support and endorsement.