A good strategy without proper

implementation is like a poor strategy

or
no strategy at all
However having a good strategic
plan is half the battle won, and the
other half
is won through effective strategy
implementation
 Strategy implementation
A rigorous process of transforming the plan
/ strategy into action (from mere strategic
planning to strategic management)
This transformation involves planning
further( for our chosen strategy to be
applied) through effectively communicating
to implementers (internal buy-ins),
organizing resources, leading,and
controlling
 Cont-
• Putting our grand plan/blue print into
action to ensure that we competitively
get where we want to be (strategic
direction)
• Executing the chosen strategy (s)
through putting its tactics(actionable
steps/competitive activities) into action
Common features /characteristics of
the implementation stage
1. Every strategy to be
implemented has its unique
strategic window

2. Its own requirements/changes

 Cont-
3. Successful implementation is usually
spearheaded by top management
applying team work/participatory styles
of leadership
4. Strategies are implemented by people,
so you need their commitment/goal
contract
• You need to plan for this critical
stage- why?

• An implementation plan is very

critical at this stage

• It is in line with that strategy’s

tactics and the generic steps for
effective strategy implementing
 What it contains
What activities are to be
done
When they will be done
(Timing)
Who will do them
(Persons responsible)
 What resources will be
required
What will be the performance
indicators
Key Result Areas
(quantitive and qualitative
indicators)
 • Note:
Coherent and integrated Work Plans
can then be developed from this
Implementation Plan’s schedule of
tactics/activities/actionable steps
A good strategic choice with wrong
tactics/work plans is likely to fail, and
vice-versa
 Implementation process
• Communication / clarification of the goals,
objectives and strategies( at different levels of
hierarchy)
• Determine the key managerial & operational
tasks to be performed
• Assign tasks to the various departments and
their mgrs/leaders (departmentation)
• Delegate authority with responsibility,and
establish a linking/coordination
mechanism
• Budget and allocate resources to the
implementing
divisions/departments/sections
• Formulate and state policies, work
plans,procedures, and the
models/manuals to guide the coherent
set of tactics (activities) to be used
• Operationalize those tactics in your
strategy
• Determine the necessary indicators for
measuring performance (participatory
styles of leadership/mgt)
• Build an information system to provide
the required accurate, adequate, and
timely feedback
• Establish a recognition and reward system
for motivating your staff
• Develop your staff and
inculcate/reinforce your firm’s
corporate values
• Establish an appropriate control
mechanism
• Evaluate performance, ascertain
gaps, provide feedback and take
corrective action where
necessary
 The McKinsey 7-S frame work for
effective implementation of
strategy (key success factors/pre-
requisites) • Style
• Strategy • Shared values
• Structure • Staff
• Systems • Skills
Types of Strategic Implementation

Procedural Implementation
Project Implementation
Structural Implementation
Functional Implementation
Behavioral Implementation
 Functional Operational
Implementation
Financial Plans
Marketing Plans
Operational Plans
Personnel Plans and Policies
Information Plans and Policies
Research and development policies
 Financial Plan

Sources of funds
Usage of funds
Management of funds
 Marketing Plan

Product
Pricing
Place
Promotion
 Operational Plans

Plant Layout
Location
Production Planning and Control
 Personnel Plans

Organizational and Employee

characteristics
Industrial Relations