ISSUES IN STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION


 Issues in Strategy Implementation

The different issues involved in strategy implementation cover practically everythingthat is included in the discipline of management studies. A strategist, therefore, has to bring a wide range of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and abilities. The implementation tasks put to test the strategists’ abilities to allocate resources, design organisational structure, formulate functional policies, and to provide strategic leadership.
  •  The strategic plan devised by the organization proposes the manner in which the strategies could be put into action. Strategies, by themselves, do not lead to action. They are, in a sense, a statement of intent. Implementation tasks are meant to realise the intent. Strategies, therefore, have to be activated through implementation. 
  •  Strategies should lead to formulation of different kinds of programmes. A programme is a broad term, which includes goals, policies, procedures, rules, and steps to be taken in putting a plan into action. Programmes are usually supported by funds allocated for plan implementation. 
  •  Programmes lead to the formulation of projects. A project is a highly specific programme for which the time schedule and costs are predetermined. It requires allocation of funds based on capital budgeting by organizations. Thus, research and development programme may consist of several projects, each of which is intended to achieve a specific and limited objective, requires separate allocation of funds, and is to be completed within a set time schedule. 

Implementation of strategies is not limited to formulation of plans, programmes, and projects. Projects would also require resources. After resources have been provided, it would be essential to see that a proper organizational structure is designed, systems are installed, functional policies are devised, and various behavioural inputs are provided so that plans may work.

Given below in sequential manner the issues in strategy implementation which are to be considered:

  •  Project implementation 
  • Procedural implementation 
  •  Resource aIIocation 
  •  Structural implementation 
  •  Functional implementation 
  •  Behavioural implementation 
It should be noted that the sequence does not mean that each of the above activities are necessarily performed one after another. Many activities can be performed simultaneously, certain other activities may be repeated over time; and there are activities, which are performed only once. Thus there can be overlapping and changes in the order in which these activities are performed.


In all but the smallest organizations, the transition from strategy formulation to strategy implementation requires a shift in responsibility from strategists to divisional and functional managers. Implementation problems can arise because of this shift in responsibility, especially if strategic decisions come as a surprise to middle and lower-level managers. Managers and employees are motivated more by perceived self-interests than by organizational interests, unless the two coincide. Therefore, it is essential that divisional and functional managers be involved as much as possible in the strategy-formulation process. similarly, strategists should also be involved as much as possible in strategy-implementation activities.



Management issues central to strategy implementation include establishing annual objectives, devising policies, allocating resources, altering an existing organizational structure, restructuring and reengineering, revising reward and incentive plans, minimizing resistance to change, developing a strategy-supportive culture, adapting production/operations processes, developing an effective human resource system and, if necessary, downsizing. Management changes are necessarily more extensive when strategies to be implemented move a firm in a new direction.

http://www.comgurukul.com/educational-books/gst-book/


GST (Goods and Services Tax) Book -A student friendly Latest and Updated Best GST Book - Bharat Gurukul

GST Student friendly Book most relevant/Useful for CA Intermediate/IPCC, CS executive , CWA Intermediate

No comments:

Post a Comment