STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION:

How do we ensure arrival?

 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
 More features/observations
5. Some implementation is actually out-
sourced from those with better value-
adding core competences in some of our
tactics/activities that make up your chosen
strategy
6. Planning for strategy implementation is
usually ignored due to that excitement after
choosing our strategy
 You need to plan for this critical
stage- why?
An implementation plan is very
critical at this stage
It is in line with that strategys
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
Objectively verifiable
indicators (OVIs)
Means of
verification/evaluation
Key Result Areas (quantitive
and qualitative indicators)
 Note:
Coherent and integrated Work Plans can
then be developed from this
Implementation Plans 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 firms
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)
Strategy Style
Structure Shared values
Systems Staff
Skills
 Revision Questions
1. A good strategy with poor implementation
is like a poor strategy or no strategy at all,
Discuss
2. Explain the McKinseys prerequisites for
effective implementation of strategy
3. Alignment of your strategy to other KSFs is
vital for competitive assurance of arrival to
where you want to be.Discuss
 Good strategy formulation alone will
not make your organization
successful. There are other elements
that must work and fit together with
the strategy to make an organization
realize its goals and objectives
competitively. Discuss the above
statements.