Difference Between Strategic Planning and Operational Planning

June 29, 2015 By Surbhi S 1 Comment

strategic vs operational planningPlanning is one of the significant activity not only for the management of an
organisation but also in our day to day life we need planning to think in advance of what is to be done in future. It
create a rough draft in our mind of how can we fulfil our objectives? Strategic Planning is concentrated towards
attaining the long-term objectives of business, but if we talk about Operation Planning, it is done to achieve short-
term objectives of the company.

We have presented, the most important differences between Strategic Planning and Operational Planning, come, let’s
start understanding the two terms.

Content: Strategic Planning Vs Operational Planning

Comparison Chart

Definition

Key Differences

Conclusion

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR COMPARISON STRATEGIC PLANNING OPERATIONAL PLANNING

Meaning The planning for achieving the vision of the organization is Strategic Planning. Operational Planning is a
process of deciding in advance of what is to be done to achieve the tactical objectives of business?

Time Horizon Long term planning Short term planning

Approach Extroverted Introverted

Modifications Generally, the plan lasts longer. The plan changes every year.
Performed by Top level management Middle level management

Scope Wide Narrow

Emphasis on Planning of vision, mission and objectives. Planning the routine activities of the company.

Definition of Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning is a planning process undertaken by the top level management, to decide Where the organisation
wants to reach in future? And What should be done to pursue the organisational vision, mission, and objectives? It is
an analytical process which examines the micro and macro environment of business. The process is used to define the
company’s vision, ambitions, and set priorities to make a route that will lead the company towards its ultimate goal.

The planning is not made for a particular department or unit, but it covers the entire organisation. The strategic
planning is done to determine the factors of the internal and external environment which directly influences the
organisation. The plan focuses on the enduring development of the organisation. The tools used in this process are:

SWOT Analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats)

Portfolio Analysis

PEST Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological Environment)

Porter’s 5 forces Analysis (New Entrants, Rival Sellers, Substitute Products, Buyer Bargaining Power, Supplier
Bargaining Power)

BCG Matrix (Boston Consulting Group)

These tools help the management to design a strategy considering various elements, that will lead the organisation
towards its vision.

Definition of Operational Planning

The process which predetermines the day to day activities of the business is known as Operational Planning. The
planning is done to support the strategic planning to accomplish the organisational goals. In this process, short run
objectives of the company are determined as well as a means to achieve those objectives are also discovered.
Middle-level management performs the function of the operational planning process. It includes planning of regular
business activities and operations for a short period. Under this process, the organisation is classified into the various
department, division, unit, and centre for which planning is performed individually, which is aligned with the strategic
planning to reach the organisation’s vision. The following are the features of Operational Planning:

Objectives need to be clearly defined.

Achievement of the desired result.

The activities are to be performed as decided.

Maintenance of quality standards.

Measuring performance.

Key Differences Between Strategic Planning and Operational Planning

The following are the differences between strategic planning and operational planning:

The planning to pursue the organisation’s vision is known as Strategic Planning. The planning to achieve the tactical
objectives of the organisation is known as Operational Planning.

Strategic Planning is long lasting as compared Operational Planning.

Operational Planning is done to support Strategic Planning.

Strategic Planning takes into account the internal as well as the external environment of business. Conversely,
Operational Planning is concerned with the internal environment of business.

Strategic Planning is done by top level management, whereas the Operational Planning is a function of middle-level
management.

Strategic Planning covers the whole organisation, but Operational Planning is done in a particular unit or department
of the organisation.

Conclusion

As we have discussed in the beginning that planning can be done for anything, so in a business organisation it can be
done for various purposes right from reaching the vision to its regular business activities, but their names, ways, and
planning techniques are different. Strategic Planning and Operational Planning are two types of planning process
performed by the managers and executives of the organisation.

Strategic Plans are made to achieve the vision, mission, goals, and objectives. On the other hand, Operational Plans
are made to effectively perform the basic activities of the business in order to achieve tactical objectives.

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