Practical Strategic Planning: A Guide and Manual for Line Managers

Anthony presents current thinking and research on strategic planning in a usable, concise, and practical form. He offers concrete examples and field-tested methods and presents a synthesis of current research findings, writings, and experiences. He identifies and discusses in detail the five key elements in strategic planning. Clearly outlining the steps in the process, he examines environmental forecasting, customer/market analysis, strategic planning premises, internal assessment, mission development, strategic thrusts, and operationalizing the plan. Anthony includes over 25 forms, blank and completed, that managers in the past have found useful for synthesizing, recording, and presenting critical information in the planning process. He devotes an entire chapter to a complete example of one company's strategic plan, allowing other organizations to see how his principles and forms have been applied.