ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by defining “strategic planning” and discusses why it is crucial for the wellbeing of any organisation; businesses, institutions and non-profit organisations. It provides some background to the different management theories that relate to strategic planning and give examples of how a strategic plan is then implemented. Strategic planning is unlike more conventional budget planning in the sense that it is all about designing a future, rather than planning by looking in the mirror. A strategic plan serves a different purpose for a business plan. Strategic planning involves articulating the strengths and weaknesses of an enterprise; exploiting strategic opportunities and mitigating risks; and developing solidarity, enthusiasm and belief by enabling employees/members to participate in forming the future. Strategic planning is a complex and demanding process of analysis and critical thinking that covers many areas and that needs to be carried out regularly and consistently to find the common area between the needs, ability and identity of an enterprise.
