TOOLS FOR CHANGING ORGANIZATIONS, SYSTEMS
AND STRUCTURES
10. Strategic Framework and Plans
Description of
the Tool
A strategic plan is commonly used to affect change and build a team
committed to a common direction. In strategic planning, we consider
the environment, inside and outside the organisation, and using
that information determine where we want the organisation to be.
The Strategic Framework and Plans tool gives a simple overview of
a strategic framework and a sample from the Women and Sport Committee
in Zone VI in Africa.
When to Use it?
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When you want to determine
what direction to take, based on a realistic assessment of what
is possible and probable
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When you want to build ownership
and commitment to a common direction and future vision
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When you need a common direction
to focus different partners and groups on the same path
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When you want to be very clear on where you
are going, what you do, and what you believe.
Format
A simple framework done in chart form is followed by a description
of the parts of the framework and an example of each from the Zone
VI Strategic Framework.
Tool
Strategic planning has tremendous potential
as a practical and innovative tool for creating change. A strategic
framework helps define the gap between the desired future (where
we are going) and current operations (where we are now). The essence
of strategic thinking and management is its careful consideration
of the environment and those implications to the organisation's
future and purpose. The following chart is one
model that may assist in understanding the components of strategic
planning and the importance of the strategic framework.
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Strategic Framework
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Following a scan of the current environment, trends, and
an assessment of needs of various stakeholders, a strategic
framework is created, including:
Vision
describes the desired future of an organisation. It describes
an organisation that is better or different than it is at
present. This preferred future provides a realistic view
of an achievable and attractive future taking into account
the internal and external environments.
Values are statements
of core beliefs and convictions that establish moral and
ethical priorities to guide all activities.
Values tell
what is right and wrong, important and unimportant.is a
brief, clear statement of the purpose of the organisation
or the function the organisation is attempting to fill,
its reason for being.
A Mission Statement
answers three questions: What is the business of the organisation?
For whom is the organisation in business? How does the organisation
fulfil its function?
Strategic Directions
are the priority areas needing focus in order to travel
from the present to the desired future.
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Goal Setting
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Goals are broad but clearly
defined statements of what needs to be accomplished in order
to reach the preferred future.
Priorities are the most
important initiatives or activities that need to be done
in order to reach the goal and attain the vision of the
future.
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Performance Measurement
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Outcomes and Reach
describe what are the results that will be achieved (what
will be different in whom)
Performance Indicators are the measures used to indicate success.
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Operational Planning
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Activities are actions that must be done in order to meet
the goals (what).
Tasks
are the manageable chunks of work needed to accomplish
an activity (how).
Responsibilities
are assigned to different individuals or groups to get the task done (who).
Timelines are
set for the start and completion of each task (when).
Resources need
to be assigned for each task including human and financial
resources (with what).
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Sample
Strategic Framework
The
following example of vision, values and mission comes from Africa’s
Zone VI Women and Sport Committee’s strategic plan.
“Vision 2005
Women
and Sport Zone VI Committee is a stable, strong and proactive advocacy
body. It influences and directs policy on women and sport in all
member countries.
Through
networking with other stakeholders, ensures a high level of participation
of women and the girl child in sport and recreation at all levels
in a free and non-discriminatory environment in accessible and safe
facilities.
Values
The Zone VI Women
and Sport believe in:
Mission
To
create opportunities to increase the role and participation of women
and sport and the girl child through advocacy, awareness, capacity
building and regional cooperation.”
Once
the strategic framework is in place, an organisation can identify
the gaps between its desired future (i.e., vision) and the current
state. Review Tool #20 for important next steps.
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