Learning objectives
How do I:
complete a strategic plan?
synthesise strategic planning and management concepts to adopt strategic management in my position?
improve the strategic planning and management processes within my organisation?
plan the implementation of my organisation’s strategic plan for my area?
set and evaluate my achievement of meaningful goals?
Introduction
Effective strategic planning, implementation and management drive organisational performance (Rudd, Greenley, Beatson & Lings, 2008). Healthcare managers have recognised the increasing importance of strategic planning and management as the healthcare industry has become more dynamic and complex (Subramanian, Kumar & Yauger, 2011). However, development of feasible strategy can be difficult, and implementation of even well-developed strategy is often challenging. This chapter provides advice on leading and improving strategic planning and management in health service organisations.
Use of strategic planning
Strategic planning is a specific type of planning. Strategic planning was identified decades ago as essential for organisations competing in a variety of industries, with most of the seminal literature arising in the 1980s. More recently, strategic planning has been linked to successful operations in public sector healthcare organisations (Zuckerman, 2006 ) when applying previously developed concepts.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare ( 2011 ) defines 10 safety and quality standards for health services.