What differentiates the operational plan from the strategic plan?

Answer 1

This question is best answered in military planning. It can be used, however, in the use of other types of operations and strategic planning. Before the ideas of strategy and operations come into play are dependent on understanding the policy the other two parts are intended to bring to pass. The policy objectives of a nation planning a war can be used in business planning as well. The company policy in a business enterprise is likened here to a government policy created in forming plans to conduct a war. For the sake of examples let the government's policy be the overturn of the enemy's government, replacing it with a new one friendly to the invading forces.

After policy is determined, the question of "how to" arrives. This is now the means or strategy to accomplish the policy goal (s)

For argument's sake the strategy to accomplish this is to use the superior airforce power to accomplish the goal of the policy.

Thirdly, the strategic operations are planned to accomplish the stategy. In this scenario, the invading force has chosen the strategy of using airpower. Operationally, all warplanes are fitted for warfare, bombing and reconnaissance.

Finally the air attack is launched and the tactics for victory entail bombing the enemy's air fields.

Summarizing: the operations are the father of the strategy. They guide the way strategy must be carried out to make the policy effective. This structure can be used in situations in business, running an election or a war.

Answer 2

Strategic planning and operational planning involve two different types of thinking. Strategic decisions are fundamental and directional, and over-arching. Operational decisions, on the other hand, primarily affect the day-to-day implementation of strategic decisions. While strategic decisions usually have longer-term implications, operational decisions usually have immediate (less than one year) implications. Strategic Planning * Views future as unpredictable * Views planning as a continuous process * Expects new trends, surprises and changes * Considers a range of possible futures & emphasizes strategy development based on assessment of the organization's internal (strength and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) environment. * Asks: "Based on our current understanding of environment, are we doing the right thing? How can we best use our resources to achieve or mission?" Operational Planning * Views future as something that needs to be implemented now. * Focuses on setting short-term (less than one year) objectives. * Assumes much more detailed planning regarding who and how activities will be accomplished * Asks: "What do we need to be doing for the upcoming year/immediately to best accomplish our mission."