Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide to Strategy Formulation and Execution

by B. Keith Simerson

In this book, an expert in business strategy shows how to create and evaluate a strategic plan and execute that plan successfully.

When it comes to strategic planning, B. Keith Simerson knows from experience what works and what doesn't. Strategic A Practical Guide to Strategy Formulation and Execution weaves that knowledge into a roadmap for anyone charged with creating a strategic plan, evaluating a strategic planning process, or executing resulting strategies in an effective and efficient way. Not a one-size-fits-all solution, the book offers a menu of information and options based on a broad view of strategic planning and offers correspondingly broad applicability.

The guide focuses on two major aspects of the planning the multitude of factors contributing to an effective strategic planning framework and the multitude of drivers and enablers of successful execution. Armed with concrete information, readers will learn to create and execute a business strategy, a personal strategic action plan, or strategies for any kind of for-profit or nonprofit organization. Specific methodologies, tools, and techniques will guide readers to successful strategy formation―and execution.

Genres: Business

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Michael Venn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are an executive or consultant looking to conduct strategic planning for the first time, or looking for some insights on how to improve your planning process, this is a book you should read. This book is particularly useful if you feel the need to strategic plan in your organization and are having difficulty convincing others.

The book lives up to its subtitle. In my experience many more mistakes are made in the execution of strategies than in their formulation. Simerson's book touches on both providing numerous tools and examples. Plus he gets that consideration of execution needs to occur upfront of, and during the planning process, not after the plan has been created.

In today's tumultuous business and political environment, every organization needs to improve how they go about planning and executing their plan. This book will help you do that.

[Gen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this is a wonderful book for anyone whose main role is strategic planning. I found it to be quite advanced for someone who may be in another field and is only be looking for a practical supplement to their leadership.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are an executive or an individual contributor, or anything in between, I believe this book will challenge you to think differently. I found the book insightful and helped me to understand how important strategic planning is, as the output has rippling effects throughout the entire organization.

Unlike many books about strategic planning that may spend a lot of time covering the theories behind this topic, B.K Simerson reaches into his own personal experience as a practitioner and provides real world examples that I find helpful. What I appreciate most about this book are the tips and tricks, many of which are applicable to professionals looking to think "strategically.

[Dan Tepke · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today’s fast paced chaotic business world the leadership needs to quickly diagnosis the challenges at hand, identify ways to address key issues, and set action plans in motion to bring strategic imperatives to life. Strategic Planning A Practical Guide to Strategy Formulation and Execution focus on the “how to” by providing tools that are very practical to use for leaders at all levels of the organization. The book is a excellent resource that you should keep available at all times.

Dan Tepke author of Hatching Your Million Dollar Business

[Aaron Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the most practical guide to strategic management that I've read. Simerson takes a step by step approach to laying out the planning process, inserting examples and templates along the way. He raises considerations and sets context without getting too abstract.

I found the idea of "planning to plan" to be the most valuable concept - a clever and unique concept that can help make any leader or organization better at managing it's planning process.

[Edwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just where do you start for Strategy planning? And what are the moving parts of Strategy planning that you have to take into account? This book provides the details. In my many strategy development sessions, I've found myself referring back to BK Simerson's details as a benchmark, even as a checklist, and definitely more than a practical guide!

[Zenwar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it so far. Keith is an EdD so his work is academically sound. When I finish this book, I will update this review.