Operational Planning: Your Organization’s Key To Success
Operation planning is essential in organizational management. It’s the process that bridges the gap between your business goals or vision and proper execution. Like a business plan, it’s comprehensive business documentation that details the roadmap that aligns your organization with its strategic goals. This is easily done by turning strategies into steps that are easily followable. An operational strategy is crucial if you want the whole organization to work harmoniously as it completes objectives.
The operational planning process includes specific timelines, action items, and trackable milestones that make it possible to execute a strategic plan. An operation plan serves as a blueprint that will guide all the members of an organization through the implementation phase. By having clear objectives it makes it easier to follow through with plans. The document is specific, highlighting who is responsible for which tasks, and a timeline for completion which fosters accountability and efficiency.
Don’t underestimate the importance of the operations planning process. When written right, it can be the key to transforming aspirations into tangible results. Getting all the organization’s members on the same page empowers them to navigate through complexities. It provides the team will purpose and clarity that will lead the whole organization to success. Read ahead as we define an operations plan, give an example of an operational plan, what is included in an operational plan, and teach you how to write an operational plan.
What Is Included In An Operational Plan?
According to Microsoft, there are five main aspects to an operational plan. While different organizations will have different goals, these inclusions are applicable as long as you’re trying to achieve a goal.
Key Components Of An Operational Plan
The operational planning definition is a detailed outline of what an organization will focus on, whether in the immediate future or within a specific timeline. To understand the operational planning definition, here are its key components:
Objectives and Goals
An operational plan is meant to communicate to all the members of an organization what its main goals and objectives are. For the goals and objectives section, define the timeframe for when the business’s goals are meant to be achieved, what exactly needs to happen, and whether or not the organization has the capabilities to complete it.
Action Items and Tasks
Action items are specific tasks and activities that the team can tangibly do. These are tasks that will bring the organization closer to its objectives. When writing this section, it’s best to be as detailed as possible and include descriptions for each task. By being detailed means enumerating each step required before completion.
Timelines and Deadlines
The operational planning process is an organized approach to reaching any business goal. As such, it’s the organized thing to do to provide timelines and deadlines along with each action item and task. The timeline will give everyone on the team an idea of how long they must commit to each task. Deadlines for milestones will also keep everyone accountable and ensure the timely progress and completion of the plan.
Roles and Responsibilities
To hold everyone even more accountable and to instill a sense of teamwork and camaraderie across the organization, there should be a clear assignment of roles and responsibilities. Each task indicates who is responsible for it. These accountable measures are put in place to make sure the tasks will be completed efficiently and effectively.Everyone in the organization has their unique roles and responsibilities. Sometimes though, smaller organizations might not have an in-house writer to count on. That’s what The Write Direction is for! Outsource your professional writing to us so your team can focus on executing your plans.
Resource Allocation
Besides the timeline and indication of who’s responsible for each, the resource allocation outlines the resources that are required for each task to be completed. This includes personnel costs, budget, and materials. The resource allocation section shows the plan for how to use the resources in support of operational activities effectively and efficiently.
Performance Metrics and KPIs
Performance metrics and KPIs are put in place to measure the organization’s progress and performance. It’s a criterion for evaluating how successful the operational planning is so far. It will also be a good way to spot areas for improvement.
Risk Management and Contingency Plans
A great plan not only plans for success, but it also plans for failure. A contingency plan is put in place after identifying the potential risks and challenges that could impede the operational plan. Risk management is important and these strategies must be ready to mitigate potential risks and address issues that may arise.
Communication and Coordination
Depending on how big the organization is, there should be a clear mode of communication across different departments or different teams. This is great to keep everyone coordinated despite having different responsibilities. There should be a clear method of communication that ensures everyone stays informed and aligned with the operational plan.
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Types Of Operational Plans
The critical process of operational planning can be divided into three types. Each type serves a specific purpose and mostly varies on timeframe. There are three types of operational plans; single-use plans, ongoing plans, and contingency plans. While all three types ensure an organization can effectively manage daily operations planning process, respond to various circumstances, and stay on the planned path, they all still vary in different ways.
- Single-use Plan
Single-use plans are made for specific projects that aren’t usually recurring. This type of plan is highly detailed. They focus on achieving specific objectives within a certain timeframe. An example of an operational plan with single-use is product launches or organizing special corporate events. Typically after the timeframe and objective are completed, there is no longer a need for the single-use plan. - Standing Program
Standing programs or ongoing plans are used for recurring activities. These plans include policies and procedures, or rules that serve as guidelines for routine operations. Standing programs are important because they keep the consistency and efficiency of the organization. - Contingency PlansContingency plans are put in place to address emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, and unexpected situations. This type of plan outlines what should be done in case of an emergency. This type of plan is meant to minimize disruption within the organization, it is so the organization can respond just as quickly as the unexpected circumstances arise. Whether it is natural disasters, tech failures, or market fluctuations, contingency plans help maintain an organization’s stability and continuity.
Operational Vs. Strategic Plan
Both operational planning and strategic planning are essential to an organization’s success. However, while they both have similarities, they serve different purposes.
Strategic plans are more for long-term planning while operational planning is for routine activities. An operation plan is more detailed and action-oriented. Strategic plans can encapsulate many operation plans because they are typically for single use only. The highest-ranking officials usually make strategic plans and serve as the organization’s vision and map for all future activities.
According to Harvard Business School, it’s important to note that strategic planning, unlike operational planning, isn’t a one-and-done thing. It is an ongoing process. Strategic planning requires continuous assessment to make sure the organization stays on track and is forward-focused with its vision and mission.
When it comes down to operational vs. strategic planning, just think operational plans are short-term, more detailed, and action-focused. Strategic plans are long-term, more broad, and are meant to set the pace for all smaller plans.
How To Write An Operational Plan
Elements:
A Title Page
For the first page of the operational plan, provide a concise overview. This will include the title of the plan, the name of the organization, and the date it was created. This page sets the tone for the rest of the document and at a quick glance will give the reader an understanding of what the plan will entail.
An Executive Summary
The executive summary is a brief overview of the operational plan. It summarizes with primary sections and key points. For the stakeholders, the executive summary provides an overview of the plan. Without reading the completed document, it can give them the direction and major components.
Mission Statement
Mission statements are clear and concise. This statement is the declaration of what the organization stands for, what its purpose is, and what its core values are. The mission statement clearly articulates the reason the organization exists. This statement is what guides the organization’s day-to-day activities, keeping everyone in the team aligned with fundamental goals and principles.
Vision Statement
An organization’s vision statement describes its ultimate goals that will be achieved over some time. The vision statement helps the whole organization have a future-oriented perspective. It inspires and motivates the group as their collective aspiration tends to make bigger impacts.
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Goals and KPIs
The goals and KPIs outline SMART objectives. This stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that the organization is moving towards to achieve. This section is important because it establishes clear targets for the organization. To make sure there’s progress made, there are metrics that track everyone’s performance for proper evaluation.
Timeline
The timeline is the schedule set for when the organization’s goals should be completed. For every key milestone, there is a corresponding deadline. This part of an operational plan is important because it ensures that all activities are time-bound. There’s a clear roadmap for implementation which keeps the organization on track.
Financial Summary
To create a financial summary, detail how the organization plans on allocating its resources in order to maintain its operational strategy. Financial planning is important because it provides transparency and accountability when it comes to budgeting and spending within the organization.
Hiring Plan
A hiring plan specifies how many new members are needed to be hired by the organization across departments, and whether on a regular or semi-regular basis. Planning ahead for hires ensures that the organization has the human resources and supporting workforce to achieve their goals.
Have a different plan in mind? Read up on our past blogs and check out “How To Write A Project Plan: Components Of A Successful Venture”. Not all plans are made the same, but they ultimately help you achieve goals and you might just get some inspiration here!
Start Your Operations Plan Writing With The Write Direction
At The Write Direction, we’ll do more than define operations plan. We can create it for you! Our process is simple – you let us know what your goals and objectives are, and we’ll take care of putting it on paper.
For the past decade, the team of writers at The Write Direction has assisted many businesses. Whether it’s for crafting their policies and procedures and other business documentation, we’re more than qualified to translate your vision into a tangible plan.
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