What are the different operational planning approaches that align with specific strategies?

1 Functional planning

Functional planning is the most common and basic operational planning approach. It focuses on the activities and processes of a specific function or department within an organization, such as marketing, finance, or human resources. Functional planning aims to optimize the performance and efficiency of each function by aligning its objectives with the overall strategy, setting clear and measurable goals, assigning roles and responsibilities , and allocating budgets and resources. Functional planning is suitable for stable and predictable environments, where the strategy is clear and consistent, and the functions are relatively independent and standardized.

2 Project planning

Project planning is an operational planning approach that focuses on a specific and temporary initiative or endeavor that has a defined start and end date, scope, and deliverables. Project planning aims to achieve a specific outcome or result that contributes to the strategic goals of the organization, such as launching a new product, expanding to a new market, or implementing a new system. Project planning involves defining the project scope, objectives, milestones, tasks, dependencies, risks, resources, budget, and timeline. Project planning is suitable for dynamic and uncertain environments, where the strategy requires innovation, change, or improvement, and the projects are complex and interrelated.

3 Program planning

Program planning is an operational planning approach that focuses on a group of related projects that share a common vision, goal, or benefit. Program planning aims to coordinate and integrate the projects to achieve synergies and efficiencies, and to ensure alignment with the strategic goals of the organization. Program planning involves defining the program vision, objectives, outcomes, benefits, governance, structure, roles, and responsibilities. Program planning also involves managing the interdependencies, risks, issues, changes, and resources across the projects. Program planning is suitable for complex and volatile environments, where the strategy requires transformation, adaptation, or scaling, and the programs are large and long-term.

4 Portfolio planning

Portfolio planning is an operational planning approach that focuses on a collection of projects and programs that are aligned with the strategic goals and priorities of the organization. Portfolio planning aims to optimize the value and performance of the portfolio by selecting, prioritizing, balancing, and allocating resources to the projects and programs that best support the strategy. Portfolio planning involves defining the portfolio criteria, objectives, metrics, processes, and governance. Portfolio planning also involves monitoring, reviewing, and adjusting the portfolio based on the strategic changes, environmental factors, and portfolio performance. Portfolio planning is suitable for uncertain and competitive environments, where the strategy requires agility, flexibility, and responsiveness, and the portfolio is diverse and dynamic.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?