Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are clear, specific metrics that measure an organization's progress toward a corporate goal. They generally have a time component, because they track the execution of a corporate strategy. They are the "scorecard" part of a balanced scorecard. To develop KPI's, it helps to divide them into three categories: Target Relative Progress Target... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The Balanced Scorecard is a system for the implementation of corporate strategy. It is a performance measurement tool that helps an organization execute its strategies and turn them into measurable results "on the ground." In its practical form, a balanced scorecard is a 4-quadrant itemized list of key performance indicators (KPI's) that the organization strives... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Strategic planning involves the development of actions that support the achievement of a corporate goal. The corporate goals must be defined first, and the strategic plan becomes the "how to" manual to achieve the goals. Business schools make strategic planning more complicated than it is. If you understand these 8 tools, you've mostly mastered the... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
When I was a middle manager, I saw many goals that ended up as roadkill on the business superhighway. Whatever the flavor of the year was, that's what was reflected in the business goals. Things like: reducing dependence on one client, diversifying our service offerings, and others made the rounds through our business units. One... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In today's ultra-competitive business environment, strategic planning is more than ever a necessary tool to growing a successful business. Even large companies are not immune to sharp downturns and failed strategic plans. Strategic planning is a process that results in the development of a strategic plan (really!). The strategic planning model in use by businesses... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In August 1805, Emperor Napoleon fought what was arguably the most important battle of his military career. In a brilliant display of strategy, he devised a system of matching his strongest soldiers with the enemy's weakest, in a move that students in military colleges still study today as the Ulm Manoeuvre. What business lessons can... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Want to make smarter decisions in business, project management, or even your personal life? A SWOT Analysis is your go-to tool for gaining a competitive edge. By weighing your strengths against competitors’ weaknesses and evaluating opportunities versus threats, this method clarifies the best path forward. From portfolio managers choosing high-impact projects with limited budgets to... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Corporate Strategy refers to the methods with which an organization achieves its goals. In the world of corporate strategy, the development of strategy is the third in a three step process, in this order: Corporate vision defines the state the organization wants to be in over the long term. Corporate goals define the metrics to... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In this article, we will take a leisurely stroll through the strategic planning process. This includes the model most used in textbooks and courses on corporate strategy. The strategic planning process consists of the following steps: Vision Statement Mission Statement Corporate Goals Corporate Strategy Metrics Vision Statement A vision statement is a statement of where the... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
A SWOT Analysis is a simple but effective tool used to examine an organization's business prospects determine the strategy that an organization will employ to achieve its goals. It is normally plotted on a simple 2 x 2 matrix. Scroll down for an example. SWOT stands for: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Strengths This refers to... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer