Usually key decision makers need a reasonably structured process to help them identify and resolve the most important issues their organizations face. One such process that has proved effective in practice is outlined in Figure 1. The process consists of the following eight steps:
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1. DevelopmePlt of an initial agreement concerning the strategic planning elfort. The agreement should cover: the purpose of the effort; preferred steps in the process; the form and timing of reports; the role, functions and membership of a strategic planning coordinating committee; the role, functions and membership of the strategic planning team; and commitment of necessary resource to proceed with the effort.
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2. Identification and clarification of mandates. The purpose of this step is to identify and clarify the externally imposed formal and informal mandates placed on the organization. These are the musts confronting the organization. For most public and non-profit organizations these mandates will be contained legislation, articles of incorporation or charters, regulations, and so on. Unless mandates are identified and clarified two difficulties are likely to arise: the mandates are unlikely to be met, and the organization is unlikely to know what pursuits are allowed and not allowed.