From Theory to Professional Application

From Theory to Professional Application Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation From Theory to Professional Application Introduction Over the past ten weeks, this course has proved very valuable for the understanding of preparing a strategic operations plan. Reflecting on this journey, both alone and with colleagues, has opened my eyes to the ways we can align operations with the organization's objectives. This essay will discuss 3 themes of this project and how will I implement them in my workplace. The key points include strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement and data-driven implementation. I reflect on how I have changed as a leader and the practical steps I will take to make this a reality at Better Health Inc. Theme 1: Strategic Alignment Strategic alignment means one’s operational activity supports the mission and objective of an organization. The way strategies, behaviours and operations fit together. We encountered this theme more than once throughout the course. Implementation is a crucial element of strategic alignment. Using various strategic analysis tools (i.e. SWOT and PESTEL analysis frameworks) may help identify some of the strategic gaps/misalignment needing streamlining. You may choose any of the results of the above frameworks as per the organization’s needs. To begin with, I will carry out a gap analysis to find out where business as usual is out of step with organizational priorities. Able, a project lead, suggested a review of departmental objectives during a workplace discussion as per the decision of the organisation taken long ago. To implement this, I will undertake various steps. First of all, there will be a requirement for quarterly reviews of our team goals to assess if they are aligned to the strategic plan of the organization. The development of backup strategies will enable the organization to quickly implement alternatives if the new methods do not satisfy the organization. Secondly, we must use visual tools like strategy maps in my implementation process to communicate alignment to the team. The team should understand collectively why they are doing the activities. Working in alignment with strategy brings about a synergy in the team which will result in efficiency in work, clarity of communication and a greater sense of purpose among the team. ...