The last two years have forced Forecasters and Planners to confront futures fraught with uncertainties. During COVID, the lines between short term, operational planning and longer term, strategic planning became blurred as strategic decision making was required to solve urgent, existential problems. In this article I explore the relationship between strategic and operational planning and whether there has been any change in their relationship in light of recent events. I also delineate and define tactical, operational and strategic planning, and how we can frame these relative to the time horizon they serve, and the risks they ...

From Issue: From Theory to Practice: Converting Company Strategy to Flawless Execution
(Winter 2022-2023)

image
The Relationship Between Operational Planning & Strategic Planning—What’s Changed?