It is an official document in which those responsible for an organization or entity establish a series of objectives that they wish to achieve. In other words, it is a general strategy that indicates what you want to achieve and what are the steps to achieve it. Normally an operating plan is carried out on an annual basis and for this reason the acronym POA is used, that is, Annual Operating Plan.
The objective of any operational plan is for an organization to locate itself, visualize itself and project itself. As is logical, these types of strategies are designed to achieve certain goals. It could be said, in summary, that in order to execute something successfully, it is necessary that there be prior planning.
General considerations on operational plans
Any operational plan (of a private company, an NGO or a public body) has to contemplate a series of ideas:
– The operational plan document generates information for correct decision-making in order to achieve strategic objectives.
– The process of drawing up an operating plan could be summarized in three main questions: what is the current situation of an entity? Where does it want to go? And finally, how are we going to achieve the desired objectives?
– The success of an operational plan depends on several factors. On the one hand, that the document has been prepared in an appropriate manner and with the maximum possible rigor. Secondly, it is necessary that the people related to the plan get involved in the project (the best strategy without adequate involvement becomes a dead letter). Thirdly, the plan has to incorporate elements of anticipation so that it is possible to adapt to any type of circumstances. Finally, it is highly advisable that the plan be the result of consensus and the participation of all the people involved in the project.
Possible errors related to operational plans
– The first mistake would be to carry out a plan but not believe in it.
– Any strategy or plan works well if there is someone who leads the project, so the absence of leadership weakens the effectiveness of the plan.
– If the available information is not reliable, the operational plan cannot work.
– Certain mental barriers become a brake.
– The organization systems must be operational and it is not acceptable that some functions to be carried out are in no man’s land.
– If the work team is not involved in the plan, it is very likely that the project will fail.
Photos: Fotolia – Gstudio / Stockillustrator
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