Showing papers on "Strategic planning published in 1972"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the nature of the problem situations for which alternative decision criteria are more appropriate than optimality as an operational research criterion and develop a measure of the flexibility which an initial decision of a plan maintains for achieving near-optimal states in conditions of uncertainty.
Abstract: The use of "optimality" as an operational research criterion is insufficiently discriminating. Ample evidence exists that for many problems simple optimization (particularly profit maximization) does not represent the aims of management. In this paper we discuss the nature of the problem situations for which alternative decision criteria are more appropriate. In particular the structure of strategic planning problems is analysed. The provisional commitment involved in a plan (in contrast to the irrevocable commitment of a decision) leads to the development of a particular criterion, robustness—a measure of the flexibility which an initial decision of a plan maintains for achieving near-optimal states in conditions of uncertainty. The robustness concept is developed through the case study of a sequential factory location problem.
324 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors attempt to validate and extend a study by Thune & House on the performance of formal planners vs informal planners and a new independent variable, profits, was used to cross-validate the results.
Abstract: This study is an attempt to validate and extend a study by Thune & House on the performance of formal planners vs informal planners. A new independent variable, profits, was used to cross-validate ...
176 citations
TL;DR: A meta-logic of decision theory is presented, arguing that the concept of a Dialectical Inquiring System is argued that is to the meta-theory of decision-making as the concepts of a lottery.
Abstract: This paper presents a meta-logic of decision theory. It utilizes a dialectical formulation [Churchman, C. W. 1966. Hegelian inquiring systems. Internal Working Paper 49, Space Sciences Laboratory, Social Sciences Project, University of California, Berkeley, September; Mason, R. O. 1969. A dialectical approach to strategic planning. Management Sci.158, April B-403--B-414; Mitroff, I. I. 1971. A communication model of dialectical inquiring systems---A strategy for strategic planning. Management Sci.1710, June B-634--648.] as a prescriptive methodology for minimizing statistical decision errors of the third kind; i.e., the error of solving the “wrong” decision problem when one should have solved the “right” problem. The dialectical formulation is chosen because it is the only existent methodological form which both utilizes conflict over value issues in a productive fashion and ensures a minimal sense of completeness in the decision-space of possible problem choice [Mitroff, I. I. On the general problem of building a generalized model of general models in preparation.]. The result is the development of a meta-theory of decision-making. It is argued that the concept of a Dialectical Inquiring System [Mitroff, I. I. 1971. A communication model of dialectical inquiring systems---A strategy for strategic planning. Management Sci.1710, June B-634--648; Mitroff, I. I. On the general problem of building a generalized model of general models in preparation.] is to our meta-theory of decision-making as the concept of a lottery [Pratt, J. W., H. Raiffa, R. Schlaifer. The foundations of decision under uncertainty: An elementary exposition. J. Amer. Stat. Assoc.59 353--375.] is to the ordinary theory of decision-making.
88 citations
01 Aug 1972
TL;DR: The authors suggests that Business Policy is generally thought of as a course, not a field of study, and that such thinking is a limitation to its development, and suggests that a broader view of business policy is n...
Abstract: This paper suggests that Business Policy is generally thought of as a course, not a field of study, and that such thinking is a limitation to its development. A broader view of Business Policy is n...
68 citations
01 Aug 1972
TL;DR: The authors examines the theory and literature of strategy-making in management research and states that there is little empirical research on the subject. But, they also claim that the strategy making theor...
Abstract: This article examines the theory and literature of strategy-making in management research. It states that there is little empirical research on the subject. It claims that the strategy-making theor...
65 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a perspective tree is used to interrelate sets of social, economic, political, and technological forecasts that pose threats and present oppurtunities for strategic consideration.
13 citations
13 citations
9 citations
TL;DR: A number of practical approaches have been developed for use in corporate strategic planning as discussed by the authors, and these methods can be applied to any type and size of business organization anywhere; however, these decisions cannot be delegated.
TL;DR: In this paper, a perspective tree is used to interrelate sets of social, economic, political, and technological forecasts that pose threats and present opportunities for strategic consideration, and the use of objective trees in structuring program options for selected strategies.
TL;DR: In the broad sense of "a systematic approach to general management" that strategic planning is here compared in large corporations and Government as discussed by the authors, the function of general management in both business and government is critically concerned with these three functions.
TL;DR: In this article, a planning and control model abstracted from the conceptual framework of general management knowledge is used to test the relative efficiency of administrators in three educational servi cation systems.
Abstract: This study utilizes a planning and control model abstracted from the conceptual framework of general management knowledge to test the relative efficiency of administrators in three educational serv...
TL;DR: The management of institutional life is affected by wider developments in culture as mentioned in this paper, and two of these developments of particular significance for administrators are the growth and spread of the methods of systems theory and strategic planning, and popular enthusiasm for collegiate or participatory government.
Abstract: The management of institutional life is affected by wider developments in culture. Two of these developments of particular significance for administrators are the growth and spread of the methods of systems theory and strategic planning, and popular enthusiasm for collegiate or participatory government. Distinctions traditionally made within the educational process and role ascriptions built on these have become blurred. Disengagement from value issues is not possible for administrators who will become increasingly involved in complex decisions affecting the value systems which are transmitted to the young. New educational programmes for administrators are needed to equip them with wider understanding of value issues, including the transformations in values which are characteristic of contemporary culture.
01 Aug 1972
TL;DR: In this paper, the diversity of methodological models employed by writers in the area of management history over the past forty years is discussed and a small selection will be discussed herein which prompted the title of this article.
Abstract: It was the diversity of methodological models employed by writers in the area of management history over the past forty years -- a small selection will be discussed herein which prompted the title ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a method of arriving at the most acceptable single policy without making assumptions or deriving definitions of where that compromise ought to lie given the initial postures of the policy makers.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with strategic planning in the public services, in particular that sector where no market price exists and where the community expresses some demands. The National Health Service, the Social Services, Education Authorities or Local Authorities are examples. Because the consumer does not directly pay for the service at the point of consumption, demand cannot be expressed in monetary terms. The supply of services is some reflection of community need tempered by its willingness to provide the resources of people, equipment, facilities and money to satisfy that need. Strategic planning or policy making is a complex not to say emotive process, because no obvious measure of success or of community satisfaction exists. It is often difficult to measure satisfaction of a single need, let alone define a policy which “best” satisfies the conglomerate of often conflicting community needs. Nevertheless, this is the task confronting policy makers in the public sector services. The quantity and allocation of these services are not usually directly determined by the community itself but by some section of the community; commonly politicians, economists, planners and occasionally representatives of the community. Within these planning bodies each individual conception of the “best” policy is in conflict with all others. It is not possible to resolve this conflict by deriving a policy which maximises the satisfaction and, hence, minimising the regret of the policy making body. Yet a compromise, or at least a single, policy must be reached. The aim of this paper is to suggest a method of arriving at the most acceptable single policy without making assumptions or deriving definitions of where that compromise ought to lie given the initial postures of the policy makers. The paper is in two sections. The first describes the method in general terms. The second demonstrates, through a small model of the maternity services, its use in practice. The community or surrogate of the community is referred to throughout as the decision makers, policy makers or planning body.
01 Aug 1972
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the history of management and discuss the goal of management teachers to impart on their students a clearer understanding of management history in order to improve their own understanding.
Abstract: This article focuses on the history of management. It states that it is the goal of management teachers to impart on their students a clearer understanding of management history in order to improve...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Bhattacharyya et al. as mentioned in this paper proposed that the objectives finally set must keep in view the minimal level indicated by the weighted average cost of capital and the highest level theoretically attainable by exploiting all potential opportunities and by overcoming all future threats, such possibilities have to be reviewed in the light of the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation and to be related to the past performance of the unit.
Abstract: Strategic Planning: Some Operational Considerations S K Bhattacharyya The process of strategic planning or formulation of objectives requires consideration of the external as well as the internal environments and of the likely state of competition for assessing the threats and opportunities that arise during the strategic plan period. The objectives finally set must keep in view (a) the minimal level indicated by the weighted average cost of capital and (b) the highest level theoretically attainable by exploiting all potential opportunities and by overcoming all future threats, Such possibilities have, of course, to be reviewed in the light of the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation and to be related to the past performance of the unit.
TL;DR: The legal, political, social and economic climates bring many problems to the group which is endeavouring to be multi-national, problems which will be discussed later in this paper as discussed by the authors.
01 Aug 1972
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the relationship between the nature of manpower practices and organizational effectiveness, and explore specific questions such as: (1) are manpower managements effective, and (2) are they efficient.
Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the nature of manpower practices and organizational effectiveness. More specific questions explored are: (1) Are manpower manag...
Book•
01 Jan 1972
01 Dec 1972
TL;DR: The appropriateness of an updated open-loop stochastic control strategy for the regulation of socio-economic systems and the results of an application to regional development planning will be discussed.
Abstract: The appropriateness of an updated open-loop stochastic control strategy for the regulation of socio-economic systems will be discussed. A near-optimal solution procedure is suggested which involves transforming the stochastic control problem into an adaptive control problem. The results of an application to regional development planning will also be discussed.