The simulation brought out a number of factors that influence strategic, tactical, operational, and contingency planning. Strategic planning is most influenced by the organizationÆs vision, mission, and values. These three factors shape its unique purpose and provide a baseline from which to plan its course by breaking them down into doable elements. Tactical planning is most influenced by factors that impinge upon accomplishing the doable elements. For example, if the airportÆs goal is to be in the top 5, it can develop a strategic plan to increase tourist travel by 20%, and it can accomplish that by developing tactics such as building and leasing facilities that will increase tourist travelùamusement parks, hotels, and improved airport facilities (Pearce). These tactics can be influenced by budgetary concerns, available land, and the viability of the tourist attractions. Operational planning is most influenced by the factors that impinge on the operation of the facility, such as personnel, utilities, and cash flow; it determines how the available resources will be deployed to operate the facility or organization. Contingency planning is most influenced by the contingencies that are likely to arise. For example, for a facility located in the Florida panhandle, contingency planning for hurricanes is a must. Operations that depend heavily on data resident in computer systems must develop contingency plans for system down time and loss of data.
ManagementÆs function with regard to strategic planning is to manage the organization strategically according to the strategic plan (Morrison & Wilson 2003). Generally, upper management develops the plan, but middle management is sometimes involved as well; involving middle management ensures that they will be on board with the strategic plan, committed to it and familiar with all of its details. Implementing the plan requires management to remain cognizant of
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