Strategic Planning Consulting Key Terms

Learn some lingo of strategic planning consultants

Strategic planning consulting can help companies navigate an ever-changing business environment. Consultants are able to provide a perspective that is useful because the consultants are not part of the organization. They can help the company build a business plan as well as provide services for ongoing monitoring of results. There are many software packages which can also help with this process and which make communication on status and results easier with graphs and charts. Learn a few key terms to help with the process.

 

Mission statement

A mission statement is one key aspect that strategic planning consultants recommend in organization design. It consists of a written statement composed by executive management and includes a statement about the organization's purpose and overall goal. It is used to provide a sense of direction and helps management make decisions.
Try: Entrepreneur Media provides a good discussion on this topic.

Vision statement

A vision statement is a statement that is developed by executive management and is also recommended by strategic planning consultants. It delineates what an organization or company wants to be. It is more future-oriented than a mission statement.
Try: Samples-help.org has a clear definition and comparison with mission statement that you might find helpful.

Balanced scorecard

Balanced scorecard (BSC) is a tool that is used by management in an organization to measure performance and helps determine whether smaller, more discreet operational activities are aligned with larger scale objectives. Strategic planning consultants help organizations determine the most relevant balanced scorecard.
Try: Balanced Scorecard Institute has almost everything you could ask for on this topic.

ISO 9000

ISO 9000 is a set of standards for quality management systems. They are maintained by the International Organization for Standardization. Key elements are defined key processes, a monitoring system for the processes, record-keeping, checking outputs for defects, and facilitation of continual improvement. Strategic planning consultants are familiar with ISO 9000 and some provide services in this area.
Try: Go to PCMAG for more information on ISO 9000.

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a strategy that is used by management to improve the quality of process outputs by identifying and removing defects or errors. Some strategic planning consultants provide assistance with Six Sigma initiatives in an organization.
Try: Six Sigma Tutorial has a more complete discussion.

Total quality management, (TQM)

Total quality management (TQM) is a business strategy that is implemented and monitored by management in a company and is concerned with driving a higher awareness of quality in all organizational processes. Strategic planning consultants are familiar with TQM and some can assist businesses in embedding this approach in the organization.
Try: See TechTarget for a succinct definition.

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