Strategic Planning and Strategic Thinking Research Paper

Strategic Planning and Strategic Thinking - Research Paper Example 4). These plans are long term, and seeks to align the needs of the organization with the capabilities afforded by information systems (Mohdzin & Ward, 2007, p. 4). Closely related to this is the concept of strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is a proactive way of thinking, as it refers to when a manager looks ahead at possible problems and scenarios, and comes up with a solution to these problems and scenarios. In this way, the manager is able to think outside the box and this is the best way for an organization to survive and be competitive (Shoemaker, 1995, p. 25) Discussion To be effective, a strategic planning for information systems must be aligned with business objectives. According to Bhatnager (2010), there are business strategies, which state where the business wants to go, and how it plans to get there; and business plans, which describe the business and the business objectives (Bhatnager, 2010, p. 5). To be effective, the information systems strategic plan must take int o account both the business plan and the business strategy, and be used to further the strategic goals that the business has set forth. So, it must take into account the organizational requirements and the demand that the organization will expect of the system, and it must help the business meet its strategy (Bhatnager, 2010, p. 7). However, while the information systems strategy creates the demand, so to speak, information technology creates the supply. So, information technology strategy is the bridge between the demand created by the business and the information systems strategy and the supply, which is how the business will use the information systems to obtain its goals (Bhatnager, 2010, p. 8). With information systems strategy, the information system requirements are identified; with information technology strategy, how these requirements will be fulfilled is identified (Bhatnager, 2010, p. 9). In order for the information systems or the information technology to fulfill the g oals that are set out by the business, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has to adopt a Strategic Information Systems Plan (SISP). These plans are helpful in the business managers rethinking their goals and how to obtain them, and will transform how the business plans on being successful (Bhatnager, 2010, p. 12). Conclusion Strategic planning and strategic thinking are vital to a business in adapting to a changing world. When an organization has an effective strategy regarding information systems and technologies, it helps that organization rise above competition, if the competition is not implementing similar strategies. Moreover, since the world is constantly changing, strategic planning is just as vital, as future problems need to be envisioned and addressed in a proactive manner. These are the systems that set organizations apart. Sources Used Hanna, N. 1985. Strategic planning and management. Available at: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/1985/09/ 01/000178830_98101903432616/Rendered/PDF/multi_page.pdf Mohdzain, M. & Ward, J. 2007. A study of subsidiaries views of information systems. Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 16(4), 324-352. Shoemaker, P. 1995. Scenario planning: A tool for strategic thinking. Sloan Management Review,

Apple's Strategy in the PC and MP3 Player Industries Essay

Apple's Strategy in the PC and MP3 Player Industries - Essay Example Apple made the difficult transition by having the chief elements of a successful strategy in place that allowed the company to formulate and execute the right moves: (1) high quality people such as managers, engineers, designers, marketing support, etc.; (2) a solid set of core competencies and competitive capabilities, and (3) the right company structure. These three key elements define Apple as a business organization and account for its success in launching innovative products that were profitable and that grabbed a major share of the market (Thompson & Strickland, 2006). First, Apple’s workers are among the most creative and smartest in the industry. It has managed to attract an overwhelming number of applicants for each job vacancy on the basis of its corporate image and the privilege of working for a corporate icon of the computer industry, a company package that includes CEO Steve Jobs who started the personal computer revolution. The company’s compelling vision of making technology more accessible to the masses by promising to have a beautifully designed quality technology product for almost anybody attracted these workers. Second, Apple has a core set of competencies and competitive capabilities. It has a substantial amount of brand equity, which means that the Apple brand is easily recognizable and associated with a set of attractive features that create an emotional impact on customers. Its blockbuster successes in designing products have given it an edge in product differentiation, allowing the company to command a premium price because it enjoys a first mover advantage that continuously attracts a relatively stable market to buy its products. By coming up first with products that incorporate new technological developments in an elegant and easy-to-use form, such as the graphics user interface, the mouse, the special look and feel that enchants first-time computer users and makes them loyal customers, and now the iPod and its derivative products, Apple shows how it integrates its Research & Development (R&D) function to bring innovations to market in a profitable manner.