Corporate Planning and Organizational Growth

This research study focuses on the effect of corporate planning on organizational growth and the relationship between the two. It discusses the importance of corporate planning in enhancing growth and success facets of an organization. The study also explores the barriers to corporate planning and suggests solutions to overcome them for increasing organizational growth. The research is qualitative in nature and uses thematic analysis to analyze the collected data. The study is based on Walmart as a case study and evaluates its corporate planning strategies and their impact on its success. The limitations of the study include its generic nature and lack of organizational context.

Corporate Planning and Organizational Growth

Chapter 1 Introduction 2500
Research is a wide term that involves in-depth and thorough research of a subject
matter and it also enhances comprehensive power of the researcher from diverse contexts.
The chapter of introduction is briefly discussing the topic along with the aim and
objectives of the research work. Further, to specify the topic in clear manner, researcher
has discussed background and overview of the study. Tools of analysis, research design
and research methodologies are also discussed in the initial chapter of the study. The
chapter is essential for the overall study because it aids in giving detailed idea about the
content that should exist in the research work. Proper framework has been followed for
the research work so as to include all the sections in appropriate way. This not only
enhances research capability; but also it leads to cover all the dimensions that are
important for the study.
Research Background
The success of the organization depends upon many aspects and this can also help
in enhancing growth and success facets. Corporate planning is a process that is used to
map out a course of action that ensures to enhance growth, revenue and profitability
aspects. Large corporations have employees which are highly devoted to the organization
and which also enhances proficiency of the business entity. Effective planning is essential
and management of the business entity needs to ensure that all the concepts are
appropriately managed and core facets are also identified in the same manner. Planning
and management both are essential for the purpose of comprehending organizational
work facets and this can also aid in maximizing the growth and success facets. In this
respect, the concept of corporate planning can be executed which is a key aspect to the
management process. It also aids in strategic management which is a vital source through
which long term objectives can be attained. At the same time, it also leads to enhancing
sales and profitability facets.
Therefore, it can be said that corporate planning is a strategic tool that is used by
the business entities for the purpose of setting long term plans and objectives. Corporate

plans are similar to strategic plans; however greater emphasis is laid on using internal
resources which can also streamline organizational operations. At the end this ensures to
attain organizational aims and objectives. Corporate plans are essential business plans
which seeks to make improvement and this also aids in generating profits through proper
management of internal business organization. Most of the corporate plans aids the
companies to grow during a specific period of time which also results in enhancing
customer base and profitability management. Corporate plans are generally developed on
structured basis through integrating with the vision, mission and objectives of the
organization. After considering the same facet, companies need to develop a layout of
plan of action so that desired aims and objectives can be met.
Corporate plans are created and used by businesses and are most commonly used
by large organizations which typically consists of a vision statement, mission and
objective statement. Through this, long term and mid-term strategic objectives can be
developed. Corporate planning is also responsible to provide appropriate direction to the
employees and accordingly business operations can be determined. It also has a positive
relationship with organizational growth and success prospects. Further, it is also observed
that corporate planning leads to strategic planning in which it encompasses several
business facets that significantly ensures to accomplish organizational aims and
objectives. The concept of corporate planning has a direct integration with organizational
growth prospects; hence here strategic contexts are required to be understood. In the early
stages business entities used to emphasize on ideological concepts so that the main aim of
the business entity can be accomplished.
In the present research study, several past studies have been considered that
focuses on the relationship of corporate planning with that to organizational growth
prospects. All such studies focuses on diverse dimensions for making it clear that
business entities encourages its success and growth opportunities with the help of
corporate planning. Further, strategic planning is defined as a process of formulating,
evaluating and implementing business strategies so as to attain future objectives. All the
managers of the organizations are involved in the same procedure so as to make
appropriate decisions regarding business operations and practices. It also involves

selecting organizational aims and objectives and then finding new methods of performing
the business operations. It has been observed that strategic planning aids in improving the
performance of the business and it also ensure to transform the practices in diverse
manner. With the help of strategic planning, organization can ascertain their effectiveness
in meeting corporate aim and objectives. This is yet another dimension that helps in
attaining long term aims and objectives.
Thus, it can be articulated that corporate planning is defined as an organization’s
sense of purpose which is concerned with its future directions. It also defines
organizational purpose, resource capability and way of managing things; hence the
concept is termed as most important in encouraging organizational growth and success
facets. With the help of corporate planning, strategies can be developed to manage
business operations and this can also assist in meeting all the determined objectives. The
concept of corporate planning aids business entity manage uncertainties and constraints
since it focuses on developing contingency plans and procedures. However, the present
research study has the issue of scope of activity is fundamental to corporate planning
because it concerns the way in which managers conceives its boundaries. Thus, the
present study has been considering all the constraints that appears in the realm of
corporate business management.
Statement of the problem
It is apparent that risk develops at the time of implementing any new process in
the organization; hence the same also exists in the case of corporate planning. The
certainty of risks and constraints are high and this usually arises due to external and
internal environment of the business entity. It has been observed that the level of
competition has been increasing in the market place which leads to occurrence of several
transformations and changes in the business organization. In this respect, it is clear that
political factors as well as customer behaviour are two major dimension that probably
hampers the organizational work practices.
Sometimes, it also generates issues related to improper management of operations
and in terms of consequences, it can impede the overall growth facets. Furthermore,
unrealistic goals and demotivated employees are major risks and challenges of the

organization that can have a direct impact on financial and other grounds of the business
entity. Most often these issues generate due to improper planning for uncertainty
management. Hence, this can be called as a major constraint in organizational work
facets which needs to be dealt in proper way. Regarding this, a few suggestions have
been discussed in the present research work.
Research aims and objectives
The main objective of the present research study is “to understand the effect of
corporate planning on organizational growth and the kind of relationship that exists
between these two on a general level”. However in a more specific manner, the study is
focused upon the following objectives:
 To examine the effect of corporate planning on organizational growth
 To determine and elaborate the relationship between the corporate planning and
organizational growth
 To determine any barriers to corporate planning
 To determine solutions to these barriers and whether they will assist the corporate
planning in increasing the organizational growth
Research questions
For the present research study, several research questions have been framed. This
is also useful in collecting the data through relevant and appropriate sources. Research
questions are also important because they give specific direction to the research work and
also helps the researcher avoid all the constraints that might affect the validity of the
study. Hence, considering this facet research questions are being framed to clarify the
topic in detailed manner. It is also useful for collecting appropriate data about the study.
As the objectives of the study have already been formulated; therefore considering the
same researcher has developed various research questions:
 What relationship exists between corporate planning and organizational growth of
different successful firms with examples

 Has corporate planning been successful in improving the organizational growth in
any of these successful firms
 Had these firms faced any barriers while implementing the corporate planning in
their structure and how did they overcome it
 Did these solutions help them improve corporate planning and hence eventually
organizational growth?
Scope of the study
The present research study is important for the researcher because it focuses on
business firms like corporate organizations and banks which expect to grow with the
concept of corporate planning. The study will also assist the large business organizations
to comprehend the role and importance of corporate planning on organization’s growth
and success facets. Thus, to make the study more comprehensive and useful, focus has
been laid on insights of the subject matter. Alongside, researcher will also mention the
challenges that might occur in the realm of corporate and strategic planning. The study
will be advantageous for all those organizations who chiefly focuses on corporate
planning for success and prosperity aspects. Similarly, organizations will also be able to
comprehend the changes which they need to implement in the area of corporate planning.
Along with the same, the study also describes limitations and constraints
concerned with corporate planning and the ways which can be adopted to overcome all
such constraints to amend the opportunities of growth and success. Considerably, this is
also essential to figure out how business and strategic challenges can be managed. Hence,
organizations will be able to better equip with the procedures so that growth and success
facets can be enhanced. Thus, the research will also assist the organization to ascertain all
the issues that might arise at the time of implementing corporate planning. Therefore, it
can be said that prior executing any of the procedure, organizations need to focus on
hindrances and issues consequently. In order to minimize the issues and organizational
constraints, it is vital to comprehend the ways through which can strengthen the concept
of corporate planning.

At the same time, stating about the scope of the study, it can be said that will be
useful for organizations because of the success and growth aspects corporate planning
provides to the business organizations. Business entities need not be confined with
corporate plans because that might hamper the organizational operations and growth
prospects. However, at the same time, the study has used generic materials; thus from
organisational point of view, the scope is less specific.
Hypothesis of the study
The research hypotheses is formulated as follows:
H1: There exists no noticeable relationship between the corporate planning and the
organizational growth
H0: There is a noticeable relationship between the organizational growth and corporate
planning
H1: corporate planning has significant responsibility in the growth of an organization
H0: Corporate planning has no significant responsibility in the growth of an organization
Research design and methodology
The main aim of the study is to identify the effect of corporate planning on the
organizational growth; hence for such purpose Walmart has been selected. Research
methodology is the most important section of the study which uses diverse tool and
techniques for reaching the defined aim and objectives. The process of data collection
will be carried out with the help of primary and secondary sources that contains
information about the subject matter. Data collection process is being managed through
including information from Hoovers.com. Later on, the data will be evaluated and
analysed to ascertain the overall effect of corporate planning on the success facets of
Walmart which operates business in U.S. At the same time, strategies of Walmart will be
evaluated so as to reach towards valid and suitable conclusion. This is also essential for
the purpose of specifying accuracy and reliability aspects of the research topic.

Tool of Analysis
The present research study is Qualitative in naturel; hence Thematic analysis has
been conducted for analysing and evaluating the findings of the collected data.
Quantitative as well as Qualitative are the two major techniques through which collected
data can be analysed. This is also the most appropriate method through which the process
of evaluation can be conducted. In the present case, Qualitative tool has been selected
wherein Thematic analysis has been done with reference to charts and pictures. This has
made the data more comprehensive and appropriate; hence it can be considered for future
studies. Further, every theme has been discussed in detailed manner which also enhances
the suitability of the research work. Along with that, Quantitative method is also utilized
in the research work in which SPSS tool has been applied for grab statistical data about
the study.
Limitations
Basically, the study has been conducted for the purpose of investigating if
corporate planning has any direct relationship with organizational growth and success
facets. At the same time, relationship between both the facets have also been identified in
the research work. The study is emphasizing on the barriers that usually arises at the time
of executing corporate plans and procedures; hence considering the same focus has been
laid on specific content of the subject matter. Hence, basic structure has been considered
in the study regarding the relationship between corporate planning and organizational
growth facets. The study is more generic and less specific; hence it might affect the
conceptuality dimensions of the subject matter. Since, it is not made on organizational
context; therefore it does not help to specify insights about the particular firm. However,
on the other hand, the study can be considered for the purpose of improving dimensions
related to corporate planning.
The concept of corporate planning is regarded with several constraints and issues;
hence the research work has not included any such constraint from organizational basis.
Thus, the issues mentioned might affect the practical terms of the subject matter.
Companies succeed over long term because they create and maintain competitive
advantage which can be acquired with the help of product and service level and that

further can be managed through emphasizing on strategic and corporate aspects.
Corporate plans helps the business entity to specify the operations that should be focused
upon for attaining all the long term objectives. One of the major purpose of corporate
planning is to promote the process of adaptive thinking regarding the ways to maintain
the environment of the firm. However, in the study generalized concept is being utilized;
therefore the actual purpose might be less considered in the research work. Alongside,
time and financial constraint may also impede the study materials; so it should be
considered for further research work.
Chapter 2 Literature Review 5000
Literature Review is the most important section of the research study in which
researcher emphasizes on several sources like articles, journals and books. This also
enhances feasibility and validity of the research work because it considers all those
studies which are based on relevant research materials. This section has been made on the
basis of different themes and each is describing aspects associated with the subject
matter. Moreover, the section also plays important role in defining the importance of
corporate planning for the organization and along with the same, discussion has also been
included regarding the challenges and barriers faced in the same research work.
Literature Review seems to be the major chapter of the research work since it
assists the researcher to develop valid and feasible conclusion for the subsequent study.
Henceforth, regarding this section, researcher has borrowed the content from diverse
sources so as to specify the validity and feasibility degree. This part of literature review
holds more importance because it is typically made with critical thinking of authors and
researcher both.
Concept of corporate planning
As per author, corporate planning is a tool that finds the best future for the
organization and it also aids in defining all the activities that should be conducted to meet
all organizational objectives. Quite often an organization’s strategic plan aids in
managing corporate aspects; however most often it fails to encourage the success facets.
It has also been analysed that development of strategic plan greatly aids in clarifying
plans of the organization and it also ensures that key leaders are all on same perspective

which can strengthen the value of corporate objectives. It usually begins with an
assessment of the current economic situation wherein firms have to emphasize on
external and internal environment that affects the growth of the company. Apparently,
corporate aim of any organization is to enhance the opportunities of growth, competitive
advantage and long term sustainability. All such objectives can be fulfilled when the
organization is able to formulate appropriate strategies and techniques.
Competitive advantage is not an easy procedure because it requires a lot of efforts
and activities that also helps in sustaining at the market place for longer time span. It
strives the business organizations to emphasize more on those procedure which can aid in
handling all the requisite activities in suitable manner. Further, organizational growth can
be termed as a systematic way that can be attained through conducting all the activities in
effective and productive manner. Similarly, corporate planning intensity causes
organizational growth and as a result, it also aids in adoption of constant transformations
in business processes. Any organization which desires to meet long term sustainability
and competitive advantage should emphasize more on managing suitable practices and
operations so that the intensity of growth and profitability can be enhanced. Corporate
planning is dependent on the changed market conditions which helps the business entity
to adopt numerous transformation. However, corporate aspects of the business entity are
greatly affected due to external market forces; hence that should be given huge
importance simultaneously.
It has a long term perspective wherein organization develops operational plans
according to the aim and objectives. Strategies and business tactics are regarded as the
most important source of the organization through which all the actions plans can be
managed and monitored. However, this is another facet through which new changes and
transformations can be adopted in the work processes. One strategies and techniques are
clear, business managers can develop the concept for the implementation of the
strategies. The most vital constraint that affects the business practices is inadequate
management from the organizational employees. At the same time, corporate planning
also ensures to specify organizational requirements and this can also help in managing all
the important aspects of the business. Corporate planning has a direct relationship with

strategic management because it is a disciplined and well defined organizational effort
that is aimed to complete the specification of corporate strategy. From organizational
point of view, it is a complex matter to describe the process of corporate planning; thus
there should be proper setting of corporate strategies and techniques which can assist in
meeting all the aims and objectives.
Effect of corporate planning on organizational growth
The basic management function is to direct the utilization of available scare
resources so as to accomplish the specific aims and objectives. Many organizations are
crippled in the growth stage due to reasons like managerial incompetence, inadequate
resources to carry out all the operations in prominent manner (Friend, Power and
Yewlett, 2013). This situation sometimes leads to stagnation and most often it also
declines the operations of the company. In this essence, it leads to continuously renew
itself so as to develop more potential and capabilities. This is therefore an attempt
through which practices of management can be enhanced with the help of corporate
planning (Linton and Walsh, 2016). It is another factor that also aims to enhance internal
capabilities of the organization with appropriate cultural values and norms. Apparently,
corporate planning involves planning for an organization as a whole and it also involves
the acceptance that the business entity does not operate in a vacuum and the activities are
highly affected by what prevails in the organization.
Thus, this amends the ability of management to comprehend the environment and
along with that, forecasting can also be done to maintain all the practices in effective
manner. However, the chief problem arises in the ever changing dynamic nature of the
environment and the unforeseen circumstances that most often arise uncertainly. Author
states that corporate planning has no impact on the performance of the organization
because all the way it is concerned with strategic dimensions that are formed by top
management (Simon, Fischbach and Schoder, 2014). Strategic planning can be defined as
a process of using systematic criteria which formulates, controls strategic facets and
documents organizational expectations. With the help of corporate planning, strategic
dimensions can be strengthened which can assist to envisage the future aspects (Arasti,
Khaleghi and Noori, 2016). Further, it also aids in developing the necessary procedures

and operations which influence and attain future targets and objectives. Corporate
planning contributes in many ways and the most important can be observed in the
enhancing strategic facets which includes several underlying processes that are intended
to create in positive organizational situation.
Moreover, in this context author states that many of today’s successful business
organizations continue to survive in the competitive market place because they offer right
product at the right time. Most of the critical decision of the business are made without
the benefit of strategic thinking and planning. In the present days, managers critically
recognize that competitive aspects are the only ways through which business can survive
in the ever-changing environment (Purce, 2014). Uncertainty, instability and changing
environment have become the ruling aspects in which managers have to topically
transform new dimensions through which success and growth facets can be encouraged.
Corporate planning is the process that includes several aspects of the organization such as
employee management, policies & work practices, focus on competitive facets, economic
situation and concern towards technological facets for growth and success opportunities.
Because these changes occur so frequently; thus it increases pressure on top
management in which they have to respond to more accurately timely schedule with a
direction or course of action in mind (Brealey and et. al., 2012). Regarding this, managers
are increasingly turning their efforts to encourage success and growth prospects. Further,
it is also essential to use strategic planning and corporate planning so as to formulate
management strategy. At the same time, corporate objectives of the business entity also
helps in maintaining the standards through which employees are required to perform their
duties and responsibilities (Newton, 2014). Corporate or strategic planning is a process
that involves the review of market conditions, customer needs, socio-political, resource
availability aspects and technological grounds. Corporate planning is essential in an
organization because it helps the top management to ascertain all those forces that should
be applied in the organization for more growth and success facets (Effective Planning and
Organisational Productivity. 2012). With the help of corporate dimensions, aim and
objective of managing work provisions can be identified and through this, organizational
operations can be managed accordingly.

Author also argues that the strategic planning process can be used as a means of
repositioning and transforming the organization processes and activities (Langham and
Hussey, 2014). Further, it can be postulated that the essence of good strategy making
helps the organization to build a market position strong enough and this also ensures the
business entity to produce successful performance despite unforeseeable events, potent
competition, and internal difficulties. Author also explains that well formulated strategies
helps marshal and allocate an organization’s resources into a unique and viable posture
based upon its relative internal competencies and shortcomings, anticipated changes in
the environment, and contingent moves by intelligent opponents (Sabre and Ketz, 2014).
Indeed, Author contends that strategic planning enables a company to gain, as effectively
as possible, a sustainable edge over its competitors. Author, share researchers contention,
pointing out that strategic planning assists organizations to develop a comparative
advantage or an edge over competitors and creates sustainable competitive advantage.
Author, points out that a range of potential benefits to intrinsic values accrues to both the
company and external stakeholders from the use of strategic planning.
In order to carry out all the operations and activities of the organization,
employees need to have proper directions regarding the same and that can be managed
with the help of having specified aim and objectives (Fleischmann, Meyr and Wagner,
2015). Having clear objectives also assist the employees to manage all the provisions and
along with the same, quality standards can be maintained subsequently. In the current
scenario, it has been observed that customer satisfaction is the main motive for which the
business entities conduct their organisations. Hence, in order to perform the same,
organizations are paying more concern towards the operations management (Jetter and
Sperry, 2013). In this, appropriate procedure is required to be followed so that business
services can be managed suitably. Moreover, corporate planning also aids in enhancing
organizational growth and development because it includes all those aspects that manages
business resources. There is a direct link between corporate planning and organizational
performance because both the context are related to human resource management (Impact
of Strategic Planning on Organizational Performance and Survival. 2013). The
performance of individuals clearly impacts organizational performance; hence there

should be suitable incorporation among perspectives and framework of strategic planning
which further also enhances the possibilities of growth and success.
Improved performance consists of innovation and better organizational strategies
which leads to growth and success opportunities. Therefore, the strategic plan should be
made in such a way so that it can define the best combination for sustained and improved
performance (Friend, Power and Yewlett, 2013). The organization in this realm is also
required to target growth strategies and innovative practices for better execution of
organizational operations. This can be performed with the help of proper assessment such
as strategic and internal assessment. In this regard, author states that the strategic
assessment defines the priority opportunities and threats that leads to innovation and
growth of the business. It is argued that strategic planning results in a viable match
between the firm and its external environment. Strategy concerns an analysis of the firm’s
environment, leading to what the firm, given its environment, should achieve. Further,
environmental scanning and analysis allows the firm to be connected to its environment
so that firm can aligned all its activities with the environment facets (Chen and et. al.,
2016). It also reveals the market dynamics, business opportunities and challenges which
enhances firm’s internal capacities and as a result, it provides another criteria for strategy
selection.
The internal assessment of the organization defines priority opportunities which
aids to improve performance through adopting better quality and consistency in work
dimensions. Strategic management enhances the scope and success aspects of the
organization and it also aids in avoiding all the constraints and errors prevailing in the
work process (Verhoeven, 2012). In this facet, internal and external analysis is essential
to be ascertained so that business entity can come up with new plans and procedures.
Author defines strategic plan is a most important tool in performance management and it
also plays crucial role in the same context. It also sets the performance agenda which can
help in managing and measuring organizational strategies that improves performance
dimensions.

Relationship between the corporate planning and organizational growth
Corporate planning has a direct relationship with organizational growth prospects
which has been discussed in the present dissertation. In this regard, the concept of
strategic planning is required to be understood because it is a tool that is used to
transform and revitalize corporations, government agencies and non-profit organizations
(The Role of Strategic Planning in Performance Management. 2014). Although,
operational planning and strategic planning are intertwined, it is the latter which should
be the driving element to carry out the organizational operations. Organisational short
term plans and systems are driven by the long term organizational perspectives and
because of more emphasis placed on strategy, the concept of strategic planning has been
shifted to corporate planning (Langham and Hussey, 2014). The change was also
regarded largely as a shift of emphasis which is not initially of the overall approach to the
process of planning which is intended to focus on formal plans which are achieved
through a corporate wide process. At the same time, external business environment has
become more turbulent and there was a growing awareness that the nature of competition
was changing and getting more global.
Later, this also began to develop into more structured thinking about global
competition; however by this time strategic planning had itself evolved into the next
phase. This current phase emphasizes more into strategic aspects in relation to identifying
business environment, market forces, competition and most common all such processes
that are formulated with corporate wide plans (THE ROLE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
IN MODERN ORGANIZATIONS. 2009). However, some of the processes became very
bureaucratic which brings several issues in completing the organizational aspects from
strategic thinking. The existence of strategic management does not inevitably mean that a
business entity has changed to new approach and this is further complicated by the
element that there are different strands of thought on the basis of which the concept of
strategic management should be applied (Coulson-Thomas, 2014). Strategic management
includes the internal elements of the organization like as style, structure and climate and
at the same time, it also considers implementation and control. However, the concept of
strategic planning often includes soft element of the environment in which discussion is
stated about the aspects that enhances the growth and success facets.

In this respect, author also stated that the earliest concept of planning is predicted
on the assumption that the principle and concept of all the business entities might bring
minor adaptation to fit the style and circumstances of particular organizations. Hence, it
cannot be predicted that every planning system is applied in precisely the same way, but
the concept would be recognizable (Markham, 2015). In most of the cases, differences
matter and that should be aligned with organizational main ideas. It is also another fact
that depicts that many companies throughout the world practice some form of strategic
management so that to provide circumstantial evidence about the work practices.
Contradicting to this, author contended that over time, the concept and practice of
strategic planning has been embraced all over the world and across all the sectors because
it perceives to contribute in enhancing organizational effectiveness (Victor and Joe,
2015). In the current scenario, organizations from both the private and public sectors
have taken the practice of strategic planning as a tool through which their performance
aspects can be encouraged. It is arguably important in the conduct of strategic
management because it is another framework through which organizational strategies and
policies can be formulated and implemented in appropriate manner (Linton and Walsh,
2016). Strategic planning has potential advantages and intrinsic values and eventually it
also leads to improved firm performance.
Further, it is also conceptualized that business entities that effectively embrace
strategic planning records better performance as compared to those entities who do not
have the same aspect (Sarens, Abdolmohammadi and Lenz, 2012). In this regard, author
argue that firms can record performance of the business entities once they have
effectively incorporated strategic planning. Carrying out all the stages present in the
strategic planning process is expected to facilitate the realization of organisational
effectiveness. Through defining organization’s purpose and goals, strategic planning
provides direction to the organization and enhances coordination and control of
organization activities. Contradicting with the same, author states that a company’s
strategy provides a central purpose and direction to the activities of the business along
with the people who work in the same area (Friend, Power and Yewlett, 2013). Primary
goal of the strategic planning is to guide the organization in setting out its strategic intent
and priorities which refocuses towards the same contexts. Supporting the research work,

it can be said that organization’s objective analysis of external and internal environment
facilitates the establishment of the firm- environment. Moreover, it is also perceived that
the development of strategic implementation programme aids in consistent execution and
implementation of the planned tasks (The Relationship between Strategic Planning and
Firm Performance. 2012).
The concept briefly states that strategic planning defines firm’s corporate
direction which helps in managing business operation and all the activities. It also
includes appraising business environment which helps the organization to ascertain the
activities that should be involved in managing growth and success facets. Through the
concept, firm’s strategic issues and challenges could be ascertained and on that basis,
different strategies can be formulated for the same (Simon, Fischbach and Schoder,
2014). Development of implementation, evaluation and control systems also shows the
areas where improvements and modifications are required to be adopted. In the same
way, author states that strategic planning assists in providing direction to the
organizational personnel who have appropriate idea regarding where the organization is
heading and where it should expand its activities and operations (Arasti, Khaleghi and
Noori, 2016). It also in defining the activities which the business should adopt and seek
for the purpose of accomplishing organizational aims and objectives. Further, it has also
been analysed that strategic planning helps the organization to be more proactive than
reactive because it aids in shaping the future aspects and activities that influences the
work facets (RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRATEGIC PLANNING AND
ORGANIZATION’S PERFORMANCE IN NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS.
2013). Thus, consequently it assists in highlighting the areas that leads to innovation and
development in the business practices.
Hence, from diverse organizational prospects, it can be said that the process of
strategic planning shapes a company’s strategic choice which reveals and clarifies future
opportunities and threats that might affect the business scenario (Jetter and Sperry, 2013).
At the same time, the framework also defines decision making aspects throughout the
company. Certainly, it also assists the organizations to make better strategic decisions
with the use of more strategic approaches which logically enhance growth and success

dimensions (Fleischmann, Meyr and Wagner, 2015). Strategic planning also stimulates
the future of the organisation and at the same time, it permits the course of actions that
should be considered while managing diverse actions. Apart from this work, author
argued that the concept of strategic planning tends to make an organization more
systematic in terms of its development and this can further also lead to a greater
proportion of the organization’s efforts which is being directed towards the attainment of
organizational goals that are being established at initial planning stages. This leads the
organization to become more focused and controlled and at the same time, it encourages
to amend the growth and success opportunities (Purce, 2014).
However, at the same time, it has also been observed that strategic planning
outperforms the other activities which on the other hand enhance a range of variables for
success and prosperity (Langham and Hussey, 2014). There is a close relationship
between strategic planning and overall performance of the company; however all the time
it did not relates with strategic planning. It has also been identified that strategic planning
improves organization effectiveness and if it is wrongly pursued the anticipated value
may not be tapped. Author points out that a wrong strategy or a wrongly formulated
strategy may not translate into the anticipated value for the organization (Markham,
2015). Author argued that strategic drift occurs when the organization’s strategy
gradually moves away from relevance to the forces at work in its environment. Author
shares these sentiments but cautions that strategic business planning cannot be expected
to cure all that ails an organization i.e. address other shortcoming of the management
process, but can best be seen as a partial solution to management problems (Friend,
Power and Yewlett, 2013). Strategic planning, or any other management technique is of
limited value by itself, only a partnership with all parts of the management particularly
execution, controls and rewards can result in synergy and lead to substantial
advancement.
Barriers in corporate planning

In the competing environment enabling corporate planning is considered as most
difficult and crucial aspect. Therefore, it is essential to consider the idea of individual
staff as well as managerial personnel so that they can easily engage on corporate planning
(Barriers to Strategic Planning Implementation. 2015). Different barriers include short-
sightedness of the manager, communication barrier, ineffective leadership etc. the key
barrier in the corporate planning of retail sector include ineffective or poor leadership
within the organization. With the ineffectiveness of leadership style in the retail
organization then it may act as the major barrier as they are not supportive to their staff
and employees. Therefore, it has been stated that leader who cannot direct and lead their
staff it lead to the loop hole in planning that directly impact their activities.
Another barrier is communication barrier which hampers the overall
organizational effectiveness and processes. An organization chiefly works to meet the
goals and objectives that are devised at the time of foundation (Linton and Walsh, 2016).
It is the moral responsibility of the employees and the employer both to work for
achieving all the pre-determined goals. Difficulty in communicating the goals and
objectives is the major barrier that exists in corporate planning. These barriers can
originate due to various discriminating activities that can be based on race, caste, religion,
sacred objects or gender, or anything (Victor and Joe, 2015). These are also related to the
generalized organizational challenges which highly impede the values and work
practices. Such behaviour is highly intolerant and causes a communication gap amongst
the individuals. This indicates lack of knowledge about the goals and objectives of the
organisation. Ineffective or poor communication is always a hurdle for corporate
planning (Sahay, 2015).
Short-sighted behaviour prevailing in the organization can cause executive
managers to stop in their tracks in organizational work processes (Sarens,
Abdolmohammadi and Lenz, 2012). Thus, by focusing on current projects rather than
broader, long-term goals and on day-to-day management rather than future growth and
profitability, short-sightedness is regarded as a barrier to effective planning. An ability to
think originally and grow in new directions is what often keeps a company alive and
vibrant; hence this is the reason for which the business entities are looking towards this

topic (Friend, Power and Yewlett, 2013). While one business model may work for many
years; however in this respect, organizations have to think creatively and take chances by
expanding and growing into new areas (Simon, Fischbach and Schoder, 2014).
Organization is required to develop more clarity in the work dimensions so that all the
business activities and processes can be managed subsequently. A lack of creativity, tied
with poor leadership, can cause employees to grow bored and disheartened, and
employees who feel like that can't do their best work.
It has also been ascertained that too much reliance on the organization's planning
and other aspects can lead to further issues which is yet another facet through which
business processes can be managed (Purce, 2014). Many companies have a planning
department or a planning and development team who are entitled to manage the business
operations and practices in effective manner. These departments engage themselves in
conducting studies, doing research work, building models, and project probable results;
however on the other hand they do not execute plans and procedures. Planning
department results in planning and should be used only as a source to consider numerous
essential things for the management (Arasti, Khaleghi and Noori, 2016). Formulating the
plan is still the manager's responsibility; but sometimes due to lack of proper delegation
can lead to other issues in the business contexts.
Further, author also states that planning for the future is a difficult aspect; hence
business must have to consider the thoughts, ideas of the staff members so that all the
requirements of corporate planning can be met (Sabre and Ketz, 2014). It can also be
stated that fear can be a barrier to effective planning wherein managers focuses on the
fear of change or lack of success rather than potential and growth aspects. At the same
time, fear of financial insolvency or lack of knowledge about market conditions can cause
executive management to avoid planning for the future and this also leads to emphasize
on day to day organizational operations (Newton, 2014). In this respect, author said that
organizations are required to learn the methods to evaluate their performance from the
viewpoint of their customers so as to achieve competitive advantage subsequently.
However, environmental turbulence remains to be the main challenge for organizations to
succeed which also requires more attention towards emerging opportunities and threats
that strategically think and plan (Brealey and et. al., 2012).

Moreover, structural managerial, human resource management, insufficient
resources, inadequate strategy formulation and lack of effective performance measures
are the major barriers that work in the same sphere (Fleischmann, Meyr and Wagner,
2015). Many companies and executive teams that have harnessed the power of great
strategic thinking and planning have learned several methods to overcome the prevailing
issues. Regarding this, the concept of corporate planning can be described as relatively
new, both in terms of corporate experience and as object within scientific research. At the
same time, too much emphasis on formalization can also lead to other issues in the
organization and it can also have a negative impact on business operations and activities
(Jetter and Sperry, 2013). Later on this, it is also observed that formalization has a direct
impact on creativity and lateral thinking which critically focuses on strategic planning
models.
Solutions to overcome the barriers and the way to increase organizational growth
From the above discussion, it is clear that for many organizations, the introduction
of strategic planning often raises all sorts of barriers that inhibit the ability to acquire
further benefits (Friend, Power and Yewlett, 2013). Organizational processes are
regarded as those ways in which they leverage the organization's systems, people, and
structure to undertake the delivery of tasks. Therefore, specific concern should be given
towards procedural framework as aligned with the aims and objectives (Chen and et. al.,
2016). Concern towards process can inherent glue that ties the current systems, people,
and structure together. Consequently, any change in strategy could potentially have a
significant impact on the processes; hence author states that while introducing any new
system in the organization, discussion should be held with all the employees. Adequate
concern should also be given to organizational systems which are primarily related to
technological facets (Verhoeven, 2012). Organizational system should be built to
improve the efficiency of what is being done. These systems also accept data in specific
formats at specific times and help to evaluate it in requisite transformation.
Overcoming selected problems and barriers helps the business entities to consider
own planning needs that can aid to focus on important issues of its organization, industry
and environment (Channon and Jalland, 2016). This is also crucial for the purpose of

enhancing organizational reach in competitive market force. Henceforth, through such
efforts, organizations can create their customized strategic planning process which can
offer numerous benefits respectively. Along with this, the organization’s culture
represents the context in which strategic planning processes and all its tools work
(Markham, 2015). Thus, organization should establish a culture that can allow fruitful
debates and can also aid in minimizing all sorts of problems. Furthermore, organizations
have to make several changes in the communication process so that corporate aim and
objectives, strategies and procedures can be managed in suitable way.
According to the views of author, planning cycle and corporate culture can be
seen as contextual factors which determine organizational planning process. Similarly, in
order to develop a successful and sustainable strategy, organizations must have to apply
an approach which considers the impact of secondary effects (Overcoming barriers to
strategic planning. 2005). Furthermore, planned systems and structures should also be
formulated in such a way so that it can anticipate competitive reactions with strategic
analysis. Author, contended that firms should stress upon organization’s strategy
analysis which includes products, markets and channels of business management.
Traditionally, strategic planning has been regarded as a significant activity which
enhances the effectiveness of the business firms (Langham and Hussey, 2014). However,
according to some recent surveys done by author (in the area of corporate planning and
strategic management) stated that business must utilize all its resources in appropriate
manner.
In the same area of concern, it is also essential for the business entities to provide
training and coaching to the employees in the domain of central strategic planning that
encourages organizational capability and functionality (Sahay, 2015). Henceforth, the
management should ensure that they provide a structured process with some standard
tools for strategic analysis. Alongside, focus should be laid on developing a successful
and sustainable strategy wherein organizations should apply the approaches through
which the impact of external environment can be minimized. Therefore, organization
should also ensure to participate in competitive scenario so that their strategic moves can
explicitly incorporate them in strategic analysis (Coulson-Thomas, 2014). Organizational

structure represents the organizational structure through staff roles and reporting
relationships and also the governance structure of the board. Hence, lastly it can be said
that in order to overcome the lack of experience barrier, it is advisable to include strategic
planning and thinking capabilities in the personnel development activities (Overcoming
barriers for strategic planning. 2007).
Chapter 3 Research Methodology 3500
Introduction
The research methodology section outlines various tools and techniques that can
be employed for carrying out the research in an organized and systematic manner. This
part of research undertakes a systematic as well as an in depth study of the topic which
then tends to form a base for the research study. This research project constitutes of all
the basic steps in selection criteria and has also given a proper explanation behind the
reasons for selecting that particular method.
Research design
It is the plan of the research study and it shows assistance in data collection.
Research design is the framework that has been created to seek answers to research
questions. There are many ways to classify research designs, but sometimes the
distinction is artificial and other times different designs are combined.
Sampling
The researchers generally prefer using sampling method because most of the
times it is not possible to survey the entire population. These sampling methods are
useful as they do not involve higher costs and also tend to provide correct direction to the
data collected. In the current research report, probability sampling technique has been
used because in these sampling methods, the entire population has an equal chance to get
chosen. The chances of biasness are also reduced over here which makes it more
effective. Simple random sampling is the part of probability sampling where respondents
are selected on a random basis. In the entire report the focus has been given to the use of
random sampling so that every individual is provided with equal chance to get selected
from the defined strata

Data collection
Data collection is the important step that is undertaken in any research project
because it is the area that adds value to the research work. On the top of it, it is also
required that different inferences are also required to be drawn on the basis of the
information that is available.
Hypothesis testing
The research hypotheses is formulated as follows:
H1: There exists no noticeable relationship between the corporate planning and the
organizational growth
H0: There is a noticeable relationship between the organizational growth and corporate
planning
H1: corporate planning has significant responsibility in the growth of an organization
H0: Corporate planning has no significant responsibility in the growth of an organization
In order to find out the significant values, SPSS tool has been applied. This has
been clearly defining the relationship between corporate planning and organizational
performance management.
Tool of analysis
Strategies implied
Summary
Chapter 4 Analysis and Interpretation 5000
Chapter 5 Findings and Suggestions 3000

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