Implementation Plans

Implementation plans provide an outline of how suggested solutions should be implemented. They address the following questions: what, how, who, and when to implement; and how to measure the results/effectiveness. The gap between recommendations and implementation should be bridged with a set of main questions/issues all of which should be addressed in the implementation plan.

Methodology

1. Develop main question. Determine main question that conveys the development needs attributable to the strategic recommendation
2. Define activities. Define activities required by the company and by consultants (if any)
3. Assign budget. Define required resources
4. Delegate responsibilities. Study personnel and determine who has the appropriate skills for given tasks
5. Make a schedule. Determine the time required for the activities and the deadlines. Construct a project plan
6. Develop key performance indicators. Define the goals. Determine the tangible results that would indicate satisfactory progress or achievement of goals
7. Measure results and (re-)allocate resources. Revisit process and make adjustments as required

Notes

• Commitment and buy-in from the company is key to the success of the implementation process
• Schedule should be constructed with the employees who are going to “own” the project
• Each recommendation will require its own implementation plan
• The final strategy must be disaggregated into a set of recommendations each of which need to be addressed together in one implementation plan

Strengths

• Ensures a structured approach to implementation
• Ensures that complex strategies are broken down into tangible steps