Operational plans can be either single-use or ongoing. Let’s discuss each of these in detail with examples.
Single-Use Operational Plans (or Single-Use Plans)
These plans are meticulously crafted for events or activities with a singular occurrence. These events may be a one-time sales program, a targeted marketing campaign, or a focused recruitment drive. These single-use plans are characterized by their high specificity—tailored precisely to the unique circumstances of the event.
Ongoing Operational Plans (or Ongoing Plans)
In contrast, these plans are versatile and adaptable. They serve as the bedrock for ongoing operations across various contexts. Ongoing plans are initially created on an ad-hoc basis, but their flexibility allows them to be repeated and modified as needed. Think of them as the ever-evolving blueprints that guide an organization’s day-to-day activities.
Types of Ongoing Plans
Ongoing plans can again be of different types, such as:Policy, Rule, and Procedure.
Policy
- A policy is akin to a general directive that steers decision-making at the micro level within an organization. It provides a framework for managers to approach specific problems. Consider policies as the compass that guides individual actions.
- Examples of policies include:
- Hiring Employees: A policy outlines the steps, criteria, and protocols for bringing new talent on board.
- Contractor Termination: It describes the process for ending contractual relationships.
- Policies are like the guiding stars – providing consistent direction while allowing room for interpretation.
Rule
- Rules are the specific regulations that govern an organization’s functioning. Unlike policies, rules are non-negotiable and are meant to be strictly enforced.
- These hard-coded mandates ensure uniformity and compliance. For instance:
- No Smoking Within Office Premises: A rule that protects the health and well-being of all occupants.
- Timely Reporting: The rule that mandates employees to arrive by 9:30 a.m., fostering punctuality.
- Rules are the guardrails – keeping everyone on the right track.
Procedure
- Procedures are the step-by-step roadmaps that lead to specific objectives. They provide clarity on how to accomplish tasks efficiently.
- Imagine an organization’s detailed guidelines on:
- Hiring and Training Employees: The procedure ensures consistency and fairness.
- Sourcing Raw Materials: It outlines the process from requisition to delivery.
- Procedures are the well-marked trails—ensuring successful navigation toward organizational goals.
Operational plans bridge the gap between a company’s strategic vision and its day-to-day operations. This is where the big picture aligns with the nitty-gritty details. Successfully managing a company involves not only focusing on high-level goals but also ensuring that those goals are effectively executed in the daily grind. Hence, the importance of meticulous planning at this level.
Know about 3 types of plans.
