Factors affecting the Strategic Planning Process : case studies from Libyan public manufacturing companies

Little research has been conducted in the area of Strategic Planning Processes (SPPs) inwestern contexts and especially in public organisations. Although such organisationsdiffer significantly from business companies, their need for improved 'operability' isthe same and since their difference in character means it is not possible to generalisefrom what literature exists, in-depth research is required in this connection. Moreover,existing research on strategic planning systems has focused more on theimplementation-related factors affecting strategic plans, with little attention being paidto processes-related factors affecting the strategic planning in the development stages.This is particularly true and of great importance in developing countries, wheremanagerial education and business practices are still in their infancy when compared todeveloped economies. This study involves the identification and investigation of SPPs-Related factors in the Libyan public manufacturing context. In order to achieve theresearch aim and objectives, a theoretical framework is first developed, reflecting acritical synthesis of the available literature. The theoretical framework subsequentlyinforms an empirical investigation of the relevant factors in the Libyan environment.A qualitative case study strategy (involving two cases) is used in order to gain insightinto the appropriateness of the framework and any necessary amendments that wouldreflect the situation under investigation. The semi-structured interview is the maininstrument used for data collection purposes. Internal and external triangulationmethodology is employed to increase the validity of the results, which indicate anexplicit linkage between the various factors studied and the main phases of strategicplans' formulation. Moreover, unique factors in different areas within the SPPs areidentified. Consequently, the initial theoretical framework is revised to reflect thefindings from the case studies. The framework comprises six sets of factors (Resourceassessment-related factors, Organisational-related factors, Structural-related factors,Cultural-related factors, Socio-political-related factors, and Economical-related factors)affecting the processes of setting strategic plans and the way these are linked to themain SPPs phases. In addition to the theoretical contribution of this thesis, it isenvisaged that future SPPs design, evaluation, and implementation in the Libyan publicmanufacturing sector can draw upon and learn from the findings of this research, whichrepresent a freshly-invented approach to strategic planning "An Integrated Approach toStrategic Planning".

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral (Level 8)

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• El-Baruni, KMY

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337190

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337190