dc.description.abstract | Strategic planning is a sequence of analytical and evaluative procedures that are followed
to formulate an intended strategy and the means of implementing it. Approaches to
strategic planning range from top-down, bottom-up and negotiated approach. Such
processes may take the form of highly systematized step-by-step chronological
procedures involving many different parts of the organization hence the rational approach
to strategic planning characterized by variables such as degree of formality, approaches,
source of power, level of participation, frequency of reviews and degree of flexibility.
This research project sought to investigate how strategic planning is done at Teachers
Service Commission of Kenya. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. In-depth
interviews were carried out on senior managers who participated in the strategic planning
process at the Commission. Although the researcher intended to interview six
respondents, he was able to interview four of them. The other two could not be contacted
due to commitments out of the office.
The study results shows that strategic planning at T.S.C is formal and the top
management control the process. The key steps in strategic planning process at T.S.C are:
(i) Development of corporate identity (logo)
(ii) Setting the vision and mission statements
(iii) Development of commission objectives
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(iv) Training of participants on principles of s-tr.ategic planning. (v) Carrying out service area SWOT analysis and development of strategies.
(vi) Brainstorming sessions and report writing.
(vii) Stakeholders' forum
(viii) Budgeting and approval by CEO
(ix) Implementation
(x) Evaluation and control.
The Commission has put in place a formal strategic planning process with annual
evaluation and control mechanisms. Strategy development and strategic planning
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processes were carried out simultaneously by the top management that included the chief
executive officer, Commission chairman, Commissioners, and heads of departments,
divisions and sections. Strategic planning at the Commission takes place at the functional
level before being adopted at the corporate level.
Due to the nature and size of the Commission, the process faced a myriad of challenges
ranging from limited funds, lack of technical personnel and external interference. | en |