| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to establish and document the strategic planning practices employed by various consultancy firms in Kenya, which are critical to their outreach and sustainability. A descriptive survey design was used in the study in order to facilitate an all encompassing data from the respondents. The study populations were the registered management consultancy firms operating in Kenya as at June 2007, whose number stood at 95. The respondents in each of the consultancy firms were either the Chief Executive Officer or a senior member of the organization charged with shaping the strategic direction of the organization.
The research questions were: - (1) what are the strategic planning practices of the management consultancy firms? (2) Who is responsible for the strategic planning? And (3) what challenges are encountered in the strategic planning process?
The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative techniques in the collection of data. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire, divided into three sections with both closed and open-ended questions.
The data was analyzed by employing descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and tables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to aid in analysis. Computation of frequencies in tables, charts and bar graphs was used in data presentation.
Findings of the study indicate that firms can and often do create their environment besides reacting to it. Strategic planning and management helps firms develop competitive strategies and focus their efforts and resources on their key competencies and cultivate a proactive culture.
Findings further indicate that strategic planning and implementation is prone to various constraints, which ought to be understood by the executives and planners if targeted results are to be realized. In addition, good plans are formulated by various organizations but end up not being implemented at times due to various reasons, which differ from firm to firm.
By implementing strategic plans firms are able to respond to the turbulent environment in an appropriate manner, to ensure their continued survival and profitability hence providing the shareholders with value for money invested | en |
