Q1. Your thoughts on a Master Plan.

A1. A Master Plan is an organization’s blue print of where it wants to go in the future. A Master Plan describes the goals that form the basis of the organization’s existence.

Q2. Why have a Master Plan?

A2. A Master Plan ensures that there is no confusion regarding the ultimate strategic goals of the organization. A Master Plan helps bring everyone in the organization on the same page.

Q3. What should be included in a Master Plan?

A3. A Master Plan should include the goals of the organization, a detailed map on how the organization plans to achieve these specific goals, and what core competencies the organization needs to build to be able to achieve its objectives and goals.

Q4. Why do you need a Master Plan?

A4. A Master Plan is needed because it not only guides the actions of the management and he subordinates but it may also function as a monitoring tool against which the progress of the organization can be measured over time.

Q5. Should there be input from the lowest level workers?

A5. There should be input from the lowest level workers because they are closest to the actual production processes or delivery of services and serve as the main contact point with the company’s customers. Thus, lowest level workers often identify changing trends quicker than the management and they also understand customers’ concerns better than the management.

Q6. How should the Master Plan be issued?

A6. Master Plan should incorporate ideas from both the management and the workers. The company workers should be reminded of company goals on a regular basis in weekly meetings. Master Plan should be issued gradually over time so that the workers don’t feel overwhelmed.

Q7. How often should the Master Plan be revised?

A7. The global competitive landscape keeps changing at unpredictable pace. The company should keep close eyes on the state of the technology in the industry as well as other external factors that could change the competitive landscape such as political and legal issues. The company should revise its Master Plan when the competitive landscape or technology has changed significantly and warrants new strategies to stay competitive.