Operational Business Strategy

In business strategy there is often a systematic approach that applies to your situation.  The order of operations has its roots in a math concept.  By tradition a sequence of calculations is performed in a particular order to obtain a result.   This mathematical concept revolves around a structure which is uniform, so that everyone reading the symbols is “on the same page” conceptually.

The order of operations concept has been extended into several other areas of life where a systematic approach is effective in organizing information.

Military Operations

In the military, the order of operations is a tactical sequence designed to obtain a specific objective.   By performing a coordinated action in a framework of operational orders, each unit and individual in the teams can understand their role within the larger operation.

In this sense, the order of operation is a tactical plan, where each part of the solution operates as an independent unit coordinating to achieve the desired application.

Business Operations

The concept of business operations is derived from the strategic concepts of the military and applied them to situations that occur in the competitive environment of the business world.  In business, much as in warfare there are cooperative and competitive aspects and specific objectives that need to be obtained in order to achieve success within a territorial space.

The application of business operations to applied planning gives rise to the business order of operations.  

As in mathematics there is a progression of tasks that must be accomplished to achieve a desired result.  The overall scope of the problem, and the goal seeking behavior is defined by the formulas of the market sector for the specific business strategy.

Within the scope of the larger problem, a business must contend with various parts of the equation, both the known factors and the variables which need to be resolved to obtain the goal that the business is seeking.

Within the framework of the operational order, various parallel tasks are performed by teams and coordinated units.    The sales team represents a part of the operational order, as do the procurement, management, production and research teams.   Each department must play its role and work together to achieve the desired goals. 

The tactical order of operation is first defined by the available assets.   Additional parts of the solution are conceptualized within the overarching mission statement of the corporation.   This mission statement may be a very broad strategy or a very narrowly defined tactical approach, such as increasing market share.
   
As each unit proceeds in line with a long term vision or guiding goal, the objectives are clarified and associated to specific departments which carry out their unique functions.

Business Strategy

The business strategy should always be thought of first in terms of major goals, and then defined operationally into a series of objectives.   The order in which these objectives must be reached is determined by the resources available, such as time, business capital, talent resources, and the anticipated reaction of the competition.  

By approaching the business strategy in a structured and logical sequence, variables can be isolated and risks minimized.   The order of operations states that the long term strategic objectives define the short term goals and not the reverse.   While awareness of the short term goals is important and has to be resolved sequentially, as prioritized, the overall resource allocation and long term objectives are more important than short term variance in position.

By understanding the scope of the territorial claim being made in the business operation, and the desired objectives and acceptable methodology for obtaining those goals, the corporation keeps from being trapped by minor problems and makes great distance in striving towards long term objectives.

By identifying the importance of each objective within a strategical framework, the proper allocation of tactical (situational) resources can be allocated.

The essence of business strategy is to view the entire field of competition, define where you want to be and identify the steps necessary to reach that desired goal.  

Many executives and corporate leaders lose track of the strategy while striving for a specific goal to be reached.   In that moment of decision, victory is lost or gained.