Strategic Management is a Science

In analyzing strategic management, a number of issues confront us about whether it is a science or not. We could consider strategic management as an art but to do this would be to ignore the fact that scientific methods and technologies are essential in strategic management. Therefore, this paper begins by ascertaining that strategic management is a science. A strong debate, discussion and support then pursue and finally, conclusion and recommendations are stated.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Strategic Management is a Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The issue of whether strategic management is a science is controversial. On the one hand, Mulcaster (2010) considers it as an art because managers use their own abilities to determine what action to take. On the other hand, Katsioloudes (2010) believes that it is a science because people are required to think rationally before coming up with the way forward. For instance, logic reasoning is imperative in determining the course of action to take to achieve objectives (Hambric, 2009). However, in the final analysis, I believe that strategic management is a science because it is objective like logic and it pursues predestined course of action in order to achieve results. Mulcuster (2010) defines strategic management as an ongoing process that involves strategy analysis, strategy formulation and strategy implementation. Accordingly, it involves monitoring and evaluation of the internal strength and weakness in the presence of the external threats and opportunities (Derek, 2011). Blumentritt (2009) argues compellingly that strategic management try to align the activities of the organization with external environment through extensive research of both environments. Additionally, strategic planning is the core of this management process that entail decisions and actions that an organization require to earn a great share of the ma rket (Barnat, 2011). Ryszard (2009) states that market assessment is vital in strategic management. Therefore, managers need to research on the market situation by collecting information and critically analyzing it (Mulcaster, 2010). Moreover, Katsioloudes (2010) emphasizes that strategic management requires a rational approach through environmental analysis, planning, implementation and evaluation. On the other hand, Hambric (2009) argues that the triumph of an organization requires moves that strengthen its competitive position. While this is undoubtedly true, Hambric (2009) gives the impression that managers need to manipulate the external environment, an impression that suggests that strategic management should be flexible and deliver standard services to the customers. At this point, the stress is that an organization success depends on the management type and leadership style (Derek, 2011).Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we ca n help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Blumentritt (2009) explains that the success of an organization depends on its ability to fit in the competitive environment and in this case, the organization should vibrantly interact with the environment through logic and scientifically planned actions. Therefore, the organization need to research about its information in the market place and in this situation, the manager together with the employees formulate strategies scientifically by analyzing data and information relevant to the organization (Barnat, 2011). Moreover, Hambric (2009) states that strategies concern the future and it requires that the organization make definite assumption about the upcoming market, technological inventions and the future trends. In this case, the assumption needs testing and validation and in the event that the employees confirm its validity, strategy formulation becomes a scientific process (Derek, 2011). On the contrary, strate gy formulation can also be an art if the employees do not validate the assumption because it will have no essence. Research reveals that strategic management requires rational thinking so that managers choose actions directed towards the fulfillment of the organization mission (Ryszard, 2009). Nevertheless, people should remember that according to Mulcuster (2010), strategic management is a work in progress. This means that it depends on the managers trait because each manager has his own way of carrying out plans and they have the flexibility of choosing whatever action provided the organization objectives get accomplished (Mulcuster, 2010). Although strategy implementation involves art, it is vivid that the implemented action needs scientific analysis to determine whether it will achieve the organization vision (Hambric, 2009). Therefore, strategic management is more of a science because managers need to analyze the organization objectives in order to determine if the organization is on the right track. Additionally, it may involve researches on the best execution practices. For instance, the manager needs to examine qualitative and quantitative data about external and internal environment before making a decision on which action to take (Derek, 2011). Based on the above discussion of literature, strategic management is both an art and a science. It is an art during the action phase because this phase depends on the management style and leadership traits. On the other hand, strategic management is a science because it involves rational thinking, planning and systematic evaluation of the action to be implemented. As a result, I am in favor of the statement that strategic management is a science because during the formulation phase, environment examination requires extensive analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data (Katsioloudes, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Strategic Management is a Science specifically fo r you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Additionally, the organization formulate assumptions and test them and the vital thing is that the organization requires scientific method to study the data before deciding on the best strategy to undertake given the assumption formulated ( Blummentritt, 2009). Finally, in order for the organization to succeed, it needs to understand the market and this understanding expects it to have accurate information and analyze it scientifically. Despite the fact that research is expensive, time consuming and multifaceted, it does not mean that organization should keep away from it. I recommend that the organizations use simple approaches to obtain data and information required for effective strategic management. References Barnat, A. (2011). The Art and Science of Strategic Management. Journal of Management , 46 (7), 37-56. Blumentritt, D. (2009). Strategic Management as an Applied Science but not as we (Academics) Know It. J ournal of Business Strategy , 154 (2), 291-356. Derek, S. (2011). Is Business Strategy a Mixture of Luck and Judgement, Opportunities and Design, or More of an Art than a Science? Journal of Marketing , 42 (9), 21-37. Hambric, L. (2009). What is Strategic Management, Really? Inductive Derivation of a Consensus definition of the field. Strategic Management Journal , 45 (21), 1000-1023. Katsioloudes, C. (2010). Strategic Management: Global Cultural Perspective for Profit and Non-Profit Organisations. Journal of Management , 563 (49), 78-95.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Mulcaster, P. (2010). Strategic Management: Three Strategic Frameworks. Business Strategy Series , 10 (1), 43-49. Ryszard, F. (2009). The Strategy Field From the Perspective of Management Science: Divergent Strands and Possible Intergration. Journal of Business Strategies , 28 (9), 32-47. This critical writing on Strategic Management is a Science was written and submitted by user Onslaught to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Strategic management is a science Business leaders have the task of developing effective business strategies and policies to enhance competitiveness in their businesses. In modernized business world, strategic management has been adopted to seek solutions to business threats/risks; the method also offers businesses chance to take advantage of prevailing business opportunities (Fred, 2008). This paper supports the augment that strategic management is a science.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategic management is a science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Introduction In contemporary business worlds, managers or business leaders have to develop new methods and approaches to handle business processes. Strategic management was developed by researchers and management gurus to offer an effective approach through which processes could be handled in an organization. There have been arguments over the concept â€Å"Strategic management is a science, † some management gurus are for the support of the phrase as they observe that the approach and manner of the management approach follow that of science (Porter, 1980). Strategic management is a science literature review Fred, 2008, is of the opinion that current changes in the world economic situations require business to develop management methods and approaches that address issues facing them; according to the writer strategic management, approach handles or approaches business needs in totality where it looks at all aspects of an organization. Businesses are faced the challenge of adopting measures to keep then in business currently and ensure continuity; policies that look into present situation and consider how the future is likely to be are the policies of strategic management. The method of management varies with traditional methods of conducting affairs; traditional method was focused on yielding high returns for the business and cared less about the process through w hich the profits have been attained through. To remain competitive, it is important to have policies that are not out-dated; leaders have the role of pioneering change (Kotter Schlesinger, 2008). Science involves looking at past, current and future situation, then using research coming up with the right method or approach to handle the issues or challenges; in science, solutions are sort after getting an in-depth understanding of the situation and ensuring that all corners have been addressed. When suing science to seek solution, the end justifies the means, this means that it is through the processes that a solution passes that determines the outcome.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In strategic management, there is much emphasis on research, management should only come up with decisions after they have researched for the solution, considered what other companies have don e , and undertaking well calculated tests on the solution they are to implement. The approach taken by strategic management is similar to science, thus strategic management can be termed as a science (Goold Campbell, 2002). When considering issues of strategic management, business leaders appreciate that the world is going through a series of changes in technology, market trends, competitiveness, and consumer enlightens life style among others. To remain competitive, decisions made within the organization should be able to address the changed business environment, they should be strategic and ensure that when enacted they competitive edge. When making strategic decisions under the frameworks of strategic management, an in-depth understanding of a company’s internal and external factors is necessary. The understanding is gotten after a systematic and well coordinated research has been undertaken on the issues; it is after the in-depth understanding that aimed at maximizing st rengths, tapping opportunities and militating against threats. To have an overall strategy, there should be strategic strategies in all areas that affect a business; no area should be considered better than another, however the seriousness required in different sectors should be looked into. Strategic management is involved in areas like procurement (integrated supply chain management), internal processes, strategic human resources, conflicts resolutions, strategic marketing, corporate social responsibilities issues, and customer care among others (Collis Rukstad, 2008). Recommendations Despite the changes in the business world, when business leaders develop right strategic management approach, their organization will prosper. Strategic management approach addresses all areas of a business and ensures that a company is well constituted company with well framed structure will remain competitive. When adopting strategic management approach, business leaders and managers need to analy ze their prevailing condition and to come up with custom made strategies to assist them remaining competitive currently and in the future. As a science, strategic management opens a door through which management can use research data to come up with solutions to challenging business situations. The research taken is not under solution but also considers what other businesses have been doing to have done concerning the issue. Just like in science, strategic management involves the use of well researched information and data to come up with decisions that to fit a certain situation. Business information is crucial for competitiveness; the source of the information should be vetted to ensure that they are quality and reliable (Camillus, 2008).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategic management is a science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion Strategic management is similar to science in that they both us e research to seek solutions to challenges facing the area of interest. Strategic management looks into business processes as well as results just like science; the method of business management considers the past, present, and the future when coming up with business decisions. The approach of strategic management qualifies the statement â€Å"Strategic management is a science.† References Camillus, J.C. (2008). Strategy as a wicked problem. Harvard Business Review. 86(5), 98-106. Collis, D. Rukstad, M.G. (2008). Can you say what your strategy is. Havard Business Review,86(4), 82-90 . Fred, D. (2008). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Goold, M. Campbell, A. (2002). Do you have a well-designed organization? Harvard Business Review. 80(3). 117-124. Kotter, J. Schlesinger, L.A (2008). Choosing strategies for change. Harvard Business Review, 80(30), 117-124 . Porter, M.E. (1980). Competitive strategy, New york:The Free Press.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This report on Strategic management is a science was written and submitted by user KateB1sh0p to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.