This article provides a detailed response to: What are the key considerations for defining a research problem in strategic business planning? For a comprehensive understanding of Strategic Planning, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Strategic Planning best practice resources.
TLDR Defining a research problem in Strategic Planning involves thorough situation analysis, alignment with strategic objectives, and developing a systematic framework for actionable insights.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview Developing a Framework for the Research Problem Real-World Application and Examples Best Practices in Strategic Planning Strategic Planning Case Studies Related Questions
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Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they relate to this question.
Defining a research problem is the cornerstone of strategic business planning. This initial step is critical because it sets the direction for the entire project. A well-defined problem guides the research process, ensuring that the efforts are focused and effective. It's not just about identifying what you want to know, but also understanding why you need this information and how it will be used to drive strategic decisions. The challenge lies in articulating a problem that is specific enough to be manageable, yet broad enough to cover the necessary strategic ground.
One of the first steps in how to define a research problem is to conduct a thorough situation analysis. This involves gathering and analyzing information about the organization's internal environment, including its resources, capabilities, and current strategy, as well as the external environment, such as market trends, competitor actions, and regulatory changes. Consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG emphasize the importance of leveraging a robust framework for this analysis, such as the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) frameworks. These tools can help in identifying the key issues that the organization faces, which can then be distilled into a clear research problem.
Another critical consideration is aligning the research problem with the organization's strategic objectives. The research should be designed to provide insights that are directly relevant to achieving these goals. For instance, if an organization is focused on Digital Transformation, the research problem might revolve around understanding the barriers to adopting new technologies within the organization or identifying customer attitudes towards digital services. This alignment ensures that the research efforts are not just academic exercises but are directly contributing to the strategic planning process.
Developing a Framework for the Research Problem
Developing a framework is an essential step in defining a research problem. A framework acts as a blueprint for the research, outlining the key variables and the relationships between them. It helps in organizing the research process, making it more systematic and focused. Consulting firms often use established frameworks or templates as a starting point, customizing them to fit the specific context of the organization. This approach saves time and ensures that the research is grounded in proven methodologies.
For example, a strategy consulting firm might use Porter's Five Forces framework to analyze the competitive dynamics in an industry. This framework can help in identifying the key forces that influence competition and profitability, which can then be refined into a specific research problem, such as assessing the threat of new entrants in the market. The key is to use the framework to narrow down the broad area of interest into a specific, actionable research problem.
Moreover, the framework should also consider the data availability and the methods of analysis that will be used. It's important to define a research problem that is not only strategically relevant but also practically feasible. This means considering what data is available, how it can be collected, and what analytical techniques will be applied. The feasibility of the research problem is a critical factor in its usefulness for strategic planning.
Real-World Application and Examples
Let's consider a real-world example from a leading consulting firm, Accenture. In their work with a global retail chain, Accenture identified the need for a more effective inventory management system to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The research problem was defined as "Identifying the key factors contributing to inventory mismatches and developing a predictive model to improve inventory accuracy." This problem was directly aligned with the strategic objective of enhancing customer experience through operational improvements.
Another example comes from Deloitte's work with a healthcare provider looking to expand into new markets. The research problem was defined as "Evaluating the market potential and regulatory environment for healthcare services in emerging economies." This problem was framed within a broader strategic objective of international expansion, with a specific focus on understanding the external environment in target markets.
In both examples, the research problem was clearly defined, aligned with strategic objectives, and framed within a specific analytical framework. This approach ensured that the research was focused, relevant, and actionable, providing valuable insights to inform strategic decision-making. The key takeaway for C-level executives is the importance of a systematic approach to defining research problems, leveraging frameworks, and aligning with strategic objectives to ensure that research efforts are directly contributing to the organization's strategic planning process.
Best Practices in Strategic Planning
Here are best practices relevant to Strategic Planning from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Strategic Planning materials here.
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Strategic Planning Case Studies
For a practical understanding of Strategic Planning, take a look at these case studies.
Strategic Planning Initiative for Amusement Park in Competitive Landscape
Scenario: The organization, a well-established amusement park, is facing declining revenues and customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive market.
Revamping Strategic Planning Process for a Financial Service Provider
Scenario: A financial service provider operating in a highly competitive environment seeks to revamp its existing Strategic Planning process.
Organic Growth Strategy for SMB in Professional Services Sector
Scenario: An established small-to-medium-sized business (SMB) in the professional services sector is at a critical juncture requiring strategic planning to navigate stagnant growth and increasing competition.
Strategic Planning Framework for a Global Hospitality Chain
Scenario: A multinational hospitality company is grappling with market saturation and intense competition in the luxury segment.
Maritime Fleet Expansion Strategy for Competitive Global Shipping Market
Scenario: The organization is a global maritime shipping company that has been facing significant pressure to expand its fleet to meet increasing demand.
Retail Electronics Transformation Strategy for Boutique Appliance Stores
Scenario: A boutique electronics and appliance store chain in the U.S.
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Related Questions
Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.
Strategy & Operations, Digital Transformation, Management Consulting
This Q&A article was reviewed by David Tang. David is the CEO and Founder of Flevy. Prior to Flevy, David worked as a management consultant for 8 years, where he served clients in North America, EMEA, and APAC. He graduated from Cornell with a BS in Electrical Engineering and MEng in Management.
It is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You're free to share and adapt with attribution. To cite this article, please use:
Source: "What are the key considerations for defining a research problem in strategic business planning?," Flevy Management Insights, David Tang, 2026
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