Tactical Control: Intermediate-Term Implementation and Monitoring

August 31, 2024 4 min read Management Strategy Tactical Control Tactical Planning Implementation Monitoring Business Strategy

An in-depth explanation of Tactical Control, its role in intermediate-term implementation and monitoring of specific tactical plans, along with examples, applications, and historical context.

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Tactical control refers to the process of overseeing and guiding the implementation and monitoring of specific tactical plans within an organization. It is concerned with the intermediate-term policies and procedures through which an organization’s strategic goals are executed and measured. Unlike strategic control which is more long-term and focuses on overall direction, tactical control emphasizes the finer details and day-to-day operational adjustments necessary to meet set objectives.

Importance of Tactical Control in Business Strategy

Tactical control is crucial as it bridges the gap between strategic planning and operational execution. It ensures that tactical plans are not only developed but also effectively put into action and properly managed to achieve desired outcomes.

Key Components of Tactical Control

Implementation: Tactical plans detail the specific actions and resources needed to achieve strategic goals. Effective tactical control ensures these plans are implemented timely and correctly.
Monitoring: Constant monitoring helps in identifying deviations from the plan, allowing for corrective actions to be taken promptly. This includes tracking performance metrics, budgets, timelines, and quality standards.

Types of Tactical Control

Financial Control

Financial control involves the management and oversight of financial resources. It includes budget control, cost control, and financial performance analysis.

Output Control

Output control focuses on measurable results and outcomes. It involves setting performance targets and assessing the actual performance against these benchmarks.

Behavioural Control

Behavioural control involves influencing the actions and behaviors of employees through policies, procedures, and corporate culture. This can include codes of conduct, standard operating procedures, and performance appraisals.

Special Considerations with Tactical Control

Flexibility: The environment in which a business operates can change rapidly. Effective tactical control systems need to be flexible to adapt to unforeseen changes.
Accuracy: Accurate data collection and reporting are essential for effective control and monitoring. Inaccuracies can lead to misguided decisions and missed objectives.
Integration: Tactical control should be integrated with both strategic and operational controls to ensure cohesiveness in organizational efforts.

Examples of Tactical Control

Sales Quotas: Establishing specific sales targets for sales teams and monitoring their progress towards these quotas.
Project Management: Detailed project plans with assigned tasks, timelines, resource allocations, and ongoing tracking of project milestones.
Quality Assurance: Implementing quality control standards in manufacturing processes and routinely inspecting products to ensure compliance with these standards.

Historical Context of Tactical Control

The concept of tactical control has evolved with the complexities of modern organizational structures. Initially focused on simple operational controls, it has expanded to encompass sophisticated management systems that integrate technology and advanced analytics, ensuring higher precision in implementation and monitoring.

Applicability of Tactical Control

In Large Corporations

In large organizations, tactical control plays a vital role in ensuring that various departments and units align with the overall strategic goals, despite their diverse functions and locations.

In Small Businesses

For small businesses, tactical control helps in resource allocation, cost management, and ensuring that limited resources are used efficiently to meet business objectives.

Strategic Control vs. Tactical Control

Strategic Control: Long-term focus, aligned with broader organizational goals, and concerned with overall direction and policy setting.
Tactical Control: Intermediate-term focus, concerned with the implementation and day-to-day management of specific plans, ensuring strategic initiatives are effectively executed.

Operational Control

Operational control deals with short-term, daily activities and immediate objectives, ensuring tasks are performed correctly and efficiently.

FAQs

What is the primary goal of tactical control?

The primary goal of tactical control is to ensure that tactical plans are implemented effectively and efficiently, and the deviations are timely addressed to align operations with strategic objectives.

How does tactical control differ from operational control?

Tactical control focuses on the intermediate-term implementation of plans, whereas operational control is concerned with the day-to-day execution of tasks and immediate outcomes.

Why is flexibility important in tactical control?

Flexibility is important because the business environment can be unpredictable. Tactical control systems that can adapt to change are more likely to succeed in achieving their goals.

References

Anthony, R. N., & Govindarajan, V. (2007). Management Control Systems. McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Simons, R. (1995). Levers of Control: How Managers Use Innovative Control Systems to Drive Strategic Renewal. Harvard Business School Press.

Summary

Tactical control is an essential aspect of business management that focuses on the intermediate-term execution and monitoring of specific plans. It ensures that an organization’s strategic objectives are translated into actionable and measurable steps, facilitating effective resource allocation, performance tracking, and adaptive decision-making. Understanding tactical control and its applications is vital for aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals.