Guide for Strategic Alignment Following PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition
Strategic Alignment is a key aspect of Business Management in the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Why Strategic Alignment is important:
It ensures that business activities are in line with organizational strategic objectives, facilitating the targeted use of resources and increasing the likelihood of reaching business goals.
What is Strategic Alignment:
Strategic Alignment is the process of bringing the actions of an organization’s business divisions and employees in line with the organization’s planned strategy.
How it works:
Strategic alignment begins at the top level of an organization and trickles down to every level ensuring all activities are geared towards meeting the organization’s objectives. It requires an understanding of the organization's strategy, translating it into operational terms, aligning the organization to the strategy, and making strategy everyone's everyday job.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Strategic Alignment:
When answering exam questions regarding Strategic Alignment:
- Ensure understanding of the strategic goals of a hypothetical organization.
- Relate project objectives to these strategic goals.
- Discuss how project activities and deliverables contribute to achieving these strategic goals.
It is also beneficial to discuss the risks and consequences of not having strategic alignment in the organization.