Operational Planning Essay Example
Operational Planning Essay Example

Operational Planning Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (971 words)
  • Published: December 5, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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Organizations implement four types of planning: strategic, tactical, operational, and contingency.

Disney's operational planning plays a crucial role in achieving its strategic planning goals by determining how day-to-day operations are managed. According to Scott (2004), operational planning involves identifying the specific procedures and processes required at lower organizational levels. In the context of Disney, this includes processes for managing operations at its theme parks, stores, and e-commerce site. One of Disney's strengths in operational planning is its customer focus, which is evident in their theme parks where countless employees work every day to ensure customer satisfaction.

Disney realizes that satisfying the customer is crucial to ensuring their return. However, achieving this goal is more difficult when comparing the size of Disney's theme parks to that of a shopping store. The theme park must be managed in sections, akin to dif

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ferent departments in a department store, but at a much larger scale. The company must plan numerous factors such as the opening time of the theme park, duration of shifts, placement of street vendors, ride durations, and more to reach their ultimate objective.

Disney's operational strategy includes management of its theme parks, which may pose a weakness due to the magnitude of day-to-day operations. Overseeing all daily operations at Disney can be challenging, and any ground level breakdowns can directly affect sales. Given that customers always observe Disney's ground level operations, it is essential to have contingency plans for ride breakdowns, shift coverage for absent employees, and other potential issues. Therefore, addressing these considerations is critical in developing Disney's operational strategy.

According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionaryam (2005), an operational opportunity in business refers to a favorable chance for advancement o

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progress. Companies view opportunities as a means of positioning themselves for success where their competitors have failed. The Walt Disney Corporation leverages its brand name recognition to capitalize on business opportunities. By incorporating advertising, travel, and the Disney Institute, they maximize the highest level of opportunities.

The Walt Disney Corporation has utilized radio, video, and printed media for advertising to establish themselves as a leader in the advertising industry. They employ these outlets for promoting their theme parks, hotels, and business institutes, attracting millions of fans and business executives annually. The original buildings, themes, and characters of their theme parks make them a noteworthy attraction that entertains all ages. This makes the Walt Disney Corporation an attractive travel opportunity for visitors from all across the globe.

Disney serves as a top travel destination for globetrotters and budget-conscious visitors seeking refuge from chilly winters or boredom. Through a sophisticated multimedia distribution system, Disney markets its locations as value-packed experiences. The Walt Disney Company (2005) notes that Disney has effectively leveraged its brand name to establish the Disney Institute as an industry leader in event planning. Overall, Disney has emerged as a premier family-friendly event destination.

According to The Walt Disney Company's (2005) website, the Disney Institute is renowned for its ability to allow individuals to "experience the business behind the magic" of our core competencies, which encompass Leadership Development, Quality Service, Customer Loyalty, Organizational Creativity, and Teambuilding. By leveraging the power of the Disney brand name and institutions, this institute provides businesses with an opportunity to learn from our organization's success story. Through a combination of advertising, travel and business initiatives focused on promoting our theme

parks, hotels and other enterprises we have attained remarkable success in expanding our ventures. Additionally, threats identified through SWOTT analysis are also an essential aspect of our operations.

Disney is confronted with various challenges from its competitive environment and the broader macro environment, including legal, political, economic, technological, demographic, and social and natural factors. One of the key obstacles is complying with laws and regulations.

Bateman and Snell's 2004 analysis highlights how the Government affects business opportunities through tax laws, economic policies, and international trade rulings. Regulatory laws enforced by agencies such as OSHA, ICC, FAA, EEOC, NLRB, and EPA empower them to investigate company practices and take legal action to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

(Bateman, Snell 2004) highlights the potential threat posed to Disney by the economy as visitors are less likely to choose theme parks during downturns. Thus, economic fluctuations have the potential to significantly impact Disney's business.

According to Bateman and Snell (2004), the economic environment can greatly impact a company's operations and strategic decisions. Factors such as interest and inflation rates can affect the availability and cost of capital, price and cost of products, consumer demand, and expansion opportunities. Labor availability, wages, and product demand can also be affected by unemployment rates. Additionally, social trends and environmental concerns must be taken into consideration when making decisions about labor management, corporate social responsibility, products, and markets.

(Bateman, Snell 2004). Disney adapts its entertainments and prices in response to social changes. This means they modify certain characters and productions to reflect the latest Disney movies. Moreover, they offer package deals for multiple entertainment locations when tickets are purchased.

The Disney organization faces various challenges in the form

of the competitive environment, which includes competition among existing and new rivals, substitutes, as well as the power of suppliers and customers. Disney's existing competitors are other theme parks, focusing on the same customer base consisting of adults with children. Bateman and Snell (2004) highlighted that competitors implement various strategies such as price cuts, launching new products, and advertising campaigns to gain an advantage over their rivals. Environmental uncertainty is another threat posed by the competitive environment that renders decision-making and implementation of plans challenging for the Disney Corporation.

Disney remains imaginative and responsive to the preferences and aversions of its customers. It accomplishes this through the creation of fresh merchandise, organizing new shows, and producing effective marketing campaigns. Such timely and accurate environmental information is essential for the preservation of Walt's vision.

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