Abstract
M.Com. (Business Management)
Any organisation being it at local authority or private sector concern operates in an ever
changing and dynamic macro-environment. The City Council of Nelspruit realised this fact and conducted a situational analysis 10 conjunction with the National Productivity Institute during the first half of 1989. The situational analysis established that departmental plans and actions were not effectively coordinated and focussed towards the attainment of goals and objectives. Certain
recommendations followed and as a result a strategic management model was implemented during the second half of 1989. Local Authorities find themselves since then. and even more since the promulgation of the Local Authorities Transitional Act (214 of 1993). in an even more volatile and dynamic macro-environment. It was therefore decided to conduct a literature search in order to recommend a recent and applicable strategic management model to the City Council of Nelspruit. The fact that local authorities forms part of the structure of government is pointed out while
the unique role and function of local authorities in the process of governance is stressed.
Attention is also given to important differences between public sector and private sector
concerns. Particular attention is also given to the strategic management model as devised by Pearce & Robinson (l991: 11). This model describes strategic management as "the set of decisions and actions that result in the formulation and implementation of plans designed to achieve a company's objectives". In the study special attention is given to the implementation of the strategic management
model. Strategic managers' attention is drawn to the fact that the organisational structure
should he supportive to the chosen strategy. Management's attention is also drawn to the fact that the desired organisational culture is of utmost importance for the successful implementation of strategic plans. The literature search clearly indicated that the strategic management model of Pearce & Robinson (1991: II) can be implemented at the City Council of Nelspruit because it provides a step by step process whilst allowing management to take cognisance of the unique
circumstances of the organisation. The use of checklists for the implementation of the strategic planning model is recommended. Each checklist provides management with a number of questions to guide the implementation process. Certain recommendations are made in the last chapter of the study. First of all it is recommended that the suggested strategic management model be implemented by means of checklists. Secondly, that councillors and officials be trained in the principles
of strategic management. The strategic plan should thirdly be published and communicated to an the stakeholders and fourthly that the value of strategic management and the influence of the integration of local authorities be researched.