Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the use of tools and techniques of strategy and strategic analysis within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a part of the strategy formation process. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative, multiple-case-based investigation with semi-structured interviews and secondary data sources to create a context-rich insight to the area examined. Findings The findings indicate a strong orientation towards operational tools deployment aligned with financial management and resources and process planning, monitoring and control. Strategic perspectives of the respondents indicate an implicit, rather than explicit deployment of strategy tools and unstructured deployment, but general awareness of the resulting component issues. Clearer strategic approaches and strong implementation appear to positively influence success, when measured by growth. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to nine organisations within a UK geographic region, and therefore, larger-scale investigation would be beneficial to extend and confirm the findings in differing contexts. Practical implications With resource scarcity potentially stymying the opportunity for owner-managers to develop more structured approaches to strategic analysis and development, consideration should be given to how owner-managers can further develop their strategic thinking to support enhanced strategic outcomes for their organisations. Furthermore, strategy educationalists may wish to reflect upon the manner in which they prepare delegates for strategic roles, where the SME context may differ radically from corporate experience. Originality/value The methodology for this study differs substantially from previous investigations within the field, which has had relatively few contributions, as it uses in-depth, context-rich qualitative techniques to investigate the micro-processes at play. The conclusions capture new insights and indications and identify areas for further investigation, hence adding to the understanding of a complex and heterogeneous field.

When it comes to strategy making and strategy implementation, although it is acknowledged that the biggest challenge is the implementation, most of the literature tends to focus more on the strategy making part. Just like how the strategy implementation part of the strategy process has received little attention in the strategic planning literature, equally there are not much research devoted to developing measures for studying this important management process and practice. Through quantitative methodological approaches for studying the strategic management and planning process, and analysis of data from 208 senior managers involved in strategy processes within ten UK industrial sectors, this paper addresses this void by presenting evidence on the measurement properties of a multi‐dimensional instrument that assesses ten dimensions of strategy implementation. Using exploratory factor analysis, results indicate the sub‐constructs (the ten dimensions) are uni‐dimensional factors with acceptable reliability and validity. Furthermore, using three additional measures, a correlation and hierarchical regression analysis,the nomological validity for the multi‐dimensional strategy implementation construct was also established. Relative importance of ten strategy implementation dimensions (activities) for practising managers is highlighted, with the mutually and combinative effects and drawing conclusion that senior management involvement leads the way among the ten key identified activities vital for successful strategy implementation.

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