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PurposeTo develop a theoretical model for strategic change that links learning in an organization to the strategic process.Design/methodology/approachThe model was developed from a review of literature covering a range of areas including: management, strategic planning, psychology of learning and organizational learning. The process of forming and implementing strategy in an organization was looked at critically and then the links between learning and strategy were explored, particularly in relation to innovation and radical strategic change.FindingsThe degree of correspondence found across various strands of the literature implies a general principle: that the development of strategy is closely linked with learning. The paper proposes that, if appropriately designed, purposeful strategic activity will help to develop an organizational learning culture. As the strategic planning process is widely accepted across all sectors of the economy, it has the potential; to provide an effective means of directing resources in order to achieve desirable learning within an organization towards its long‐term viability.Originality/valueThe paper develops a theoretical model of strategy formation, called “The maturity model for strategy formation”, which describes a developmental continuum for strategy based on the application of appropriate strategic approaches which are linked to suitable learning approaches and a consideration of the roles of management and staff in the change process.

Projects are a means of implementing strategy; the relationship of project management to strategic implementation in an organization is explored. Some of the recent project management literature is examined and a case study from the education sector is used to consider how to effectively link project management to organizational strategic processes. Project management techniques have been used very successfully in a wide range of areas. They are routinely applied in IT developments, building, government, and education. Recent thinking has raised questions about how to more closely match the techniques to the nature of individual projects. The nature of different types of projects is explored through consideration of projects involving high levels of change, and/or innovation. By their nature, the final outcomes of such projects are not clearly defined and their execution may require many iterations of development. A means of categorizing projects within an organization is developed. This, along with a set process guidelines, will enable an organization's management to more effectively consider the implications of implementing strategic projects. Monitoring such projects can present problems in an organization when management accountability mechanisms demand results and rigid processes are imposed.

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