Enhancing development and planning efforts: benefits of leveraging technology

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide insight into how organizations and managers can use technology, including the internet, to enhance development and planning efforts. Design/methodology/approach – Suggestions for leveraging technology are outlined using the traditional components of the planning process as a template. Specific recommendations are offered for integrating technology into each of the stages of the planning process (i.e. formulation, implementation and evaluation). Findings – A majority of business and technology executives agree that extensive use of information technology can enhance strategic planning, however, only about one‐third of surveyed CEOs actually champion the use of technology in strategic planning, with only 19 percent considering their organization's strategic planning process highly effective (PR Newswire). Yet, by leveraging technology more effectively during planning and development initiatives, companies are likely to improve their overall competitive position, enhance buy‐in, and reduce conflict. Practical implications – While not scientific, guidance provided in this article should improve managers' and leaders' planning efforts. Originality/value – The use of technology in development efforts and throughout the planning process should improve the efficacy of the concomitant plans developed by organizations.