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20 strategic planning models and tools for medium and large companies in 2025

In today’s competitive and dynamic business environment, strategic planning is essential for the success of any corporation. Having the right frameworks and models enables organizations to set clear objectives, optimize resource allocation, and anticipate market challenges.

In this post, we will analyze 20 strategic planning models and tools designed to help companies navigate this complex landscape and achieve their goals.

What is a strategic planning model?

A strategic planning model is a structured approach that organizations use to define objectives, prioritize initiatives, and allocate resources. It serves as a roadmap for decision-making, ensuring that teams and stakeholders are aligned in working toward common goals.

In essence, strategic planning frameworks bridge the gap between high-level vision and daily operational execution. However, these tools can take different forms:

Analytical tools to assess business performance.
Growth models to plan business expansion.
Management frameworks to guide organizational structure and strategy.

Each of them serves a specific purpose, from assessing internal strengths to anticipating external challenges, helping organizations adapt and excel in today’s business environment.

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Benefits of strategic planning tools

When properly implemented, strategic planning frameworks enable companies to unlock their potential, anticipate risks, and strengthen resilience.

These are the key benefits of strategic planning tools:

Improved decision-making: these frameworks provide a data-driven approach to decision-making. By analyzing market trends, competitive forces, and internal capabilities, companies can identify opportunities and mitigate risks, reducing uncertainty and ensuring that resources are allocated to high-impact initiatives.
Greater team alignment: strategic planning frameworks help unify teams around shared objectives, creating a clear vision and common purpose. This alignment enhances collaboration and ensures that all departments work toward the same strategic goals.
Long-term strategic vision: they also help organizations define a clear medium- and long-term vision, breaking it down into achievable milestones. This clarity ensures that every initiative contributes to a broader, long-term objective, keeping the company on track toward sustainable growth.
Enhanced adaptability to change: strategic planning tools equip organizations with the ability to anticipate and respond to market fluctuations, evolving consumer preferences, and industry trends. This agility allows companies to stay ahead of disruption and remain competitive in dynamic environments.
Increased accountability and performance tracking: many of these frameworks include mechanisms for measuring and evaluating performance. Tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and Balanced Scorecards provide quantifiable metrics, ensuring accountability at all levels of the organization. This transparency fosters a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

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Strategic planning models and tools for medium and large organizations

Now that we have introduced what a strategic planning model is and why it is a valuable resource for helping companies articulate objectives, align resources, and achieve sustainable growth, we will now analyze these frameworks one by one.

For this post, we have categorized strategic planning models into four distinct categories:

Category	Framework
Analytical frameworks	SWOT Analysis. PESTLE Analysis. Porter’s Five Forces. VRIO Framework. Value Chain Analysis.
Strategic planning frameworks	OKR. Balanced Scorecards. Hoshin Kanri Framework. OGSM Framework. Issue-Based Strategic Planning.
Business growth models	Ansoff Matrix. BCG Matrix. Lean Canvas. Business Model Canvas.
Management and organizational frameworks	Gap Analysis. Scenario Planning. Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model. McKinsey 7S Framework. Three Horizons Model. Flight Levels.

Analytical frameworks for strategic planning

Let’s start this list of strategic planning tools with a series of analytical frameworks with which companies can assess their current position, identify opportunities and understand potential risks.

1. SWOT Analysis

The SWOT analysis is a tool that allows you to assess four essential aspects of your organization’s environment: strenghts, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Strengths: these are internal attributes that can provide you with a competitive advantage. For example, having highly skilled personnel, patented technologies, or a strong and well-established brand.
Weaknesses: these refer to the limitations of your organization, such as outdated systems, skill gaps, or high operational costs.
Opportunities: these are external factors that both your company and competitors can leverage, such as emerging markets, technological advancements, or regulatory changes.
Threats: lastly, an analysis is also made of those challenges in the environment that may pose a threat. These include competitors, economic downturns or disruptive innovations.

The SWOT analysis is typically represented in a grid format, making it easy to get a clear view of your current positioning and how you can improve it.

An example of what a SWOT analysis would look like for a tech company:

2. PESTLE Analysis

Unlike SWOT analysis, the PESTLE framework focuses exclusively on analyzing external macro-environmental factors, which are categorized into six areas:

Area	Factors
Political	Political stability. Tax structures. Trade policies. Government subsidies.
Economic	Inflation. Interest rates. Market trends. Economic growth patterns.
Social	Demographic profiles. Cultural shifts. Consumer behavior changes.
Technological	Innovations. Digital transformations. Advancements in R&D.
Legal	Labor laws. Intellectual property regulations. Compliance requirements.
Environmental	Sustainability trends. Climate policies. Resource availability.

When it comes to strategy planning, PESTLE analysis is especially useful for companies operating in multiple regions with different regulatory and market conditions. For example, a multinational grocery company can use PESTLE analysis to assess how European environmental legislation and the growing consumer preference for plant-based diets may affect its business strategy.

3. Porter’s Five Forces

Porter’s Five Forces is a strategic planning model that helps companies understand industry dynamics and their competitors by analyzing five key variables:

Force	What should be analyzed?
Thread of new entrants	Is it easy for new players to enter the industry? Do they face barriers such as high initial investments, strict regulations, or established brand loyalty? If they do enter, how would this affect our market share and profitability?
Bargaining power of suppliers	Do you rely on a few critical suppliers? What would happen if they raised prices or lowered the quality of their supplies? How can you mitigate this risk without compromising operations?
Bargaining power of buyers	Do potential customers have many alternatives to choose from? Are they so informed and empowered that they can negotiate lower prices or demand greater value? How can we differentiate ourselves to become their preferred choice?
Thread of substitutes	Are there products or services that could replace what our company offers? How could we adapt if a cheaper or more innovative solution captures customer interest? To stay relevant, are we investing in innovation?
Industry rivalry	Is the industry highly competitive? Is there constant pressure on pricing, customer acquisition, or market share? What strategies can we implement to stand out in such a challenging environment?

This strategic planning tool helps companies determine their competitive position and develop strategies to gain or maintain market share. For instance, in the aviation industry, this model is particularly valuable due to high industry rivalry and the strong bargaining power of buyers, who are constantly seeking the best prices. These factors significantly influence strategic planning for companies in this sector.

4. VRIO Framework

The VRIO framework helps companies assess their resources and capabilities to identify competitive advantages by analyzing the following criteria:

Value: Do these resources improve efficiency or meet customer needs?
Rarity: Are they uncommon within the industry?
Imitability: Can competitors easily replicate them?
Organization: Can the company effectively leverage these resources?

This strategic planning model enables companies to identify sustainable competitive advantages over time, such as proprietary technology or highly skilled talent. For example, a fashion brand could use VRIO to evaluate its exclusive collaborations with renowned designers and suppliers. Here’s how it might look:

5. Value Chain Analysis

Also created by Porter, this framework involves breaking down the activities that make up an organization’s value streams. It identifies two types of activities:

Category	Activities
Primary activities	Inbound logistics. Operations. Outbound logistics. Marketing and Sales. Post-Sales services.
Support activities	Procurement. Technology development Human Resource Management. Infrastructure.

Value Chain Analysis helps companies identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, streamline operations, and enhance customer satisfaction, ultimately boosting business profitability. For example, a smartphone manufacturer could use this framework to pinpoint inefficiencies in its supply chain and enhance procurement strategies, reducing costs and increasing profitability.

Strategic planning models

Next, we will look at another group of strategic planning models that are known for providing a structured process for defining objectives and defining a roadmap for achieving them. They are frameworks that help ensure that objectives are actionable, measurable and aligned with the organization’s priorities.

1. OKR

OKR is a goal-setting framework popularized by Google and increasingly used by companies of all sizes and industries. It is a simple but effective way to align strategic objectives across the organization. It consists of:

Objectives: these should provide clear, aspirational direction. For example, become the market leader in customer satisfaction).
Key results: these are qualitative milestones that serve to measure the achievement of the objective. For example, achieve a Net Promoter Score of 90 in 6 months.

This strategic planning model helps foster accountability and strategic alignment by ensuring that all departments and teams are working towards the same overall general objectives.

An example of OKR for a company in the automotive industry would be as follows:

2. Balanced Scorecards

Balanced Scorecards are strategic planning and performance management tools that help organizations align business activities with strategic objectives. They focus on four key perspectives:

Financial: Revenue growth, cost reduction, or return on investment (ROI).
Customer: satisfaction levels, retention rates, or market share.
Internal processes: Efficiency, quality, and productivity.
Learning and growth: Employee engagement, training, and innovation.

This approach allows companies to balance short-term financial performance with long-term growth. For example, a retail company can use a Balanced Scorecard to align objectives like improving customer experience with increasing sales in both physical and digital stores.

3. Hoshin Kanri Framework

Also known as Hoshin Planning, this strategic planning model focuses on aligning goals with daily activities. It is a 7-step framework, with 3 key phases standing out:

Identify the long-term vision and objectives of your organization.
Break down this vision into specific, actionable annual goals.
Ensure that these goals are cascaded across teams within the organization.

The Hoshin Kanri framework places a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and ensures that all levels of the company contribute to strategic objectives.

In the example below, you can see how a renewable energy company might use this framework to align R&D, operations, and marketing efforts around the long-term mission of sustainable growth.

4. OGSM Framework

OGSM is a strategic planning framework that provides a clear and concise roadmap for achieving business priorities. How? By simplifying strategic planning into four components:

Objective: a high-level, overarching goal.
Goals: measurable outcomes tied to the objective.
Strategies: actionable plans to achieve the goals.
Measures: metrics to track progress.

Each element of the strategic plan is interconnected, making it easier for companies to execute their strategies effectively. It´s a framework especially useful for aligning teams across different business units or geographic locations.

Going back to the previous example of the renewable energy company, this would be an example of the OGSM Framework in that context:

5. Issue-Based Strategic Planning

We conclude this group of frameworks with this strategic planning model, which focuses on identifying an organization’s internal challenges and, through a detailed roadmap, turning them into business opportunities.

Identify issues: using a SWOT analysis, identify the challenges preventing the organization from achieving its objectives.
Develop solutions: after listing the problems to be solved, create a roadmap with actionable strategies and tactics aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
Implement and monitor: finally, assign responsibilities and track the progress of the roadmap.

Issue-Based Planning is an ideal tool for companies that need to respond quickly to changing market conditions without losing sight of their long-term goals. For example, a software company experiencing a significant decline in user retention could use this framework to identify the causes and develop a roadmap to improve this metric.

Business growth models

Next, we will analyze 4 business growth models with which companies can define their market positioning, identify growth opportunities and plan innovation strategies. These frameworks are very useful when identifying expansion strategies, improving product offerings or exploring new markets.

1. Ansoff Matrix

The Ansoff Matrix is a tool that helps companies plan their growth by categorizing these strategies into four quadrants:

Market penetration: This involves increasing sales in existing markets using current products. Strategies typically include increasing the marketing budget, running promotions and events, or improving customer retention programs. This approach is ideal when markets are familiar but competitive.
Market development: This strategy focuses on entering new markets with existing products. This can be achieved by expanding geographically, exploring niche markets, or targeting new customer segments.
Product development: This involves expanding the product range or improving existing products for current markets. This strategy is particularly common in industries like technology, where continuous innovation is essential.
Diversification: finally, companies can venture into completely new markets with new products. This is the riskiest option, but it can create new revenue streams.

2. BCG Matrix

Developed by the Boston Consulting Group, the BCG Matrix is a strategic planning tool that classifies products or business units into four categories based on their market growth and market share.

Stars: Products with high market share in rapidly growing markets. They require significant investment to sustain growth but have the potential to become cash cows in the future.
Cash cows: Products with high market share in low-growth markets. These products consistently generate revenue and fund investments in stars and question marks.
Question marks: Products in high-growth markets with low market share. They need to be evaluated to determine if additional investment can turn them into stars or if they are not worth further investment.
Dogs: Products with low market share in low-growth markets. These products typically underperform and can be gradually phased out of the market.

For example, a retail company could use the BCG Matrix to prioritize resources across its product lines, focusing on stars and phasing out unprofitable dogs.

3. Lean Canvas

The Lean Canvas is a strategic planning tool specifically designed for startups and Agile teams. It simplifies strategic planning into a one-page template that analyzes the eight key elements of a business:

Problem: what problem are you aiming to solve?
Solution: what solution will you offer to address that problem?
Customer segments: who are your potential users or customers?
Unique value proposition: what makes your product stand out?
Channels: how will you reach your customers?
Revenue streams: How will you generate income?
Cost structure: What are the main costs the company will need to address?
Key metrics: How will you measure success?

For example, this could represent the Lean Canvas of a fintech startup:

4. Business Model Canvas

Developed by Alexander Osterwalder, this framework shares some similarities with the Lean Canvas in that both are tools designed to map out the core mechanics of how a business creates, delivers, and captures value.

Both even use the same template. However, unlike the Lean Canvas, which is more focused on problem-solving and early-stage validation, the Business Model Canvas is better suited for established businesses already operating in the market.

Here are the main differences between the Lean Canvas and the Business Model Canvas:

Broader scope: The Business Model Canvas covers the overall business strategy, including resources, key partnerships, and cost structures.
Stability vs. agility: The Business Model Canvas assumes a relatively stable business model, while the Lean Canvas is more tailored for startups and Agile environments.
Key partnerships replace ‘Problem’: In this framework, it is assumed that strategic partnerships are critical to scaling the business and its operations.
Key activities replace ‘Solution’: The Business Model Canvas places a stronger emphasis on the essential operational activities required to deliver value at scale.
Key resources replace ‘Unfair Advantage’: Key resources refer to both tangible and intangible assets, such as physical infrastructure, intellectual property, or skilled labor.

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Organizational and management frameworks

Finally, we will analyze a group of organizational and management frameworks with which companies can optimize their internal structure and processes. These are strategic planning models that help ensure that resources and activities are aligned with strategic objectives.

1. Gap Analysis

Gap Analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps evaluate the current performance of an organization, whether it’s a team, department, or the company as a whole. It consists of three phases:

Define objectives and benchmarks: the process begins by setting clear goals or reference points that outline where the organization wants to go.
Analyze current performance metrics: next, current performance indicators are examined to assess where the organization stands in relation to the defined objectives.
Identify the causes of gaps and create action plans: finally, the root causes of the gaps are identified, and strategies are developed to address them.

For example, a Project Management Office (PMO) aiming to improve project delivery times could use Gap Analysis to identify the root causes of delays and implement initiatives to address these challenges.

2. Scenario Planning

Scenario Planning is a tool that enables organizations to prepare for uncertainty by creating and analyzing multiple future scenarios. The process involves the following steps:

Identify key variables: determine the factors that could influence your organization’s outcomes, such as an economic recession, resource availability, a surge in demand, or changes in strategic objectives.
Create scenarios: develop realistic scenarios for each variable. For instance, when analyzing resource availability, you might define three different scenarios: an “optimistic” scenario, a “pessimistic” scenario, and a more “realistic” scenario.
Develop strategies: finally, design an action plan for each scenario to ensure readiness.

With a PPM software like Triskell, organizations can model different scenarios to evaluate potential risks and opportunities, ensuring they remain agile and well-prepared in the face of uncertainty.

3. Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model

The Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model focuses on organizational alignment by analyzing how various components interact to achieve desired outcomes across three key dimensions:

Inputs: Includes the external environment, organizational culture, and available resources.
Transformation processes: Examines how workflows and systems convert inputs into outputs.
Outputs: Measures results at individual, team, and organizational levels.

This framework is particularly valuable during periods of organizational change, as it helps identify misalignments between strategy, culture, and processes.

4. McKinsey 7S Framework

The McKinsey 7S Framework is a strategic planning tool that helps evaluate organizational effectiveness through seven interconnected elements:

Strategy: The overarching plan to achieve objectives.
Structure: The organization’s hierarchy and reporting relationships.
Systems: Processes and tools that support operations.
Shared Values: Core principles that guide the organization’s actions.
Style: The leadership and management approach.
Staff: Workforce capabilities and allocation.
Skills: Organizational competencies.

This model is particularly useful for organizations undergoing a transformation process. For example, a healthcare provider transitioning to telemedicine could use this framework to ensure that its systems and staff skills are aligned with the new strategic direction.

5. 3 horizons model

The 3 Horizons Model is a framework that helps organizations balance short- and long-term growth by setting goals across three distinct time horizons:

Horizon 1: covers day-to-day operations and initiatives that sustain profitability.
Horizon 2: focuses on emerging business opportunities that require significant investment to scale.
Horizon 3: encompasses long-term innovations and ideas that have the potential to transform the industry.

For example, an electric vehicle manufacturer might focus on improving current production (Horizon 1), exploring autonomous vehicle technologies (Horizon 2), and investing in hydrogen fuel cell research (Horizon 3). The following infographic illustrates how this example could be visualized.

6. Flight Levels

And the last strategic planning model we are analyzing is Flight Levels. It is not a framework, but rather a thinking model that helps to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and day-to-day execution through three levels:

Flight Level 3 (Strategy): Focuses on long-term vision and strategic goals (Stories).
Flight Level 2 (Coordination): Aligns departments and cross-functional outcomes with the strategy.
Flight Level 1 (Execution): Ensures that team-level actions are contributing to strategic objectives (Flight Items).

For instance, a PMO Manager could use Flight Levels to align company-wide goals (Level 3) with department objectives (Level 2) and ensure team projects (Level 1) contribute to strategic outcomes.

Conclusion: bring your strategic planning frameworks to life with Triskell

As you know, strategic planning is no longer a luxury but a necessity for medium and large companies looking to stay competitive. And the right strategic planning model can help organizations set clear objectives, allocate resources efficiently, and adapt to evolving market conditions.

However, choosing the right framework is only the first step. To truly bring strategy to life, companies need the right tools to execute, track, and adjust their plans in real-time. This is where Triskell Software comes in. By offering an integrated platform for strategic planning, resource management, and project portfolio execution, Triskell enables businesses to align their teams, improve decision-making, and drive measurable success.

No matter your industry or business challenges, implementing the right strategic planning model with Triskell can turn your vision into reality. Explore its solutions and discover how this PPM platform can support your business in achieving long-term growth and sustainability.

Turn strategy into action with Triskell

From Flight Levels to OKRs, Triskell helps you execute your strategy effectively. Request a demo and transform your strategic planning processes!

FAQ about strategic planning models

Can I use multiple strategic planning frameworks simultaneously for different aspects of my business?

Yes, combining multiple frameworks is often beneficial. Each framework serves a specific purpose and provides unique insights. For instance, you can use SWOT Analysis to assess your current position, OKRs to set measurable goals, and the BCG Matrix to prioritize business units.

The key is to ensure alignment between frameworks, so they complement each other rather than create confusion.

How often should a company revisit and update its strategic planning models?

Strategic planning should be a continuous process. Companies should revisit their frameworks at least annually to ensure alignment with changing market conditions and organizational priorities. However, in volatile industries, quarterly reviews may be necessary.

Regular updates allow organizations to adapt to new challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and remain competitive.

What are the common mistakes companies make when applying strategic planning tools?

Several pitfalls can undermine the effectiveness of strategic planning frameworks:

Lack of clear objectives: Without well-defined goals, frameworks fail to provide direction.
Overcomplication: Trying to implement too many frameworks at once can overwhelm teams and dilute focus.
Neglecting execution: Strategic planning is ineffective without robust mechanisms to translate plans into action.
Ignoring data and metrics: Failing to track progress or adapt to insights can render frameworks obsolete.
Resistance to change: Organizations that resist evolving their strategies risk stagnation and falling behind competitors.

By avoiding these mistakes and leveraging tools like Triskell Software, organizations can maximize the value of their strategic planning frameworks and drive meaningful results.