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Strategy and Tactics

· 2 min read
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Understanding the difference between "strategy" and "tactics" is crucial in project management, so I am writing about it here.

What Are Strategy and Tactics?​

Strategy refers to planning. In professional baseball, it involves gathering coaches and players, setting goals, predicting outcomes, and planning the next steps. In other words, it is all the preparation done before the game starts.

On the other hand, tactics involve actions taken once things are underway. This includes ensuring the plan is being executed correctly and implementing specific approaches. In professional baseball, it involves the coach’s instructions during a game or adjusting defensive shifts for each batter. If the team loses, analyzing how to win the next time is also part of tactics.

What is important to understand is that the level of forecasting, planning (strategy), and execution (tactics) differs greatly for each project.

Examples​

For instance, when planning a rocket launch, failure is not an option. Every possible scenario is predicted, and extensive simulations and training are conducted to ensure success. In such cases, a significant amount of time and money is spent on planning.

In software development, the approach varies. If frequent releases are possible, rather than spending excessive time on planning, a more iterative approach involving small, frequent releases can be taken.

Now, focusing on project delays, it is essential to ask: "To what extent was the delay accounted for in the plan?"

Considering Project Delays​

Delays are inevitable in projects. Every project faces delays, but the key is how well they are anticipated and incorporated into the plan.

For example, in a building construction project, various factors such as weather conditions and delays in material shipments from suppliers must be considered—both foreseeable and unforeseeable elements.

Thus, when involved in a project, managers need to ensure there are no gaps in the plan, while team members must fully understand the plan.

Being aware of this can significantly impact how one perceives project risk. Knowing the risks in advance makes a significant difference.

Even as a team member, discussing concerns with your supervisor early on can lead to appropriate measures being taken.

By doing so, you can protect yourself while also contributing to the company.

By keeping strategy and tactics in mind, let's build a better engineering career.