This study on the use of strategic planning tools and techniques in the Sultanate of Oman aims to contribute to the research on strategic planning processes. Currently, only a few research studies have been conducted on strategic planning in developing countries, especially in the Middle East. Almost no evidence of such research exists to understand the extent of the use of strategic planning tools and techniques in the Sultanate of Oman. The study used a questionnaire to ask about 14 strategic planning tools and techniques. Twenty organizations in Oman that have a written strategic plan comprised the sample population. The data were collected from heads of departments and sections, directors, managers, and advisors directly involved in the strategic planning process. The analysis shows that the most commonly used strategic planning tools employed by organizations in Oman are benchmarking, followed by stakeholders analysis and then strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, while the Delphi technique, experience curve, Porter’s five forces, and what-if analysis techniques were the least commonly used. Considering the segmentation of organizations, one can see that the financial sector and business groups use the tools most frequently whereas the single- and family-ownership groups have limited use of strategic planning tools. On average, almost 30% of the organizations in Oman never or very rarely uses strategic planning tools. This paper provides an understanding of strategic planning in Oman and supplies the missing links in the previous studies conducted on strategic planning.

This study on the use of strategic planning tools and techniques in the Sultanate of Oman aims to contribute to the research on strategic planning processes. Currently, only a few research studies have been conducted on strategic planning in developing countries, especially in the Middle East. Alm...