Operations are about the on-the-ground efforts that are based on the course of action as laid out in the strategic plan. In other words, they concern the implementation of the strategic plan, where strategy becomes action. Effective operations involve various dimensions, from HRM to logistics, and from communication means & methods to technical solutions. A grand strategy without appropriate (capacity for) action will be as ineffective as action is without an appropriate strategy. They are two sides of the same coin and we need to get both right to see success. In managing for impact, strategic guidance and effective operations need to be connected, where strategic guidance directs and aligns operations and where the on-the-ground realities experienced in the operations inform (a possible need for adaptation of) strategic guidance. M&E is an effective mechanism for supporting such mutual strengthening of functions
M4SDI 