Dissertation format

Introduction(1000 words)

Literature review (4250words)

Methodology(1250words)

Results &discussion(4250words)

Include statistics research of companies in both countries, tables and diagrams

Conclusion(1000words)

According to the following topic:

Effective Use of Strategic Planning by Small & Medium Sized Enterprises ("SMEs") and the Impact on Organisational Performance: A Comparative Assessment between South Africa and United States.

3. Research Question

What practices that SMEs need to employ to enhance their organisational performances by way of strategic planning?

4. Aims and Objectives

The significance and the role of strategic planning are evident from the background provided. In this context, it is important to note that SMEs play a significant role in the overall economic growth and levels of commercial activity in any country. South Africa and United States represent a unique pair in terms of contrasts and similarities. South Africa, an erstwhile British colony, is a nation with developing economy while United States is a developed nation.

Drawing from these backgrounds, the objective of this study is to undertake comparative assessment between South Africa and United States in terms of extent of the effective use of strategic planning amongst SMEs as well as their impacts on organisational performance.

The specific research aims that shall be addressed include the following,

1. What is the relationship between the extent of strategic planning employed by organisations and the impact on the organisational performances?

2. What are the similarities and contrasts between South Africa and United States in terms of extent of the effective use of strategic planning amongst SMEs as well as their impacts on organisational performance?