To develop several operational plans for different aspects of your business. You can use a business from the 'Example businesses' section if you do not have a business of your own.

• Develop a written procedure for a process in your business. This written procedure can be used to clarify the task for existing and new staff. If you are a sole operator this will still be a useful exercise as you may be able to refine your process by examining it.
• Outline the key operations that need to be completed to ensure success in your business.
• Develop an action plan for some of your business objectives. This may include a flowchart, timelined plan or a list of steps that must be taken to achieve your business objectives.
• Develop a customer service charter. Remember customers can be both internal and external.
• Develop some benchmarks for the products or services your business supplies. When benchmarking you will need to consider the quality standards you want to achieve and the systems you can put in place to achieve and monitor these standards.
• Develop a staff management plan.

Tips Explore the topics for information that will help you develop your plans. Try the activities for some practical experience with different operational plans. Discuss your ideas with other learners and compare different strategies to identify an approach that suits your business.