Reconciling logical incrementalism and synoptic formalism—an integrated approach to designing strategic planning processes

The advocates of logical incrementalism and synoptic formalism in strategic planning emphasize, respectively, the interactive and analytical dimensions of the planning process. This paper suggests a framework for designing planning processes that permits a symbiotic integration of both approaches. In particular, synoptic exercises scheduled at intervals of more than a year, with incremental exercises in the intervening years are recommended.