Understanding Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement: The mediation of Quality Results and Education and Training

Abstract

Continuous improvement is one of the most important outcomes expected from the strategic planning process, especially in today's dynamic and competitive environment. The importance of strategic planning process in ensuring continuous improvement in business activities is paramount and cannot be overemphasised. This study depicts how quality results and education and training mediate the relationship between strategic planning and continuous improvement using 151 sample data collected through questionnaire from management employees of Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority. Principal component analysis, factor analysis and regression analysis were used to test model fit, validity and reliability using Jamovi software. The study presents that strategic planning and quality results have a significant impact on continuous improvement and that quality results mediate the relationship between strategic planning and continuous improvement. The study also shows that education/training does not mediate the relationship between strategic planning and continuous improvement. The nature of the relationship between strategic planning and continuous improvement is examined empirically in this study. This study also provides evidence that quality results is an important element in the strategic planning process at all stages. In today's dynamic environment, managers need to be constantly aware and vigilant about the quality results.