Referencing Styles : Harvard Strategy implementation is often regarded as the blind spot of strategic management and often pointed out as the area where most strategies fail. In this research, the purpose is to investigate the strategy implementation processes employed by an organisation, tools used in aiding strategy implementation, middle manager practices in supporting the strategy implementation process and barriers to implementation as perceived by managers. Researchers will also be required to evaluate the success of the implementation process. In conducting the research, researchers will draw from four perspectives of strategy implementation:  Strategy implementation as organisational architecture. This perspective views the organisation as an interrelated set of sub-systems, which must all be aligned, in balance and consistent if a strategy is to be implemented successfully. (see for example Lee, Venter & Bates, 2004)  Since strategy is about change, there is a perspective that strategy implementation is about managing planned change. (see for example the classic work of Lewin, 1947, and also the work of John Kotter and Edgar Schein in this regard)  Strategy implementation can be viewed as a process of selecting and managing strategic initiatives that collectively contribute towards the achievement of strategic objectives. We refer to this process as the Strategy Execution Framework. (see for example Malek, 2008)  Strategy implementation as organisational adaptation suggests that organisations learn and adapt organically, rather than as part of a formal process. (see for example Garvin, Edmondson & Gino, 2008) The research approach Students will follow a mixed methods approach (in line with the requirements for good case study research) comprising of:  in-depth interviews with 3-5 managers in the organisation (audio recordings will have to be provided to the supervisor)  a survey in the organisation (20-30 responses, completed questionnaires have to be P a g e | 2 provided to the supervisor)  analysis of documents (where available) The research by students will form part of a larger research project conducted by the SBL, and in addition to the recorded interviews and completed survey questionnaires, participants in this topic will also provide a graphic depiction (or detailed verbal description) of the strategy implementation process to the research team. The research group (students and supervisors) will meet every 6 weeks (approximately) to track progress and plan for the way forward. Students that are based outside of Gauteng will be involved in such meetings by other means (e.g. Skype) to be determined. The topic champion will obtain ethical clearance on behalf of all students participating in the study, although students will have to obtain permission from the organisations they are conducting the research in, and informed consent from each of their respondents.