A Retrospective Analysis of Strategic Management Practices in Local Government Authorities: Trends, Challenges, and Areas for Improvement

This study examines a retrospective analysis of the implementation processes of Strategic Management Practices (SMPs) in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) over the past decade. The study principallyidentifies trends, challenges, and areas for improvement in the implementation of SMPs in LGAs. A comprehensive review of literature and secondary data analysis of LGAs' strategic plans and performance reports were conducted. The findings revealed that LGAs have made significant progress in adopting SMPs, but challenges persist in implementing these practices effectively. The study identifies trends, including the increasing adoption of SMPs, the importance of leadership commitment, and the need for capacity building. Challenges include limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of stakeholder engagement. Areas for improvement include the need for more effective monitoring and evaluation, better stakeholder engagement, and more robust capacity building programs. The study concludes that SMPs are essential for improving the performance of LGAs, but their effective implementation requires addressing the identified challenges and areas for improvement