According to Sharplin (1985), strategic management is "the formulation and implementation of plans and carrying out of activities relating to the matters which are of vital, pervasive or continuing importance to the total organization" Lawrence and William (1988) delineated strategic management as a stream of decisions and actions, which leads to the development of an efficient strategy or strategies to help achieve corporate objectives. As applied in the private sector, Fred R. David defined strategic management as "The art and science of formulating, implementing, and evaluating cross- functional decisions that enable an organization to achieve its objectives. As this definition implies, strategic management focuses on integrating management, marketing, finance/accounting, production operations, research and development, and computer information systems to achieve organizational success"

Analyze the strategic management definition as espoused by Fred. R David and further elaborate using practical examples, how the definition can assist you, as a strategic manager to appreciate your role in an organization.(20 marks