Operationalises

Operationalises is a verb that describes the process of turning an abstract concept, theory, or plan into something concrete and measurable. It is about making something practical and actionable so that it can be studied, tested, or implemented in the real world. When something is operationalised, it means that its key features or components have been defined in a way that allows for their observation and measurement. This definition is often specific to the context in which it is being used, ensuring that the abstract idea can be translated into tangible actions or data.

For instance, a researcher might operationalise the concept of "customer satisfaction" by defining it through specific metrics such as the number of repeat purchases, survey scores, or customer retention rates. Similarly, a business strategy might be operationalised by breaking it down into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and assigning responsibilities for their execution. The act of operationalising is crucial in fields like research, policy-making, and management because it bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. It ensures that ideas are not just discussed but can be systematically investigated and put into practice, leading to evidence-based conclusions and effective outcomes. Without operationalisation, abstract concepts remain theoretical and difficult to evaluate.