ASHFORD MGT 450 Entire Course (Strategic Planning for Organizations)

Strategic Planning Process. In your own words, define strategic planning and explain why it is crucial to an organization’s survival. In your response, include a description of how strategic planning differs from strategic management. Lastly, explain how your current or previous organization’s strategy might influence its business model. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

Mission Statements. Why are vision and mission statements important to strategic development? How might leaders and managers view and use vision and mission statements differently? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

Develop a Mission Statement. Select an organization or department of your choice. Your task is to develop a mission statement. The mission statement describes the purpose of the organization (i.e., why the business exists). Develop and submit a one- to two-page paper (excluding title page and references) that establishes a mission statement and its meaning to the department or organization.

As outlined in the “Mission Statements” article (My Strategic Plan, n.d.), here are some things to consider when it comes to developing a mission statement:

a. Is the mission statement focused on satisfying customer needs rather than being focused on the product?

b. Does the mission statement clearly communicate purpose to customers?

c. Does the mission statement explain how the organization closes the gap between customer needs and the products or services offered?

d. Does the mission statement explain a customer centered philosophy?

e. Does the mission statement match the current market conditions/needs?

f. Does the mission statement reflect the company’s strengths?

g. Is the mission statement motivating?

h. Is the mission statement realistic?

i. Is the mission statement detailed, brief, concentrated and remarkable?

j. Is our mission statement clear and easily understood?

Porter’s Five Forces. The internet significantly influenced business and strategic planning. In your opinion, according to Porter’s Five Forces Model, has competition increased or decreased overall as a result of the Internet and e-commerce? Justify and support your response with two examples from your text or external resources. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

Industry Analysis. Describe an industry analysis and its purpose. Give two examples of the types of questions an industry analysis might answer. In your discussion also include an analysis of the chosen two areas and how they affect the strategic planning process. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion

Develop a Vision Statement.

The vision statement describes the long term goals of the organization. What are the future aspirations of the business? Develop and submit a one- to two-page paper (excluding cover page and references) that establishes a vision statement and its meaning to the department or organization.

According to the Vision Statements (My Strategic Plan, n.d.) resource, here are some things to consider when it comes to developing a vision statement:

a. What will our business look like in the short term (i.e., three to five years)?

b. What new or emergent strategies will be pursued?

c. What products or services will we offer our customers in the future?

SWOT Analysis & Strategic Planning. Identify and describe the areas of a SWOT analysis and discuss why it is important to consider these areas when developing a strategic plan. Why is it often difficult to develop a realistic analysis? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

Strategic Alternatives. Imagine a nonprofit organization trying to raise funds for cancer research. What types of strategic alternatives might such an organization develop? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

Conduct a SWOT Analysis. Select an organization or a department; develop and submit a one- to two- page paper (excluding cover page and references pages) that outlines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that may affect the organization (or department). The paper must reflect correct APA format and should include a reference page citing at least two outside sources other than the textbook.

Instructions: Locate a competing organization in your local market (or region) to help develop your SWOT analysis. You can find this information on the website for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Your SWOT analysis should address the Questions to Ask on Rob Berman’s blog.

Establishing Metrics. Your text explains why it is important to select the appropriate criteria for strategic planning. Part of this process is establishing metrics to measure the progressive success of the strategic plan. Choose and discuss two metrics that an organization might consider when developing a strategic plan? What are some considerations or criteria that leaders utilize when developing a strategic plan? How might this process work in your current organization or a previous organization? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 3. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

Mission and Vision Statements. In Weeks Two and Three we examined mission and vision statements. Conduct an internet search to find an organization that lists its mission and vision statement on its website. What do the mission and vision statements communicate? How might the organization use mission and vision statements when establishing goals for the organization? How might this process impact operational planning and the establishment of metrics? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 3. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion

Deliberate and Emergent Strategies. What is the difference between deliberate strategies and emergent strategies? How might emergent help with a future strategic planning process? In your opinion, what are the potential consequences of ignoring emergent strategies? Support your answers with resources. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

Globalization and International Markets. Choose two international strategies, compare and contrast them, and discuss why organizations may choose one strategy over another when expanding into the international market. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. You must create one initial post and at least two responses, for a minimum of three posts for this discussion.

 

Focus of the Final Project

Select an organization or department to analyze and prepare a strategic plan to grow the business or organization over the next three years. Describe the organization or department. In your development, include the following:

1. A description of what makes this organization or department distinct.

2. What is the current direction of the organization or the department?

3. Conduct a quick SWOT analysis to determine areas that offer opportunities for change.

4. Choose three or four areas from your SWOT analysis that you feel are crucial to your strategic plan.

5. Explain why the areas you have chosen are essential to your strategic plan. Use theories and examples from your text and additional resources to support your rationale.

6. Lastly, explain your plan to measure the success of your strategic plan.

Remember to incorporate information that you have learned from this course as well as your personal experience

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