DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT For this first discussion forum, engage in a dialogue with your classmates by answering the following questions: How has modern strategic planning changed? In what ways has strategic planning stayed the same? How do firms use mission and vision statements within a modern organization? Research the vision and mission statement of an organization you’re familiar with and share it with the class. How might you improve on the statements? Your Discussion should be at least 250 words in length, but not more than 750 words. Use APA citations and references for the textbook and any other sources used. You are expected to make at least three posts to the discussion forum during the course of the discussion period. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT Pick an organization you are familiar with and identify which stakeholders ought to be involved in the strategic planning process. What makes these stakeholders particularly important? What unique insights do they offer? Describe which functional areas are important to the process. Which functional areas are relatively less important? Identify the most important and influential decision-makers in the strategic planning process. Evaluate the relative importance and their effect on the planning process. Prepare a two page (double-spaced) essay. The paper should be 12-point font, Times New Roman, be at least 500 words, and include a final source list. LEARNING JOURNAL Student should document their activities, record problems they may have encountered and draft answers for Discussion Forums and Assignments. In addition, the student should consider the following questions for reflection: Should firms begin their strategic planning process by setting vision and mission and then go on to analyze its environment? Or, should firms first consider their environment and then shape vision and mission around it? What are benefits and drawbacks to each approach?
