Assignment Questions and Answers Essay Example for Free

Assignment Questions and Answers Essay b) Explain the importance of the mission statement, the vision and the goal of an organization A mission statement defines what an organization is, why it exists, its reason for being. It helps guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a path, and guide decision-making. A vision statement is a description of a companys values and its long-term goals. It helps an organization prepare for the future. A goal is an observable and measurable end result having one or more objectives to be achieved within a more or less fixed timeframe. It helps motivate members by clarifying and communicating what the organization is striving to achieve. Both the mission and vision statement help the organization focus on what is really important. Although the organization knows what it is trying to do to improve your community, its easy to lose sight of this when dealing with the day-to-day hassles that plague all organizations. The mission and vision statements help members remember what is important as they go about doing your daily work. The mission and vision statements also let other individuals and organizations have a snapshot view of whom the organization is and what it wants to do. When the vision and mission statements are easily visible (for example, if they are on the letterhead of your stationary), people can learn about your organization without having to work hard for the information. c) Discuss why an organization would carry out an environmental analysis, GAP analysis and SWOT analysis An Environmental Analysis evaluates internal and external factors affecting an organizations performance, especially its marketing effort. Internal factors are referred to as the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. External factors are opportunities and threats presented by forces outside of the company. In general, this information is used by strategic planners in forecasting trends a year or more in advance. This method is distinct from surveillance, which focuses on a specific area or time. A common synonym for environmental analysis is SWOT analysis, an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Another equivalent term is environmental scanning, referring to the ongoing nature of evaluating trends. In this type of analysis, internal strengths may include a stable workforce, proprietary systems and methods, and other factors. Internal weaknesses may include labor-union problems, obsolete equipment, or aging facilities. External opportunities can include new-market creation, beneficial alliances, and positive trade agreements. External threats may be comprised in part of negative governmental regulations, international conflict, or natural disasters. Using environmental analysis, an organization can evaluate the operating environment and establish organizational goals. They determine whether or not the goals are obtainable with existing strategies. GAP Analysis is the process through which a company compares its actual performance to its expected performance to determine whether it is meeting expectations and using its resources effectively. Gap analysis seeks to answer the questions where are we? (current state) and where do we want to be? (target state). Conducting a gap analysis can help a organization re-examine its goals to determine whether it is on the right path to be able to accomplish them. An organization will list the factors that define its current state, outline the factors that are required to reach the target state, and then determine how to fill the gaps between the two states. QUESTION 3 Discuss the main factors that should be considered to effectively implement the organizations strategic plan Implementation effectiveness can be measured by how well the business meets the financial projections set out in the strategic plan. To achieve effective implementation, a business must ensure that any changes initiated by the strategic plan are reflected in areas such as budgeting, reward schemes and information systems. The overall goal is to integrate the results of strategic planning with daily, weekly and monthly routines. The goals articulated in the strategic plan should drive marketing and sales efforts, human resources practices and research and development. These goals become a central part of the business by guiding daily operational activities.