Question

You are to develop a Strategic Planning Guide to assist a local organization to you (sector, organization) in undertaking a strategic planning process. Specifically, you are to consider yourself as a consultant with the task of creating a new (and, ideally innovative) planning model for the organization (private, public, or non-profit). This model should be directed toward either a private, public, or non-profit company. You must, however, specify the intended target audience for your guide.

Your Strategic Planning Guide should provide easy to follow and useful direction for the organization regarding the process of strategic planning, the opportunities and challenges associated with the planning process, and the steps needed to carry out an effective strategic plan.

Your Strategic Planning Guide should include things such as:

A discussion of why strategic planning is important

The name of your strategic planning model and the major elements of the model (along with pitfalls that might arise at each step in the process)

A discussion of how to determine the value of existing data, and how you analyze and measure the data that you obtain from the strategic planning process.

Resources where the organization can find more information

Explanation of terminology (if needed)

A discussion of how your model differs from other common planning models (i.e., What aspects of other planning models will you retain? What aspects will you include that may be missing from other planning models?)

Answer 1

Developing a Strategic Planning Guide named 'Stratify360' for a local nonprofit organization, this model encompasses Environmental Scan, Goal Setting, Action Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation, emphasizing adaptability and ongoing assessment to counter pitfalls.

Explanation:

'Stratify360' is designed for local nonprofit organizations, offering a comprehensive approach to strategic planning. The model emphasizes an Environmental Scan, crucial in understanding the organization's internal and external landscape, mitigating the pitfall of overlooking critical factors. Goal Setting in 'Stratify360' is a pivotal step, ensuring clear and achievable objectives, yet pitfalls can arise from setting unrealistic or overly broad goals without detailed planning. Action Planning focuses on the practical steps needed to achieve the set goals, addressing the challenge of ambiguity and lack of specificity in execution plans.

Implementation ensures that strategies are put into action effectively, while Evaluation constantly assesses progress and outcomes, guarding against the pitfall of neglecting to adapt to changing circumstances. 'Stratify360' stands out by emphasizing ongoing assessment, adaptability, and a holistic view of the planning process compared to other models, ensuring relevance and flexibility in today's dynamic environments.

Organizations can find further resources and terminology explanations in industry-specific journals, strategic management textbooks, or through consulting firms specialized in nonprofit strategic planning.