Strategic Plan
Running Header: Strategic Plan Part II
Strategic Plan Part II – Environmental Analysis and Setting Strategic Goals
HCS 586
March 5, 2012
Strategic Plan Part II – Environmental Analysis and Setting Strategic Goals
Strategic planning can dictate the success of any organization if properly planned as well as the failure of an organization if not implemented as planned. Strategic planning is all about making choices. It is a process designed to support leaders in being intentional about their goals and methods. Simply stated, strategic planning is a management tool, and like any management tool, it is used for one purpose only—to help an organization do a better job. This portion of the strategic plan will explain why an environmental analysis is important, the major benefits of competitive analysis, economic, legal, and regulatory issues that may affect the strategic plan, and information from the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis findings of Visiting Angels Assisted Living Organization.
Environmental Analysis In terms of organizations and strategic planning, an environmental scan/analysis involves considering the factors that will influence the direction and goals of Visiting Angles Organization. And, it includes consideration of both present and future factors that might affect the organization, since, of course, the main objective is planning for the future, not just the present (Swayne, Duncan, & Ginter, 2008). The directors of Visiting Angels have always held the philosophy that they are in business to provide the best care possible to seniors as well as others who need in home care while giving total respect to the care giving staff. It's their belief that their network of franchised Visiting Angels home care agencies should have the very best in training and support so that elderly clients will receive top quality care wherever the need exists. That's why Visiting Angels is "America's Choice in Homecare".
Strategic Plan Part II – Environmental Analysis and Setting Strategic Goals
HCS 586
March 5, 2012
Strategic Plan Part II – Environmental Analysis and Setting Strategic Goals
Strategic planning can dictate the success of any organization if properly planned as well as the failure of an organization if not implemented as planned. Strategic planning is all about making choices. It is a process designed to support leaders in being intentional about their goals and methods. Simply stated, strategic planning is a management tool, and like any management tool, it is used for one purpose only—to help an organization do a better job. This portion of the strategic plan will explain why an environmental analysis is important, the major benefits of competitive analysis, economic, legal, and regulatory issues that may affect the strategic plan, and information from the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis findings of Visiting Angels Assisted Living Organization.
Environmental Analysis In terms of organizations and strategic planning, an environmental scan/analysis involves considering the factors that will influence the direction and goals of Visiting Angles Organization. And, it includes consideration of both present and future factors that might affect the organization, since, of course, the main objective is planning for the future, not just the present (Swayne, Duncan, & Ginter, 2008). The directors of Visiting Angels have always held the philosophy that they are in business to provide the best care possible to seniors as well as others who need in home care while giving total respect to the care giving staff. It's their belief that their network of franchised Visiting Angels home care agencies should have the very best in training and support so that elderly clients will receive top quality care wherever the need exists. That's why Visiting Angels is "America's Choice in Homecare".
References: Ghamdi, S. M. Al (2005), The Use of Strategic Planning Tools and Techniques in Saudi Arabia: An Empirical study, International Journal of Management, Vol. 22, No. 3, p. 376-395. Hunger, J. D., & Wheelen, T. L. (2007). Essentials of strategic management (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. Swayne, L. E., Duncan, W. J., & Ginter, P. M. (2008). Strategic management of health care organizations (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.