Overview
Create a 3–5-page draft for a strategic plan for your selected organization using a TOWS matrix and portfolio analysis in addition to any other appropriate tool of your choosing.
Note: The assessments in this course are presented in sequence and must be completed in order.
The TOWS Matrix is a decision-making process for developing strategic alternatives. You will be able to better develop a more effective strategic plan based upon an in-depth understand of the current environment.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
◦Integrate recent research into a strategic management plan.
◦Analyze strategy in relation to achieving competitive advantage.
Context
Development of strategies involves awareness of the environment, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to be open to creative ideas and solutions.
The Assessment 2 Context document contains important information about the following topics related to Adaptive and Market Entry strategies:
Questions to Consider
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
Required Resources (Attached)
The following resources are required to complete the assessment.
Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:
Suggested Resources
The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.
Library Resources
The following e-books or articles from the Capella University Library are linked directly in this course:
◦Chapter 8, “Value-Adding Service Delivery Strategies,” pages 307–341.
Assessment Instructions
Note: Assessment 1, Current Environmental Analysis, must be completed before beginning this assessment. You will be revisiting and revising strategies throughout each of the assessments in this course. Each assessment builds on your previous work.
Step One: Critical Thinking Skills Practice
The TOWS Matrix is a decision-making process for developing strategic alternatives. Your ability to think critically is key to organizing your thoughts throughout the strategic planning process.
In preparation for this assessment, you are required to view the Riverbend City: Ruby Lake Evacuation Mission simulation (linked in the Resources). This activity is an ideal setting to practice thoughtful application of critical thinking skills. This media piece addresses multiple competencies, some of which are difficult to practice and assess without a real world or a simulated setting. As you begin your TOWS matrix, keep the following categories of critical thought in mind as you consider the threats, opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses of the Ruby Lake Evacuation scenario.
Complete a practice TOWS Matrix for this scenario before proceeding to Step Two. This practice matrix does not need to be submitted.
Step Two: Complete a TOWS Matrix
Apply the same critical thought process to a real world setting that is relevant for your selected health care organization’s future success. In addition to completing a TOWS matrix, you may use any other appropriate analysis tools to determine alternative strategies.
Include the following as you develop alternative strategies:
Step Three: Draft Strategic Plan
Re-examine your work from Assessment 1 and create a high level draft of a strategic plan that incorporates insights from your environmental analysis and the TOWS matrix exercise.The goal is to focus upon application of the concepts and new insight. Keep it brief and substantive.
Preface your draft with the core assumptions regarding environmental opportunities and threats, organizational strengths and weaknesses, and organizational behavior dynamics that are foundational to the strategy.
Include a brief description of the proposed strategy that reflects the choices made regarding:
Additional Requirements
Submit your selected health organization’s TOWS Matrix from Step Two, with the high-level components of a strategic plan, as an attachment to this assessment.
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