02 Dec A completely individualize project [Strategic Planning], can be work-related projects that are of particular interest to them and that will result in professional growth and benefit the o

Your capstone project should be based on the following outline:

I. Abstract

a. Should provide an overview of the project summarizing the key points.

b. Briefly introduces the problem and the program/policy.

II. Introduction

a. Formally begins presentation of the problem, introduces the need for the strategic plan and business policy, and leads into the background section.

III. Background (Analysis of the Problem)

1. Document need for strategic change

1. How do you define it?

2. Set boundaries

2. Describe history of problem

1. How long has it existed?

2. Has it changed over time?

3. Examine potential causes of problem

1. What factors cause or contribute to your identified problem or need? Individual? Group? Organizational? Community? Social Structure?

4. Identify relevant stakeholders

1. Stakeholder is any person, group, or agency who has a legitimate interest in the organizational problems and/or proposed intervention.

2. Asks whose views should be considered in planning process.

5. Identify barriers to change.

1. Make sure to include an objective, driving forces, and restraining forces.

IV. Strategic Plan

a. Strategic Plan Design –

1. Define target population: Who will be affected by the strategic plan? What is the organizational population and culture?

2. Define Decision authority: Who has the authority to carry out the plan?

3. Provide the provisions of the strategic plan

i. Vision

ii. Mission

iii. Strategic Objectives

iv. Business Policy Strategy

4. Corporate Strategy

i. Overall direction of company and management of it’s business

5. Business Strategy

i. Competitive Strategies

ii. Cooperative Strategies

6. Functional Strategy

i. Maximize Resource Productivity

7. Policy – what links the strategy to the implementation?

8. Strategy Implementation

9. Evaluation & Control

i. Performance

ii. Feedback

b. Develop an Action Plan (i.e writing the instructions!)

1. Specify dates by which implementation tasks will be accomplished and assign responsibilities throughout the organization for carrying out tasks.

2. Develop mechanisms of self-regulation

i. Create mechanisms to monitor strategic performance

3. Specify plan to build and maintain support:

i. Anticipate sources of resistance and develop responses.

V. Curriculum Components (only if applicable)

a. Add this section to your program.

1. Should include important topics your coursework throughout your degree program.

2.

b. Confirming comprehension of key business components related to your graduate degree program

VI. Review and Summary

a. Provide a brief Review and Summary that “connects the dots” of how the strategic plan will benefit the organization and business community.

APPENDIX A: Budget

a. Create Line Item Budget.

1. Develop a complete budget for your strategic project. Utilize an Excel spreadsheet to present the numbers, and attach an accompanying page that provides the basis for the numbers entered.

2. You must demonstrate an excellent grasp of the line item budgeting process as indicated by detailed budget categories with precise supportive rationale. Fully-detailed support for the numbers must also be supplied.