Environmental Scanning
Purpose of Assignment
A strategic management plan addresses four different management functions: environmental scanning, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, evaluation and
control. Weeks 3, 4 and 5 individual assignments (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) are integrated to generate a strategic management plan. The purpose of the Week 3
individual assignment is to evaluate the internal and external environments of a company selected by the student, to analyze the competitive advantage of the selected
company, to evaluate a set of suitable strategies, and to examine appropriate metrics.
This assignment provides students an opportunity to research a selected company as if they were involved in a company’s actual strategic management planning process.
It allows students to see which management planning process and management plan the selected company is currently using, allowing them to measure the effectiveness of
current strategies.
A Strategic Management Plan addresses four different management functions: Environmental Scanning, Strategy Formulation, Strategy Implementation, Evaluation and
Control.
The Week 3, 4, and 5 Individual Assignments (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3) are integrated to generate a Strategic Management Plan. This is Part 1 of the three part
Strategic Management Plan.
Assignment Steps
Write a 1,050-word report in which you select a company you are familiar with or a company where you currently work, and do the following:
Evaluate the internal and external environments of your selected company using an environmental scan.
Analyze the competitive advantage of your selected company.
Evaluate the strategies your selected company uses to create value and gain competitive advantage.
Examine the measurement guidelines your selected company uses to verify its strategic effectiveness.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the measurement guidelines your selected company uses.
Cite 3 scholarly references, including at least one peer-reviewed reference from the University Library.
Format your paper consistent with A
This paper is due Friday, March 17 at the time that class starts. You will upload your paper to Canvas. Unless I have given you prior permission, I will not accept
hard copies of this assignment.
Late papers will be accepted with a penalty of 5 points after the deadline and for each day afterward, including weekends.
Rubric
You may consult the rubric in Response Paper #1 to remind you of what I expect. Please note that this is a holistic rubric. That means that it is not a strict point
system. A ‘B’ paper may have traits from more than one category. For example, a student may do very well with focus and details but have problems with voice, and still
end up with a B.
Formatting
You must use a .doc or .docx file. Do not use a .pdf file.
This paper must be at least 400 words long. The paper must have your name, the name of the assignment (“Response Paper 1”) and your course number (for example: MAC
212B). Do not create a cover sheet.
Times New Roman or Arial font is preferred. Double-spacing is preferred.
Evaluate the internal and external environments of your selected company using an environmental scan.
Analyze the competitive advantage of your selected company.
Evaluate the strategies your selected company uses to create value and gain competitive advantage.
Examine the measurement guidelines your selected company uses to verify its strategic effectiveness.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the measurement guidelines your selected company uses.
Below are links to some articles about Melania Trump. You do not have to use these sources. However, cite any sources you do use. The sources for these articles are
from various political viewpoints. Some are news stories, and some are opinion pieces.
