Prerequisites: 91-800 Organizational Management OR 90-729 Organizational Design and Implmentation, 91-818 Strategic Marketing Communications or three or more years of management experience in a related field. The objectives of this course are: 1. To present a theoretical basis for the application of strategic planning in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations; 2. To build an understanding of the process, tools and techniques appropriate to strategic planning via readings and case studies; 3. To provide an opportunity for personal skill development by students' participation in the preparation of the strategic plan; and 4. To develop techniques for communicating effectively in group settings. The content of the course includes: 1) definition of the basic terms used in strategic planning; 2) concepts, practices, trends and discussions of operational planning versus strategic planning; 3) analysis of factors external to the organization and the organization's internal strengths and weaknesses; 4) setting an organization's mission and objectives; 5) development of alternatives, 6) reviewing options and selecting strategies; 7) strategic plan implementation, strategy evaluation and contingency plans. Students will work in committees of not more than five to develop strategic plans for local not-for-profit organizations. The workshop segment of the class will be structured to help students progress through their project work. Students will be expected to turn in a written strategic plan and give oral presentations at the end of the semester.
