Learners may use their own employment context, or that of another organisation with which they are very familiar, to base their assignment. However, in the case that they are not able to do so, please use the below scenario: –

You are a manager at a medium sized organisation. You have been asked to review your organisational strategic plan to establish if suitable progress is being made to meet the organisation’s strategic objectives. Analysis of internal and external factors affecting the plan is part of your remit and it has been suggested you examine options to meet the plan which are more effective and cost efficient. From your analysis you need to justify your recommendations and so, valid and realistic options need to be produced.

If you will be using the scenario please select and research an organisation of your choice with regards to their strategic plan. Provide details of your research and a short summary of the information you have found in order that the assessor may contextualise your responses to the tasks below. The summary is expected to be between 200 and 250 words.

Deploy strategic options tools to support the critical evaluation of your identified range of strategic options in the short and medium term. Conduct critical analysis of the value of your chosen tools, together with suitable criteria for the selection of use of such tools. Supporting factors may be such factors as profit, core competencies, quality, competitive factors and business processes.

Determine and justify the evolved strategic option(s) and assess its suitability in contributing to meeting any revised strategic posit.

A.C. 2.2 Take responsibility for and critically assess the expectations of all stakeholders and their influence upon future organisational strategy

A.C. 2.3 critically analyse, interpret and produce an evaluation of the existing organisational strategic position and progress towards achieving the existing strategy. Use at least three recognised strategic tools

Guideline word count: 750 – 900 words

A.C. 3.1 critically evaluate and develop a range of alternative strategic options to meet organisational strategic aims, direction and objectives in the short and medium term

 A.C. 3.2 Determine and justify the existing strategic option that can meet the revised strategic position

Conduct an audit customised for the purpose of signposting the activities within the processes of working towards existing strategic aims and objectives. Embed diagnostic tools from across the business domain to add validity and confident in the auditing activity.

 Identify ten stakeholders connected with the organisation and evaluate their expectations. Undertake stakeholder mapping to analyse the power and influence they have upon the organisational strategy. Strategic Stakeholder Tooling is recommended for this task.

Evolve a strategic positioning map or tool(s) to enable critical analysis of the business processes and activities towards the achievement of the current strategic posit.

Guideline word count: 750 – 850 words

A.C. 2.1 Apply a range of diagnostic and analytical tools to audit and assess progress towards existing strategic aims and objectives