As Wolfe (2011) notes in Chapters 11 and 12 of his book strategy development communication and execution are real-time ongoing processes. A strategy is never done as everything both internal and external to the organization is in a constant flux and changerequiring the strategy and the playbook for the future to be modified and improved.
A critical part of the strategy evolution process is to evaluate and check the assumptions and reasoning bases for strategies. Are the emerging strategies consistent with the Soulful Purpose of the organization; are they affordable; and can the appropriate skills competencies and capabilities be leveraged or acquired to make various parts of the strategy work? How will the competition respond and is the organization ready for it?
This week you explore the case of The Weather Company which in August 2013 presented their strategic plan that the senior leadership could help the company grow from $600 million in revenue to $1 billion or more by 2016. You will evaluate the proposed strategy based on your cumulative knowledge from this course and your MBA program.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Note: The evaluation criteria below should be used to form your response: Do not however respond to these questions in a checklist format as your original response. Your response should be a single persuasive narrative argument that is polished and could serve as the basis for a speech you might make to the board to either support or question the proposed strategy.
Strategy Evaluation Elements:
By Day 3 post a polished and integrated analysis that answers this question: If you were on the board of directors at The Weather Company in 2013 would you approve the proposed strategy? Why or why not?
General Guidance: Your original discussion post for the Capstone Forum will typically be 1 to 1 single-spaced pages (cut and paste into the DQ area) excluding references. Refer to the Week 7 Discussion 1 rubric for grading elements and criteria. Your Instructor will use the rubric to assess your work.