Capstone Project Part V: Action Plans

Social Change, Leadership and Advocacy

Most people pay a lot of attention to significant periods of social change and the emergence of new political leadership, movements, and development of societies. However, the three concepts; social change, leadership, and advocacy have various similarities and differences which drive them into successful outcomes because they   both are looking at having the same goal of making changes to benefit what affects the business or organizations to human services professionals, (Shier, M. L., & Handy 2016). 

 

Social change vs. leadership 

Social change and leadership have similarity in that significant alteration of an individual’s behavior patterns and cultural values and norms over time influences how they perceive social change or direction. As per their alteration sociologist believe change yields profound social consequences as well as leadership. 

Social change, in most cases, occurs due to personal conflict and tension and may lead to structural strain, deprivation, and revitalization of culture, which is a significant cause of conflict, unlike in leadership. Social change plays a vital role in inspiring disgruntled members of a society to bring about social change and their overall well being(Homan, 2016). Leadership is a concept which has both individual and institutional dimensions based on rank and positions; therefore, it occurs as a hierarchical structure, and power vests in the upper levels.

Social change vs. advocacy

Social change and advocacy fall at the heart of what people do, whether they are working to achieve social inclusion and gender equality or ensure universal healthcare. Social change and advocacy also help in developing long-term social transformation within societies. 

Social change is a small part of advocacy (lobbying) carried out by nonprofits. Social change is the notion of social progress, which involves social order of society while advocacy is a recommendation or public support of a particular cause within a community. Advocacy refers to speaking out for the interests of others who may have a limited voice or no voice(Homan, 2016).

Leadership vs. advocacy

Leadership and advocacy offer individuals the ability to navigate in communities and work with other members to leverage and build relationships to communicate and understand the requirement and perspective of customers that  deliver their impacts and results based on a project vision. Both also take risks and seize opportunities together to accomplish set tasks in society effectively. Their differences are that advocacy involves “the act of taking action and being accountable for oneself to create a better life, while leadership is the ability to empower others to achieve collective set goals for a progressive future. Therefore aadvocacy speaks for others' behalf, but it does mean a change will happen at that time  (Shier et al., 2016). Also, the knowledge of leadership and advocacy vary in that valuable tools strive for more independences. 

Conclusion

The concepts of Social Change, Advocacy and Leadership play vital similar roles in a community. A citizen leader is emotionally and personally attached to the issues that arise in communities and challenges the status quo to stand up and eliminate the often severe problems. Therefore, they take actions upon themselves and their ability to lead with motivation, commitment, and knowledge to empower fellow citizens and themselves within the community.

Reference

 

Homan, M. S. (2016). Promoting community change: Making it happen in the real world (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.

 

Shier, M. L., & Handy, F. (2016). Executive leadership and social innovation in direct service nonprofits: Shaping the organizational culture to create social change. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 27(2), 111– 130. doi:10.1080/10428232.2016.1155429

Advocacy

One key thing is that advocacy and social change are similar but, in this case, I will be providing the various distinctions as well as perspective to help come up with a conclusion from these terms.  The discussion has been opened by stating the differences between the meaning as well as the terms and how well I understand them.

Social change can be termed as getting to come up with the outcome of a certain effect such as mitigation and prevention of issues within the community or individual. the changes in this case gets to affect the behavior and longer-term pattern and cultural norms and values. Example of social change include industrial revolution, slavery and feminist movement  (Hartcourt, 2016).

According to how I have understood, one needs to promote balance of power, social justice that help improve life in different aspects.

Advocacy: it is stated as being able to follow some actions which requires efforts so as once can get social justice in communities, individuals and the society.

Advocacy is all about coming up with strategies of people in higher positions, like the human professions where they will employee on behalf of the oppressed communities, individuals and social issues.

Action I would take

In this case, I will take the ideas whereby I will be coming of changing the social welfare system whereby I will come up with ways of improving social activities within the community through enhancing the education system and determine some of the factors affecting the community. I will get to adopt transformative intervention that is key in addressing the social issues and ensure there is a better education system. I will also come up wit a holistic approach through the use of NOHS codes to helps address challenges faced with the community when it comes to education (Homan, 2016).

References

 Homan, M. S. (2015). Promoting Community Change: Making It Happen In The Real World (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage

  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (2016). Social change defined. Retrieved September,23, 2020, from https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/sociology/social-change-and-movements/social-change-defined

Capstone Project: Strategic Plan

I have chosen to do my Capstone Project on a national organization the United Way of Central Carolinas (UWCC). An organization that focuses on helping make measurable changes in communities through strengthening the cornerstones for a good quality of life with education, financial stability and health of every person in every community. The reason I chose to focus on UWCC is that it’s a local organization which provides nationwide assistance to every community and family which is a passion for me if  I can assist to lead anyone towards a better life.  My strategic plan for this project will be to develop from the perspective of mainly on a social change level. The reason is UWCC deals with strengthening change and resolving issues with the help of partnerships with business, financial institutions, and government agencies  which can lead to social change (United Way n.d).

Reference

 

About: United Way Worldwide. (n.d.). Retrieved September 04, 2020, from https://www.unitedway.org/about

STRATEGIC PLAN

In the paper showing strategic planning, I anticipate addressing effective communication in an organization with different leadership positions. Communication is a crucial key in cohesion and achievements in an organization; therefore, it needs to emphasize and improve in areas where it is not effective.

I think that there is a need for a change in the manner in which information is channeled from one office to another or from one level to another. In a normal organization structure, information originates from the top office or the executive arm to the lower leadership level and then to the rest of the staff members. However, when crucial information from the junior employees needs to be passed to the topmost office, several channels have to approve, thus delaying the information never reaching the destination. This raises the alarm to have a change of effective communication in both ways in an organization.

Some factors may influence the change, the willingness of the executive who is the initiators of the policies of such manner to give way for the communication of crucial information from the juniors. Another factor is the technology's availability that may be the best alternative with a direct link to the top authority from the junior employees or any other office.

The change theory is a crucial understandable description and illustration of how a certain change is expected to occur in a specific context.it is much focused on the planning on what has been described as the missing element between what the change initiative does and how it would lead to the intended goals (Burke, 2017). The theory would do this by first identification of the long-term goals and then work to identify the related conditions that must be in line with the goal that will be achieved.

The results of the framework of the changes would provide the basis to identify what type of intervention would lead to the results that are identified as preconditions for having achieved the targeted goals in the long term. This approach connects the activities and the achievements, making the goals to be better understood.

The process leads to good planning where the issues are connected to the comprehensive of how the change would happen. This also leads to a better evaluation since it would be possible to measure progress towards achieving long-term goals.

While applying the changes, several ethical issues may arise; the first is the assumption of some crucial office by the junior employees while trying to directly reach the executive. This issue of ethics occurs due to the protocol's omission as the code of ethics dictates it. Also, the transmission of wrong and false information to the authorities is an ethical issue that may arise due to the change. This can be dangerous as it may be misleading the executive to take unnecessary actions.

The professional code of ethics advises that there is a need to respect the existing hierarchy and positions in authority; therefore, the communication channel's change would lead to more conflict. Respect is the element of a professional code of ethics that is applicable. Also, the code of ethics dictates that the information transmitted from one individual or unit to another should be the truth (National Organization of Human Service, n.d.). In this case, honesty and integrity is the element in the professional code of ethics that is applicable to avoid wrongdoing to the best of one's ability.

Some of the challenges include poor communication networking in the organization that may lead to an impossible link between the junior employees and the executive. Also, the unwillingness of the executive to initiate such a policy may lead to the failure of implementing the change.

Reference

Burke, W. W. (2017). Organization change: Theory and practice. Sage publications. National Organization of Human Services adopted (n.d.) Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals. Retrieved from https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standardsfor-hs-professionals#public

Core values, mission, Vision

The United Way of Central Carolinas is a national organization that fosters assistance in establishing measurable changes in communities via the creation of fundamentals of quality life, financial solidity, and health assistance to every community. The UWCC deals with issues revolving business organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and social changes. Notably, my focus resonates with fundamental social changes (United Way, n.d). Notably, the basic strategic plan accommodates significant concerns of the UWCC core values, mission, and vision representing the organization's identity. Therefore, in strategic planning, the paper submits significant organizational identification and descriptions of stakeholders’ involvement.

Core values

The UWCC poses significant core values that affect the social changes and well-being of an individual. Notably, the national organization accommodates core values, including the commitment to good for the whole, helping less fortunate individuals, and committing to build a robust community relationship. Specifically, the UWCC post underscored core values, including forging unlikely partnerships, establishing novelty solutions to old proems and mobilizing the resources and individuals to join the partnership, and fighting against major social change challenges within the community (United Way, n.d). Significantly, the core values within the UWCC provide underscoring platforms for a social change in education, health, quality of life, and overall resources allocation to better individual sand. Core values form the company's fundamental identification, elaborating universal system, belief and organization behavior, ideology, and justification of an organization (Anwar and Hansu, 2013). The UWCC posit such underscoring core values contributing to the well-being of individuals, groups, and communities. For instance, the organization commits to community investment, education, and basic needs for effective social change (United Way n.d). Therefore, the core values of the UWCC impact social change and individual and community well-being.

Mission

The United Way of Central Carolinas posts an important mission accommodating lasting change for individuals in need to employ strategic community philanthropy. Similarly, the organization's mission portrays significant transformation in culture and operations to assist individuals in need. The mission provides a direction to create frameworks and vision for lasting change for god among individuals, societies, and communities. Notably, the mission post substantive alignment with the core values to create a positive change within the society. The mission advocates for creating lasting changes for an individual in need facilitating the alignment with underscored core values. Remarkably, the mission supports the undying need to support lives by mobilizing the caring individuals and communities globally to establish lasting good (United Way n.d). Furthermore, the mission articulates fundamental healthcare provisions relating to fundamental human rights and articulation on social justice (Wronka, 2008). Therefore, the mission establishes indisputable evidence on social changes towards good for all globally.

Vision

Subsequently, the UWCC posits a substantial vision for the social change in individuals' societies and communities. The visions include awakening communities for an insightful and practical solution for the region’s quality life, leveraging individual and corporate contributions for long-lasting outcomes, galvanizing of nonprofit agencies for effective and collaborative performance, uplifting of neighbor to help families in hardship, and realization of self-reliance and maximization of resources through accountability, stewardship, and integrity (United Way, n.d). Notably, the vision addresses fundamental aspects of quality of life change, self-reliance, helping the individual in hardship, and partnership resonating with the core values. Finally, visions post pieces of evidence on the awakening community for quality life, assisting the individual in hardship and maximization of resources, leading well-being of individuals and communities. Thus, the UWCC vision aligns with the core values for the effective fundamental of organization identification and performance to achieve goals and objectives. Key

Stakeholders

Significantly, the UWCC organization outlines fundamental key stakeholders, including management, staff, partnership, services recipient, including individuals, societies, and communities. The partnership accommodates nonprofit organizations within the community Carolina Partners and ACC partnership for financial aids and assistance. The management, including the board of directors, administers administrative and operation management duties to ensure smooth management and running. Staff members and management accommodate internal stakeholder's performance delegated duties within the organization. Finally, the service recipient stakeholders includes individuals, societies, and communities in hardship and require fundamental needs. Every stakeholder plays a significant role in the gathering of information. Management and staff provide essential information on internal operations and performance. The partnership provides a general and public image of the organization from the external perspective. Finally, the service recipients give important information on the performance outcomes and performance indicators for the organization. Therefore, the key stakeholder provides a fundamental role and source of information.

References

Anwar, J., and Hansu, S. (2013). Ideology, Purpose, Core Values, and Leadership: How they influence the Vision of an Organization? International Journal of Learning & Development, Vol. 3, No. 3.Pp. 168-184 United Way Worldwide. (n.d). Retrieved September 04, 2020, from https://www.unitedway.org/about Wronka, J. (2008). Preface. In Human rights and social justice: Social action and service for the helping and health professions (p. xix). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml

Outline/describe steps you would take to conduct a needs assessment.

Develop a stakeholder

When looking at the business, there are various things that I can state that they have not been met at all. The business has not been able to make profits, and they do not have the right leadership. All of this are some of the things that need intervention at all times to ensure that everything is working well. It is, in this case, that I am going to come up with a needs assessment that will help determine all this and come up with the right approach to how the whole issue will be conducted. The first thing is that the organization United Way has not been conducting its activities as expected. It has made it difficult as they are not able to handle all issues taking place in the company and coming in the right way handling the company invoice. It can also be stated the fact that the company leadership has not been performing well hence creating gaps in the company. The leadership has been having so many wrangles that have raised an issue as there is no proper management of resources. In this case, I will ensure that all leadership within the company is reviewed, and everyone is tasked with their roles and responsibilities to ensure that they solve some of these key issues. The key stakeholder that I will involve in this case in ensuring that everything becomes a success is the company's top management. I will contact them because they will help in determining how they will handle the leadership wrangle and ensure that the human resources are conducting their activities the right way. Stakeholder survey ● What are the key achievements in regards to the company?

● What do you intend to achieve? ● What are your greatest strengths? ● What are the key attributes that you can state? ● How do you handle the company challenges? ● Do the members corporate at all times? ● Do you think company activities can be restored? ● What are the benefits of equity? ● Where do you see the company leadership? ● How do you suggest to improve the company leadership?

References

Stevens, A., & Gabbay, J. (1991). Needs assessment needs assessment... Health Trends, 23(1), 20-23. Grant, J. (2002). Learning needs assessment: assessing the need. Bmj, 324(7330), 156-159.

SWOT ANALYSIS OF UWCC

Swot analysis for United way of central Carolinas United way of central Carolinas is an organization that rejoices in assisting an average American access essential services and needs that are crucial for the well-being of humanity. Several big companies and wealthy individuals do not consider the plight of poor American families but UWCC, despite being small and a local organization has been central to lifechanging activities in the USA. The firm focuses on assisting communities by empowering them to access financial stability, education, better healthcare, among others (Carman, 2011). My reason for the selection of the organization is because of the passion that I also hold in transforming society.

The dream of UWCC is to see an environment that has opportunities for all is created. The company aims at improving the system that serves families and children by providing basic needs.

The organization has set out a strategy that is aimed at meeting its intended purpose. To succeed the company developed a strategy of reaching out to places, people, and Systems. The plan intends to support both the parent and the child. It is referred to as a two-generation approach (Carman, 2011). Another strategy the organization aims to use is providing essentials which include health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. The essentials are supported through three funding initiatives: Unite Charlotte, United Neighborhoods, and Impact Grants. Impact Grants addresses the traditional funding model that supports the five-county region through a system of associates that work together to deliver coordinated and comprehensive services. Unite Charlotte provides grants to grassroots and new firms thereby building their capacity and financial growth, while the United Neighborhoods is a community-focused idea that creates continued neighborhood change (Carman, 2011).

Lack of proof of use of money for the expected purpose has led to an environmental scan. The scan is meant to iron out issues that concern management. United Way executive director confirmed a meeting of 24 directors who are set to convene to endorse the sacking of nine managers who have been involved in corrupt dealings and reduce the workforce (Carman, 2011). The major problem that has affected the firm is poor management and corruption which should be addressed. A lean workforce is meant to increase efficiency. Because of corruption philanthropists are now engaged in direct donations to the communities therefore offering competition to the once trusted agent.

Strengths of UWCC

UWCC also enjoys engagement with the local communities making it able to reach out to people and win trust from the communities. From engagement with agencies that have the same agenda of community empowerment, the organization went a step further by engaging neighborhoods. This is strength to companies that wish to engage with the communities directly because they can realize the cornerstone of the problems affecting the community and therefore prioritize issues in regards to available funding (Carman, 2011).

Moreover, another strength that the organization enjoys is management. UWCC is a community-led and community-based determination that was launched with a $2.4 million investment. Enabling communities to lead the company enabled it to reach out to the communities faster than if managers and personnel were to come from other places. Organizations that have local staff tend to be trusted and supported immensely. They can identify issues faster and prioritize funds in an efficient way therefore easy to meet their desired goals (Wronka, 2017). This is the step that UWCC took and has enabled it to reach out to many communities within a short time.

The way to the heart of an American is to address issues that affect them. UWCC has been able to unite Charlotte through a fund that was distributed to 20 organizations to fight unrest that was being witnessed in the area because of social injustices and racial discrimination (Carman, 2011). By addressing these social problems affecting Americans the company gained a strength that catapults it to its growth. The timing and prioritization of issues and people to assist is a positive undertaking; therefore, a strength.

Weaknesses of UWCC

UCWW has been fighting poverty through the empowerment of neighborhoods and organizations. The main focus was on the education of students from poor families. This created a weakness for the company. There was no adequate research on which students to assist. Researchers from The Institute for Social Capital Community Database found out the UCWW was pumping money into the education of students who were not attending classes (Carman, 2011). This led to the wastage of funds that could have been used to assist other students or engage other projects. The company had a weakness in failing to research disbursing money.

Another weakness arises from poor management (Wronka, 2017). The firm has lost the trust of American citizens and firms because of corruption and embezzlement of funds. Santa Clara a leader of United Way lied to have extended donations worth $25 million when in reality she had advanced only $5 million which led to massive layoffs and the firing of Ms. Jacobs. Allen-McGregor, a finance vice-president at the Capital Area in Michigan, embezzled $2 million from the company (Carman, 2011). This shows weakness in the management of funds. To minimize this corruption should be stopped by sacking and prosecuting those found culpable.

Failure to account for money advanced to the company causes another weakness. Philanthropists expect to see their contributions put to use. Charlotte still experiences poor people raising questions where the money that is channeled to the organization goes to. Proper accounts and records can help minimize this weakness.

Threats faced by UCWW

The company faces several threats that threaten its existence. It faces competition for benevolent contributions from community foundations on funds that are advised by donors to high-end contributors (Carman, 2011). To minimize this threat and continue finding favor from donors the company should organize on campaigns to showcase successful projects it has engaged in that have transformed lives. Moreover, sending proposals to would-be donors can save the effects of the threat.

The organization also faces the threat of economic and demographic changes. Initially, funds were available in plenty, but economic tough times have dried the pot of donors making it impossible to access funds. This also threatens the life of the company. The population has also grown making it impossible to meet everyone therefore raising questions on the viability of the firm (Carman, 2011). To thwart this threat UCWW should consider alternative funding like international companies. A reduced budget and prioritization will also see continued existence.

Another threat is the American perception of the organization. The old-fashioned way of accessing funds are not working. The majority of the American population sees the firm as a cash cow meant to sustain the life of a few C.E.Os such as Brian Gallagher and William Aramony. They see UCWW as a scandalous and modernized corrupt entity. Jacquelyn AllenMcGregor, who is the vice president of finance of United Way in Michigan, embezzled almost $2 million from the firm. This has made many to shun making contributions to the firm because they believe it no longer supports its agenda other than enriching a few managers (Carman, 2011). This is a threat that puts the existence of the firm in limbo. The company should engage in campaigns that can win the trust they have lost. They should also fire corrupt individuals to maintain a positive image.

Opportunities for improvement

The threats that the company faces have enabled opportunities for growth to be realized. The first opportunity is a reduced workforce through the sacking of nine managers. A lean staff will enable the company to save on costs that will be channeled towards the course of business to win the trust of Americans.

Moreover, the company can engage in business and innovation, which will be an alternative source of revenue (Wronka, 2017). Putting all dependency on grants and contributions is risky to the survival of the firm. Partnership with business companies to produce items and sell them will see the firm earn money other than dependence on contributions. Organizing charity events like races, boxing matches, will see the company rake in millions which can serve charity purpose.

Another opportunity is partnering with beneficiaries to extend a hand towards the same organization that empowered them. Providing support and advice after signing agreements with beneficiaries will see them return a helping hand after they are empowered so that the same funds can rotate within the company and be extended to other people.

References

Carman, J. G. (2011). What you don't know can hurt your community: Lessons from a local United Way. Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 21(4), 433-448.

Wronka, J. (2017). Human rights and social justice: Social action and service for helping and health professions (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. (pp. 125-186)

Capstone Project Part IV: The Technicals: Developing Strategic Goals

Developing Strategic Goals for United Way of Central Carolinas United Way of Central Carolinas (UWCC) is one of the fastest developing nonprofit organizations in North Carolina fighting for financial stability, health, and education. Thus,UWCC’s strategic goals include creating an opportunity for all and building stronger neighborhoods. Further, improve the projects that serve families and children, which might be affected. More so, offer basic needs support across the region. Lastly, to form an alliance with community partners such as Cooperative Christian ministry (CCC) or Charlotte Community Health Clinic (CCHC) (United Way Central Carolinas). This alliance will enable both firms to spread the word about how to live united to improve our communities' health, education, and income.

To establish an opportunity for all UWCC can develop a leadership strategy that focuses on functional and operation attributes, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and passion. Moreover, to implement projects that can bring more money into our organization, such as agricultural projects, we can help poor communities. Further, communicate and align the quality of services the organization should offer to the community and track outcomes each year so that our donors will know their gifts are used efficiently and wisely (UWCC). In addition to implementing a plan of action of acquiring the company's available resources, leveraging my daily goal setting to the long-term goals, and finding a mentor who can illuminate my pathway towards success. Finally, to create an alliance between charlotte Health Clinic and cooperative Christian ministry. I will welcome criticism and failure since individuals are often critical, mainly when they see a bit of success and implement the Pareto Principle.

` Accountability issues include choosing the right board, selecting partnering agencies managing risks, data protection and security, and accountability. Managers and critical employees will monitor the strategic plan's execution by increasing the manager's ability to control uncertainties and engage essential workers with targeted communications to win support for the project. As a leader, I will build an organizational culture and its capability to execute the strategy (Fuller and Green). As the CEO, I will respond and solve complicated issues, lead conversations on societal problems, and leverage community voices to work as a team in establishing change (United Way Central Carolinas). Individuals contributors will be responsible for executing the specifics aspects of the plan. As a result, individual contributors support action items with milestones that drive daily focus on a project whereby these actions add up to accomplishing the company's annual goals. Finally, employees' accountability will get tracked through their presence in the entire shift, completing designated tasks, responsibility for specific roles that go along with their job, consistency in their duties, and teamwork towards a shared vision for UWCC.

Our CCC &CCHC partners should maximize resources, reduces expenses. Also, have direct savings to expand and support programs. The partners must also change their funding plan to address the most affected regions, according to the affiliate (UWCC). The supported communities should use the resources or gifts donated wisely and minimize wastage. Managers should work to oversee the day-to-day activities inspire staff, and increase efficiency as required (Martin). Besides, the firm should provide environmentally friendly services that will not have their health. The stakeholders will get engaged through communications to be informed about the firm’s core purpose. Internal stakeholders will get informed where the firm is heading to align its

tasks with those objectives. External stakeholders must understand why the firm exists and its values to market, suppliers, and customers.

Moreover, the stakeholders will get actively engaged in the process through surveys and suggestion boxes. Also, include officials from multiple stakeholders’ team in the discussion, which can be formal or informally. Finally, assist workers in understanding the difference between strategic initiatives and tactical tasks they are most familiar with and show them how the two levels are aligned.

References

Fuller, James N., and Jack C. Green. "The Leader's Role in Strategy - A Peer-Reviewed Academic Articles | GBR." 29 Oct. 2017, gbr.pepperdine.edu/2010/08/the-leaders-role-in-strategy/.

Martin, Melany. "Role & Activities of Stakeholders." 11 Jan. 2019, smallbusiness.chron.com/role-activities-stakeholders-31182.html.

Raymond, Alex. "5 Top Ways to Implement a Strategic Plan." 2 Mar. 2015, www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2015/03/5-top-ways-to-implement-a-strategic-plan.html.

United Way Central Carolinas. "Our Work." 31 July 2020, uwcentralcarolinas.org/our-work/.

United Way Central Carolinas "COMMUNITY PARTNERS." 29 July 2020, uwcentralcarolinas.org/community partners/.

UWCC. "Carolina United Way on The Move." 25 July 2019, www.thenonprofittimes.com/news/carolina-united-way-on-the-move/.

Capstone Project Part IV: The Technicals:

Indicators of Success in an Organization

Introduction

Every business aims to make a profit. Profit determines whether the company is successful or not. To understand whether the company is performing well or not, the owners should know the indicators that measure the success of the company. Once the indicators of success are understood, tracking methods can be enhanced to ensure the objectives and goals of the business are achieved. This paper will discuss various indicators of success and how they are measured to assess whether they align with the strategic plan of the organization. Indicators of success of United Ways of Central Carolinas.

Indicators of Success and Their Measures

The aim of the of the agency United ways of Central Carolinas is to develop an opportunity for everyone. It focuses on creating stronger neighborhoods and refining the systems that looks after the families and their children. The Agency provides basic needs in the region. The agency can determine whether its key aim of assisting children and families are met using the following success indicators;

The breaking even points; when planning the business, the firm should be aware of the break-even point of sales. Break-even points show the number of units that should be sold in a given duration to make sure that the company has covered all its production expenses, sales costs and business overhead expenses (Florina-Maria, 2017). Breaking even can be measured on a monthly or quarterly basis. If the Agency is making a profit, it should be able to sustain itself through product sales. Break-even points are used to assess the success of companies.

The volume and frequency of sales; when the number of sales increases, the amount in each transaction increases. This is an indicator that the company is performing well—volume and frequency of sales measures company success in various ways. For example, the firm can measure the number of sales made to new clients, the number of sales made to the regular customers and the amount of profit made in each deal. If any of these numbers start a falling pattern, the company should embrace corrective measures to raise its sales.

The net income ratio; this is a success indicator which measures the growth of the Agency. The net income ratio shows the amount of money that has remained after subtracting operating expenses from the revenue. Increase in net income indicates that the revenue is increasing, costs are reducing or the combination of both (Procházková & Straka, 2017). The. The Agency needs to check on its net income because it is a subjective success indicator.

The Profit; every business aims to make a profit. Profit is an indicator of whether the company is thriving or not. The profit is measured after deducting all the expenses of the business (Florina-Maria, 2017). Therefore, if United Ways of Central Carolina can meet it all costs and leaving more money for saving, this shows the Agency is booming.

Performance Targets

Performance targets show the desired level of performance. The main performance targets in a company are efficiency, production and customer satisfaction (Hu, Li & Ray. 2020).

Efficiency; it shows the number of resources used during production. The resources should be used effectively to avoid losses. The number of resources used should not exceed the cost of the output. Using resources efficiently avoids wastage thus reducing the production costs.

For example, United Ways of Central Carolinas decide to start a clothing industry to reduce the cost of purchasing readymade clothes for the needy families.

Productivity; this measures the amount of work produced over a specific duration. Productivity can be measured in hours, monthly or yearly. Productivity helps the organization to assess its performance target after some time. An organization which is performing well produce quality products within the set limit and setting a deadline for production assists the company to meet its production targets (Florina-Maria, 2017). For example, United Ways of Central Carolina can decide to help a hundred families monthly.

Customer satisfaction; this measures the experience of clients after purchasing a product. Every organization desire to satisfy their clients with their quality products and good services. United Ways of Central Carolina can determine the level of their clients’ satisfaction by asking the families or the children to share their experiences after they have been provided with quality education, good houses, food and clothing, The Agency can set that its average level of client satisfaction should be 95 %.

References

Florina-Maria, T. (2017). Selective Indicators for Measuring and Evaluating Performance In a Firm. Romanian Economic and Business Review, 12(2), 29-40.

Hu, K., Li, Y., & Ray, K. (2020). Optimal Performance Targets. Journal of Management Accounting Research, JMAR-18.

Mazloum, A. R. (2019). Determining of key performance indicators in business. İstanbul Ticaret Üniversitesi Girişimcilik Dergisi, 1(2), 1-14.

Procházková, L., & Straka, J. (2017). financial indicators of small and medium-sized enterprises success. International Journal of Management Cases, 19(2), 4-19.