Ldg W/ Wisdom, Vision & Value

5.4 Assignment. Creating a Strategic Plan, Part 5 - Developing S.M.A.R.T Goals

Getting Started

This assignment utilizes all the research and analysis (i.e., Mission and Vision analysis; Five Question; SWOTT, Balanced Scorecard) you are conducting as part of the strategic plan for your Course Project. This workshop, you will set goals for the future…and not just any goals, but rather S.M.A.R.T. goals! The acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. While S.M.A.R.T. Goals often may be used by individuals, they also are very useful for organizations.

Throughout this course, you have engaged in critical and strategic thinking as you have constructed a variety of tools with a central goal in mind: learning how to develop a strategic plan. Now that you have a set of tools at your disposal, the time has come to synthesize all of that information and data into some conclusions. That will be part of Assignment #6.3 next week. For this assignment, you will set goals that are informed by all of the work you have done in this course thus far. Follow the template carefully and be mindful of each word represented by the acronym. If a goal isn’t specific, rework it until it is. If a goal cannot be measured, then likely it will not be met. If the goal isn’t attainable, then why set it as a goal to begin with? You get the idea.

Don’t rush this particular assignment. Spend time reflecting on the various tools you’ve created in ways that would help you lead the organization into a successful future!

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Build a S.M.A.R.T. Goals organizational plan based on the strategic planning tools learned in this course.

Background Information

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read the article  SMART Goals: How to Make Your Goals Achievable (new tab) . 

3. For the organization you chose during Workshop #1, use the combined knowledge and various tools you have acquired and developed over this course to complete the  S.M.A.R.T. Goals worksheet (Word document) .

4. Your written assignment must include an introductory paragraph that identifies the organization you have chosen for your strategic planning process during this course. Then, use the S.M.A.R.T. Goals template to thoughtfully and strategically assess THREE goals that you would set for the organization. Be specific and articulate well each of your chosen goals. Complete each of the columns as they relate to your chosen organization and be specific. Please feel free to incorporate the cultural perspective into the reflection (e.g., relevance to the culture). Finally, include a couple of closing paragraphs that provide rationale and insights for why you completed the S.M.A.R.T. Goals worksheet as you did.

5. This assignment should consist of 2 to 3 pages, not including the title and reference pages.

6. A minimum of 2 sources other than assigned materials are required to help better inform your Balanced Scorecard.