The chosen organization will be the organization throughout this course. You may go with Caterpillar or you can choose another organization. All I ask is follow the directions in the attachments.

I just wanted to make sure everyone is looking at the full syllabus and how all the assignments come together in your final strategic plan.  So before you select an organization make sure you realize you will need to stay committed to it and continue with it for all the assignments that comprise your final strategic plan

Week One

Career Connection: Values and Strategy Paper (Current Employer is Caterpillar) or you can choose an organization, which will be the organization throughout the assignments.

Choose an organization according to the following:

· Current employer

· Most recent or former employer

· Place of business that you have patronized or have been familiar with over a long period of time. 

· Avoid choosing an organization that is so large that historical data would be difficult to apply. Firms in the Russell 2000® index may fit well, whereas firms in the Dow 30 Industrial index probably do not. 

· The organization can be a start-up that you or a significant other may create in the future. For a start-up, focus on an entrepreneurial idea that is of substantive interest, so this project leaves you with a product you may leverage in the future. 

Write a 1,050-word paper in which you address the following: (ADDRESS EVERYTHING IN RED ESPECIALLY THE GRADING GUIDE MATERIAL)

· Identify the major components of the strategic management process.

· Discuss how these components work together to create value for the organization.

· Evaluate the company's mission statement, vision statement, motivation strategy, innovation strategy, and people strategy. If the organization does not have one or more of these, how does that affect the organization and its people?

· Explain the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility in strategic planning.  How does this direct their strategy? How does the organization's vison and mission align with your own values and vision?  If you are currently working for the organization, how does your role influence this and vice versa?  

Format your paper according to APA guidelines. 

Grading Guide