U9A1-28 - Final Paper Submission - final project proposal. "YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AS OUTLINED" DO NOT DEIVATE FROM THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN...READ EVERYTHING.

TOWS ANALYSIS IN ACTION: Going Beyond the SWOT Analysis

INTRODUCTION The General Purchasing Department in your state has identi�ed a challenge in contracting with nonpro�ts to provide state services. Speci�cally, nonpro�ts lack the knowledge base about what the state needs in terms of information when they submit a bid package. The state would like to support the nonpro�ts in its boundaries and would like to encourage more to bid on the many service and product contracts it has.

To be proactive and employ some process improvements to the bidding process, the Department wants to employ a combination of training sessions and social networking to reach out to potential bidder nonpro�t organizations. In a meeting to brainstorm approaches and methods to contact nonpro�ts, the team developed a SWOT analysis of internal and external factors that impact any strategies they will develop. They then translate the SWOT into a TOWS analysis and identify some adaptive strategies they can use to turn their idea of nonpro�t outreach into a reality.

SWOT Analysis

TOWS Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses

Sta� is eager to try new strategies. None of the sta� are users of social networking or smart phone technology.

The services o�ered are very positive and easy to sell.

The department is seriously short sta�ed.

The department's computers/software were upgraded earlier this year.

Very little money is available for new advertising.

Some managers in the organization view social media as trivial.

Opportunities Threats

Local college wants a service learning program with local government.

Funding for the agency is dependent on the state budget.

Local non-pro�ts have signi�cant presence in the community.

Other agencies compete for space and presence on the state website.

The state government has a robust website.

(S) Strengths (W) Weaknesses

(S) Strengths (W) Weaknesses

1. Sta� is eager to try new strategies.

1. None of the sta� are users of social networking or smart phone technology.

2. The services o�ered are very positive and easy to sell.

2. The department is seriously short sta�ed.

3. The department's computers/software were upgraded earlier this year.

3. Some managers in the organization view social media as trivial.

4. Very little money available for new advertising.

(O) Opportunities (SO) Strategies (WO) Strategies

1. Local college wants a service learning program with local government.

Work with the local college to design and implement web-based training accessible by computer or smart phone technology, linked to the state website.

Partner with the local college to use this as a joint development project for students and Department sta�.

2. Local non-pro�ts have signi�cant presence in the community.

Post messages about training on facebook, LinkedIn and other social networking sites that cater to nonpro�ts.

Have department sta� work alongside the developers to learn the technology.

3. The state government has a robust website.

(W) Threats (ST) Strategies (WT) Strategies

1. Funding for the agency is dependent on the state budget.

Identify technology grants to use to fund training development.

Ask department sta� to self-select into this development process to encourage those interested in learning more.

2. Other agencies compete for space and presence on the state website.

Identify technology students who could use this as a school project.

Charge a small fee on training to make the program self- supporting.

Subject Matter Expert:

Interactive Design:

Instructional Designer:

Project Manager:

CREDITS George Franks Kerry Hanson

Megan Eskola

Stefani Pequin

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