A Basic Planning Process

Week Three Reflection

Week two starts with a basic planning process. There are six steps to this process. Situational analysis in which the planner looks to the external environment, current conditions and future trends. Alternative goals and plans are made to cover “what ifs” in the goal that is being focused on. The next step is to evaluate goals and the plans to find the right fit for the organization. The next step is the goal plan and selection, the organization picks the plan to implement. Once the plan has been implemented it needs to be monitored and controlled. We learned about strategic planning and the steps that were involved with this type of planning. We learned how to align the tactical and operational plans with the strategic plans for an organization.

In chapter five we learned about ethics and how it could effect a person in the business world. People have different philosophies in the area of ethics. Egotism, utilitarianism, relativism, and virtue ethics. Through these different philosophies people bring this to the business world. Organizations must have an ethics code, a social responsibility to its members and the environment. This responsibility leads to the organizations foot print on the natural environment.

Appendix B brought us to the business side of the outlook on the environment. The way to help the environment is to find a balance between the two. Businesses must manage with the environment in mind. Understanding the impact a business has on the environment should bring that organization to want to decrease that impact. It is good for the business and it truly helps the environment when a company strives to make its foot print smaller.

In my reflections of week two of the planning process, it brought a lot of things into perspective for me. I have worked with my company for over 18 years and now I realize how the planning process affects the entire business model. Within the three factors of the planning process inputs, outputs and finances the resources will make the organization successful. The basic planning process helps guide you in making decision about what