1. A strategic plan can be defined as:
A. a value statement of principles and beliefs that directs organizational behavior
B. a formal expression of purpose and reason for an organization’s existence
C. afundamental rethinking and design of the process under review to bring about improvements
D. a process by which an organization engages in environmental analysis, goal formulation, and strategy development with the purpose of organizational growth

2. Focus groups are conducted to:
A. determine needs of stakeholders
B. identify matrix structures
C. identify planning goals
D. survey small groups selected because of common characteristics

3. A stakeholder assessment is conducted to:
A. understand how senior management perceives administrative challenges
B. obtain support for guiding principles
C. test how one’s operations are moving forward in accomplishing goals
D. determine the needs of those who have a vested interest in an organization

Answers to Study Questions

1. D. Strategic plans outline an ongoing process so that organizational goals can be met by defining the vision and identifying the resources needed.

2. D. Focus groups are used to obtain feedback from specific groups that may be reflective of a larger population such as, recent diagnosis of breast cancer. This is so that insight might be gained related to an issue or problem.

3. D. Stakeholders are those who have an interest in a program, project, or product. They are often assessed to ensure that their needs are or will be met when organizations are planning change.