A strategic outcome is a description of the desired end result you would hope to achieve if you successfully implemented your selected strategy. Each selected strategy should have a strategic outcome. I use the expression "strategic outcome," because it encompasses a broader context with a longer perspective; and it is more vision oriented than the term strategic goal.

The terms "goals" and "objectives" are often used indiscriminately in different contexts in this course, which can be very confusing. For our purposes, goals are short-term and intermediate objectives with specific measurable results and timelines. An organization may have to succeed in achieving a series of progressive goals in order to reach a strategic outcome. These may include short-term and intermediate goals. Each successive goal becomes a step in the journey to achieving the strategic outcome. We will develop specific, actionable goals for each selected strategy presented in the Strategy Implementation Plan.

For the Strategy Formulation assignment, I ask you to describe the strategic outcome for each of your selected strategies. A strategic outcome describes what you would hope to create with each selected strategy. What is the end result? How does it work? What benefits do the company, its customers and its employee's gain?

Implementing strategic change is a creative process. It is not a problem-solving exercise.   As in any creative process, you need to create a vision of what it is that you wish to create. The more specific and clearer the vision is, the easier it is for employees to create and implement.   Strategic outcomes are in essence "mini-visions," that when collectively viewed constitute the large corporate vision.

Pick one of your selected strategies and write a 1-3 sentence strategic outcome that describes the desired end result. (It may be more difficult than it sounds)

What is the first goal you would need to reach in order to move toward achieving that strategic outcome?

If there are any intermediate goals to attaining your strategic outcome, what would they be?

Intermediate goals might drive short-term strategies that will have to be accomplished in the near-term in order to reach a higher-level objective. These goals will also be used when tracking the progress during strategic implementation. Missing an intermediate goal would be a red flag that indicates reaching the ultimate outcome may be at risk.

After you have posted your responses to the topic questions, review the thoughts of other students and respond to at least one classmate. Pose questions and offer ideas in responses to their posting(s). Do you agree with their comments? Remember that simple "Me too" and "I agree" responses do not count toward participation points.