Individual Capstone Project

a) Assess Organization's Business Model and Strategies

1. Evaluate whether the organization's business model and strategies fit with the industry environment by answering the following:

a. What is the organization's pattern of past strategies (corporate, business, functional, international)

b. What is the organization's business model - the way it creates value for its customers, entices them to pay for it and converts their payments into profits?Are social and cognitive technologies being used in these areas?

c. How successful had the organization been in the past with its chosen strategies and business model and how successful is the organization now?

b) Evaluate Opportunities and Recommendation for Strategic Direction

1. If the organization's business and corporate strategies are not successful as they should be -- what adjustments should it make? How should social and cognitive technologies be used?

2. Should the organization consider investing in more technology? If yes which technology and why?

3. List the social and cognitive technology opportunities that would allow the organization to take advantage of its strengths (examples include new products and services, new markets, new ventures and relationships)

4. Is there opportunities for the organization to overcome its weaknesses in order to survive and thrive in the operating industry (examples include: learning from joint venture partners, creating new alliances, fixing internal problems, automating processes etc.,)

5. Is there opportunity for the organization to deal effectively with environment threats (examples include:investing in social and cognitive technologies, higher technological security of internal information and patents, creation of powerful strategic alliances to offset influences of government regulations, unions or special interest groups)?

6. Analyze the costs and benefits of pursuing any of identified opportunities above

7. Based on your above responses evaluate the future strategic position for survival and success of the organization

c)Develop Implementation Plan with Actions

1. List the top 5 recommendations that are needed for the organization to be successful in its industry.

2. What would be the responsibilities of the internal and external stakeholders in carrying out these recommendations

3. Does the organization have the resources such as funds, people, skills, organizational structure, technology and processes to carry out these recommendations?

4. What actions should be taken to smooth out the transition period and the roadblocks?

5. What are the desired outcomes or changes the organization should expect once the recommendations have been implemented?

6. If the organization successfully implements all the recommendations what will need to change in its external environment

7. In your conclusion, please summarize whether more investments in social and cognitive technologies would be a valuable strategic decision for your organization based on your analysis.