Strategy Evaluation Elements:

Strategy Evaluation: Clarity of the Strategy

Does the strategy and associated initiatives have a "name" that evokes the strategy?

Is it easy to communicate what the strategy is and why it can work?

Is it likely that people inside the organization will understand and commit to the strategy?

Strategy Evaluation: Consistency of Purpose (Context Level of Analysis)

Based on your reading of the case, is The Weather Company's proposed 2013 strategy consistent with its Soulful Purpose and its mission, vision, and values? How?

Strategy Evaluation: Feasibility and Alignment (Activities and Relationships Level of Analysis)

What are the primary Key Success Factors that The Weather Company needs to excel at in the future? Do they have the internal skills, competencies, and capabilities to execute their strategy? (If not, does the plan do a good job of saying how they will acquire these?)

Are the basic elements of the proposed strategy feasible?

From a teamwork and healthy organization standpoint?

From a financial standpoint?

From a measurement/metrics standpoint?

Does the strategy appear to be internally aligned? Do the specific action plan steps support each other? How and Why?

Strategy Evaluation: External Consonance and Potential Competitive Advantage

Is the proposed strategy consonant with the current and future needs of the external ecosystem and stakeholder needs? How and Why?

Does the strategy indicate any long-term strategic intent?

Does the proposed strategy position the company to perform activities differently than rivals do? How and why?

Does the proposed strategy lead to incremental change within the industry, or more fundamental change within the industry, or does it establish new positions outside the industry or in blue ocean spaces? How and why is the scope of the strategy appropriate?

Do you think the proposed strategy can create or preserve any advantages it may confer on the company? Which advantages, and how and why?

By Day 3, post a polished and integrated analysis that answers this question: If you were on the board of directors at The Weather Company in 2013, would you approve the proposed strategy? Why or why not?

Be specific, and be sure to support your response with evidence from the case, and use appropriate concepts from the course and MBA program to make the strongest case you can.