HCS 589 environmental scan
HCS 589 environmental scan
HCS 589 environmental scan
Why is an environmental scan important in the development of a strategic plan?
Environmental scanning is a process that systematically surveys and interprets relevant data to identify external opportunities and threats that could influence future decisions. It is closely related to a S.W.O.T. analysis and should be used as part of the strategic planning process.
Components of external scanning that could be considered include:
- Trends: What trends are occurring in the marketplace or industry that could affect the organization either positively or negatively?
- Competition: What is your competition doing that provides them an advantage? Where can you exploit your competition’s weaknesses?
- Technology: What developments in technology may impact your business in the future? Are there new technologies that can make your organization more efficient?
- Customers: How is your customer base changing? What is impacting your ability to provide top-notch customer service?
- Economy: What is happening in the economy that could affect future business?
- Labor supply: What is the labor market like in the geographies where you operate? How can you ensure ready access to high-demand workers?
- Political/legislative arena: What impact will election outcomes have on your business? Is there impending legislation that will affect your operations?