Implementation Plan Concepts Worksheet

Concept

Application of Concept in the Scenario

Reference to Concept in Reading

Strategic Management Process

As part of the strategic management process, Harrison-Keyes (H-K), Inc. is looking towards publishing e-books as a new strategy to remain competitive in the market against low-cost retailers

(University of Phoenix, 2008). The company's vision states, "Harrison-Keyes, Inc. will be the world's most dynamic publishing company, packaging innovative information solutions essential to communities of interest" (University of Phoenix, 2008).

"Strategic management is the process of assessing "what we are" and deciding and implementing "what we intend to be and how we are going to get there"

(Gray & Larson, 2005, p. 22).

Organization Politics

Organizational politics exist at H-K and are seen with the CEO, Meg McGill's, plan to move towards e-publishing. "The term "sacred cow" is often used to denote a project that a powerful, high ranking official is advocating" (Gray & Larson, 2005, p. 29). This project can be looked at as McGill's "scared cow." McGill views e-publishing to be the company's salvation (University of Phoenix, 2008). Despite her excitement that this is the way ahead, there are still some stakeholders who have concerns. Both the Board and some of the authors have expressed their uncertainties about this project.

"Politics can influence which projects receive funding and high priority. Project selection may be based not so much on facts and sound reasoning, but rather on the persuasiveness and power of people advocating projects" (Gray & Lawson, 2005, p. 29).

Organizing Projects within the Network Organizations

Disadvantages of network projects are communication breakdowns, loss of control, and conflict while the benefits are cost reduction, high level of expertise, and flexibility (Gray & Larson, 2005). H-K can...