Preparation

Our text introduced us to Sun City Boards and its owner, Tom Wilson.  At the conclusion of the Planning Module, Tom had come to a new appreciation of planning after his friend Dan helped him take course-correcting actions to make his company profitable again.  In this assignment, you will place yourself in a middle management position at Sun City Boards. Your department is responsible for operations to produce the surfboards.  Remember, planning is new to the organization, so you have the opportunity to develop and use planning methods and tools of your choice.  Your written assignment will describe the planning cycle and planning methods and tools you will implement in your operation. The following steps will help you prepare for your written assignment:

1. Thoroughly read the Planning and Mission module.
2. Carefully consider the cycles of planning you will likely encounter, relating them to Sun City Boards.
3. Carefully consider the planning methods and tools you would like to use and implement, assuring the methods and tools will align operations with Tom Wilson’s stated vision and mission.

Your Task

Write a three-paragraph essay describing your chosen methods and tools, and why you selected them.  Your essay must include three properly referenced and defined terms from the module reading.  For example, if you select SMART Goals, you could include the definitions of each letter. Answer and address the following questions:

• What do you anticipate the planning cycle(s) to involve?
• What might interrupt and cause the planning cycle to repeat?
• How will your selected method assure successful achievement of the operation’s goals, and alignment with the company mission?
• How will you use the planning tools you’ve selected?

In addition to the text, you are encouraged to research your topic using reliable and properly cited Internet resources. You may also draw from your personal work experience with appropriate examples to support your selections.

Grading

Your written assignment will be graded using the Written Assignment Rubric (the Microsoft Word version of the Written Assignment Rubric is available here). Please review and keep it in mind as you prepare your assignment. Each component is weighted as follows:

10% Organization and Format

Adequate: Writing is coherent and logically organized, using a format suitable for the material presented. Transitions used between ideas and paragraphs create coherence. Overall unity of ideas is supported by the format and organization of the material presented.

40% Content

Adequate: All required questions are addressed with thoughtful consideration reflecting both proper use of content terminology and additional original thought. Some additional concepts are presented from properly cited sources, or originated by the author following logic and reasoning they’ve clearly presented throughout the writing.

40% Development – Critical Thinking

Adequate: Content indicates original thinking, cohesive conclusions, and developed ideas with sufficient and firm evidence. Ideas presented are not merely the opinion of the writer, and clearly address all of the questions or requirements asked with evidence presented to support conclusions drawn.

10% Grammar, Mechanics, Style

Adequate: Writing is free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors, allowing the reader to follow ideas clearly. There are no sentence fragments and run-ons. The style of writing, tone, and use of rhetorical devices is presented in a cohesive style that enhances the content of the message.