Week 8 – Signature Assignment: Incorporate Strategic Management to Improve a Public Organization

Instructions

Envision this scenario:

You have been appointed as the city manager of a medium-sized city that you have helped guide to its present success. Your staff is collaborative; all levels of the organization are functional; and, in general, key aspects of the government are stable. Many of the organizational changes you have recently championed as deputy city manager appear to be having a positive effect on morale and operational results.

Knowing that present success may only be an indicator of future success, you may have recalled reading that the time to change is when things are going well. Now, you may be troubled by this thought because you have learned that when faced with adverse conditions, organizations tend to revert to the way they used to operate because it is familiar and people tend to be comfortable with previous efforts and results.

Assignment Criteria:

Prepare a comprehensive paper that assesses the current state of the organization and opportunities to implement strategic management. Your paper should be written as if you were presenting it as a case study for publication. Be sure to include an analysis of opportunities for change, and then develop a plan for leading the organization to its future state. Feel free to include visual aids such as helpful images, charts, or graphics to support your proposal.

Remember, you are not alone; you have the resources of the organization and the literature to assist you. Remember, all eyes are on you. It is your time to lead. Be bold and creative.

Length: 12-15 pages, not including title or reference pages.

References: Include a minimum of 7 scholarly resources.

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Höglund, L., Holmgren Caicedo, M., Mårtensson, M., & Svärdsten, F. (2018). Strategic management in the public sector

Höglund, L., & Svärdsten, F. (2018). Strategy work in the public sector—A balancing act of competing discourses. Scandinavian Journal of Management

Johnsen, Å. (2016). Strategic planning and management in local government in Norway: Status after three decades. Scandinavian Political Studies