Main Content
Syllabus
PADM 516: Strategic Planning (3 credits). A survey of strategic planning purposes, approaches and methods, and expected outcomes in small and large organizations.
Overview | Objectives | Materials | Technical Requirements | Course Requirements and Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Policies
Overview
This course is designed to examine the theory and practices of strategic planning and management for public agencies and nonprofit organizations to achieve competitive advantage and organizational goals. Effective strategic planning enables an organization to set priorities, allocate resources, ensure stakeholders’ understanding of common goals, establish agreement on intended results, implement actions needed, and evaluate the organization’s direction in response to a changing environment. As strategic planning is one of the most critical elements of organizational management, managers use strategic planning to articulate where an organization is going, actions needed to make progress, and how it will know if it is successful.
This course will provide opportunities for you to develop basic strategic thinking and mangement skills in all aspects of strategic planning process. The topics covered throughout the semester are
- the dynamics of strategic planning and management,
- the development of strategic agreements, operational directions, and strategic planning systems,
- strategic planning processes and stakeholders,
- strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, and
- key organizational issues and challenges related to strategic options.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you should gain essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to strategic planning and implementation in the public and nonprofit sectors, in other words, you should be able to
- apply theories, approaches, and analytical models to conduct effective strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations,
- compare and contrast rational and deliberative decisions to set effective strategic planning,
- develop a feasible strategic planning system for an organization,
- articulate strategic planning processes and stakeholders, and
- formulate, reassess, and revise strategic plans by applying analysis techniques and tools.
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Using the Libraries
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Technical Requirements
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
|---|---|
| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Requirements and Grading
Course requirements and grading structure are based on the following activities.
There are four (4) required assignments throughout the semester: weekly discussion postings, a strategy map design paper, a research project, and an end-of-course reflection.
Requirement 1: Individual Weekly Discussion Postings (60 points)
Each week, respond to the weekly discussion question(s) based on the readings and case example by Thursday night at 11:59 pm (ET). Then, after reading all classmates’ comments, reply to at least two postings by Sunday night at 11:59 pm (ET). You are expected to visit the discussion every day or at least several different times throughout the week, providing thoughtful comments and constructive feedback.
The length of the initial posting should be between 250 and 300 words. Cite properely using the APA style when you use resources.
Requirement 2: A Strategy Map Design Paper (30 points)
The strategy map frames its balanced scorecard to support the strategy across the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard. In particular, a strategy map-based balanced scorecard concentrates on how the strategy will improve the organization’s performance, emphasizing how strategy drives change and improvement. It captures operational detail but focuses the organization’s attention on the management and implementation of the strategy. The strategy map design process ensures the capture of strategies and principles to make the organization more agile and responsive.
A typical strategy map, a balanced scorecard, has the four perspectives and between 12 and 18 strategic objectives across the four perspectives. Read the case of Metropolitan Economic Development Association’s Strategic Framework, 2016-2020 (Exhibit 7.2, pp. 229-233), and design a balanced scorecard help the organization to manage its strategy better over the next five years. A strategy map design paper must include
- a balanced scorecard diagram, and
- detailed explanations on how these objectives connect and improve the organization's strategy.
Also, revisit additional information about the Metropolitan Economic Development Association case on Pages 27-29, 95-96, 122, 169, 193-194, and other relevant pages throughout the textbook.
The length of the strategy map design paper should be 400 to 500 words, excluding the strategy map diagram and references (single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and APA style). please use subheadings to organize your paper subjects.
You should submit your strategy map design paper, including a balanced scorecard diagram to the associated assignment, and also post your map diagram to the associated discussion forum so your classmates can learn specific strategic thinking and actions from yours.
Requirement 3: A Research Project (105 points)
This strategic planning research project provides an opportunity for you to design a feasible strategic planning process in order to formulate and assess strategies and necessary conditions by applying various strategic planning tools and approaches. You, as a consultant, will create a strategic planning system that will be suitable for a chosen public or nonprofit organization. No one strategic planning system or procedure would fit in all organizations, even though there are common applicable components in designing such a system.
You will develop the strategic steps necessary to implement and carry forward strategies for a specific organization that you select. The formality of the strategic planning process differs from one organization to the other to correspond to the organization’s unique conditions, even though the key aspects of the strategic planning process must be included. You can use the exact same model of Bryson’s Strategic Change Cycle to develop a strategic planning system or modify the original model of Bryson’s Cycle for the organization you select.
The strategic planning project consists of two parts: 1) the presentation and 2) the final paper.
The final paper should be written clearly, coherently, and concisely. Sections in the paper must be clearly identified and flow well. Use the style guide for the American Psychological Association (APA) for proper formatting. Be sure to include citations for all direct quotes and paraphrases. All papers will be run through Turnitin.com as a check on plagiarism.
First Part: Presentation (40 points)
Before you start to design its own strategic planning system, you need to need to select an existing organization in the public or nonprofit sectors. Choosing a manageable and researchable organization to develop a workable strategic planning system within a given timeline is important.
The first part of the research project, the presentation, should address a brief background of the organization; the purpose of the strategic planning system; the steps of clarification of initial agreement, organizational mandates, and mission/values; and the assessment of the organization’s internal and external environments. When conducting an environmental assessment, use analysis techniques learned throughout Lessons 1 and 5 (e.g., stakeholder analysis, SWOT, logic model, etc.).
You should record a video presentation with no more than 15 slides and less than 15 minute using Zoom, and submit the video presentation to the associated assignment, and also share it to a discussion forum so your classmates can review it and provide their comments and feedback.
Second Part: Paper (60 points)
This final paper is the accumulation of previous work in the first part of the project. The previous part is expected to be revised properly based on the feedback you received.
In the final paper, you should clearly and concisely explain the strategic planning model adopted; identify any strategic issues; formulate and adapt strategies; develop an effective implementation process/strategy assessment/evaluation; and discuss managerial concerns, including strategic leadership.
The final paper must include cited works, tables, figures, and appendices as necessary and should be no more than 3,000 words, excluding references and appendices.
Peer Comments and Feedback (5 points)
You are required to post your comments and feedback on at two of your classmates' presentations shared in the project video presentation discussion forum.
Requirement 4: End-of-Course Reflection (5 points)
Please reflect on what you have learned throughout the semester. How can you connect what you have learned with your professional experience or with what you already knew? How might these key learning’s be applied in your work environment? Post your reflection about 150-200 words addressing these questions.
Grading Scheme
All facets of your performance are taken into account for grading purposes. The graded activities and the percentage of your course grade associated with the activities are as follows.
|
Graded Activities |
Grade Points |
| Weekly discussion posts (participation/12 posts) | 60 |
|
Strategy map design paper |
30 |
|
Research project (first part): presentation |
40 |
|
Research project (second part): final paper |
60 |
| Research project: peer comments and feedback | 5 |
| End-of-course reflection | 5 |
| Total | 200 |
Based on the points earned on each of the graded activities, your course grade will be determined by the scales presented in the table below:
|
Percentage |
Grade |
|
94.00 and above |
A |
|
90.00–93.99 |
A- |
|
87.00–89.99 |
B+ |
|
83.00–86.99 |
B |
|
80.00–82.99 |
B- |
|
77.00–79.99 |
C+ |
|
70.00–76.99 |
C |
|
60.00–69.99 |
D |
|
below 59.99 |
F |
Performance is evaluated on the basis of your work on the tasks listed in the syllabus. Your course grade depends on the points accumulated during the semester. Use the table above to keep a record of your progress.
Note: Submit your work on time as scheduled. Your grade on assignments will be reduced by 20% for each day late, until the grade is a zero (5 days late).
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
The topics and learning activities scheduled for each of the 12 lessons in the course are listed in the course schedule. Each lesson covers one week. As you study each week's lesson, please focus on the specific list of learning activities for that lesson.
Note: The due dates for the assignments are noted in the Course Schedule section of this syllabus, below. Deadlines will be defined as 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the last day of the lesson time frame, unless noted differently.
| Time frame: |
Week 6
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| Readings: |
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| Activities: |
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Student Responsibilities and Conduct
- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
- Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
- Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
- Penn State Values.
Policies
Late Policy
Late Assignments will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the due date of an assignment if you are aware of extenuating circumstances that will impact your ability to meet a deadline. The instructor will determine if alternative arrangements may be made.
Blank or Erroneous Assignment Submissions
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have uploaded the correct document to each assignment prior to the assignment due date. Please check your assignment submission immediately after uploading a file in Canvas to ensure that it contains content and is the correct file. If you notice an error, such as a blank or incorrect file, you must resubmit the assignment before the assignment due date. Similarly, you are responsible for ensuring that discussion forum initial posts are not blank and that any website URL submissions (such as links to documents, video recordings, etc.) have the correct sharing settings enabled so that they can be viewed by recipients. Any blank or erroneous submissions that you have not resubmitted by the assignment due date will receive a zero for the assignment.
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Veterans and Military Personnel
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Privacy Notice
In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.
One Year Course Access
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.