The tools that are typically applied to the development of business strategy also have utility for us, as individuals. This assignment is meant to provide you with the opportunity to apply course concepts to the development of a personal strategy and a related set of strategic goals that you can professionally pursue.  The progressive set  instructions for completing his assignment are as follows 

1. Choose one of three available tools from Chapter 2 (either 1) Porter’s Five Forces; 2) the General Environment; or 3) Strategic groups) in order to analyze the conditions in your external environment. If you choose to employ a five forces analysis please think of yourself as a focal “firm” that is operating within a specifically identified industry. Based on your analysis of your external environment identify a set of no less then 2-3 opportunities and 2-3 threats.    
2. Inventory your personal resources and capabilities a minimum of five) and then go on to use the VRIS framework from Chapter 3 to assess them. Determine whether (or not) your resources and capabilities will provide you with a sustained source of personal competitive advantage.  
3. Based on a synthesis of your findings from your analysis in parts (a) and (b), develop a succinct vision statement for yourself.  Use the criteria discussed in your text and during class discussion to identify an ideal and unique image of the future you see for yourself.  What you aspire to achieve? What or where you want to be in 10 years? 
4. Based on your vision and using the criteria discussed in your text and during class develop a personal mission statement. Your mission should include a statement of your purpose and how you will add (or create) value within in an industry or a specific (type of) organization.  Also include language that speaks to how you will personally maintain a competitive advantage over others who operate in a space (or position) that is comparable to the one you aspire to occupy.
5. Identify at least 3 goals (strategic objectives) that you will pursue in order to operationalize your vision and mission.  You might consider setting goals that pertain to school/ education, home life, career, finances, spirituality, and/or physicality. Include information on any resources and/or capabilities you may want to develop.  Goals should be on a shorter timeline (as compared to your vision and mission); think in terms of the next 1-3 years and what you would like to achieve so that you may ultimately realize your mission and vision. Goals are required to adhere to SMART criteria. 
6. Discuss implementation or actions to take.  You should include at least two specific actions you will immediately take for each of the three goals stated part 5.  Actions should be linked to specific goals and include a description of the action, resources needed, who is involved, how success will be measured, and completion date. You may wish to use the attached ‘Action Plan Worksheet’ to complete this section of the assignment.

• Sources must be clearly identified through the use of in text citations and of a reference page (i.e. use APA). Internet sources listed on your reference page should include an author (corporate, organizational or individual), title of the document or page, the web address (URL) and the date the website was accessed.