Module 3 DQS

DQ 1
What are the major elements of strategic planning? Refer to HBS case reprint, Southwest Airlines: In a
Different World. What elements of strategic planning are present in the case study? Based on the case
study, what are the major challenges of strategic planning, especially for large, complex organizations
like Southwest airlines? What challenges does strategic planning on such a large scale pose for leaders?

Daft (2014) states strategic planning in a long-term process of turning goals into
realities. This is by establishing strategic goals, establishing tactical goals, and
establishing operations goals. The key elements throughout the strategic planning
process (in addition to goals/vision) include: developing, translating, planning,
executing, and monitoring and learning. (Daft, 2014).
The Southwest Airlines: In a Different World case study depicts many elements of
strategic planning that the organization used throughout the years. Southwest
Airlines (SWA) has formed a strategy off four main pillars: Operational Costs and
Efficiency, Customer Service, Employee/Labor Relations, and Technology. Focusing
on these four pillars to maintain their organizational vision and mission has allowed
them to create a culture (internally and externally) of fun, value, and cost-effective
services.

Major challenges of strategic planning for large organizations would include

competition. SWA has overall done well in address who and what are their biggest
competitors but have also not adapted their strategy just because of what someone
else is doing. Every decision is made with their core organizational values and goals
in mind. (Hasket & Sasser, 2013).
Challenges of strategic planning pose for leaders within any organization could
include lack of leadership at the corporate (top) level. If top leaders are not present
or engaged then their actions will move down the leadership vines. Another
challenge could include lack of consensus. Communication, participation, and
collaboration are all vital in strategic planning so failing to do any of those three
components will not allow for consensus building.

Daft, R. L. (2014). Management (11th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage

Learning.
Hasket, J. L., & Sasser Jr, W. E. (2013). Southwest Airlines: In a Different World.
Harvard Business School.

DQ 2
What are the major elements of strategic planning? Refer to HBS case reprint, Southwest Airlines: In a
What have you experienced or what do you anticipate as the most challenging aspect of strategic

planning in your field of interest? What do you think can be done to improve strategic planning
processes in your own organization or field?

The key elements throughout the strategic planning process (in addition to
goals/vision) include: developing, translating, planning, executing, and monitoring
and learning. (Daft, 2014). Strategic planning is one of the most important
management activities in higher education. One of the biggest challenges that
comes with strategic planning in this field includes organizational politics.
Organizational politics can have both positive and negative effects on strategic
planning (Delprino, 2013). It can delay long-range planning efforts due to lack of
consensus and decision making. Improving strategic planning in the higher
education field would include aligning decisions and communication efforts with the
community/public.

Delprino, R. P. (2013). The Human Side of the Strategic Planning Process in High
Education: Chapter 3: The Challenges of Change as Part of Strategic Planning.
Planning for Higher Education, 41(4), 138-154.