**Please use the same textbook for this paper. This is the week one assignment in the series, and the info is in chapter 1. Feel free to use other sources as well, just make sure any and all data is up to date. In fact, the last bullet point in the assignment tells you to do so. This is the assignment that the other tutor got me a 55 on. I will also post the instructors feedback, so that you get an idea of what he is looking for. PLEASE READ THE FEEDBACK AND APPLY IT! Please remember to include an intro and conclusion paragraph; you’ll see I was docked for that in the feedback.**

Feedback on previous assignment

Christopher, the purpose of this assignment is to help you understand strategic business terminology (strategic management, competitive advantage, strategic plan, mission statement, vision statement, core values statement, AFI ), to recognize the components of a strategic plan and to be familiar with the core information and steps needed to create a strategic plan. You show that you are familiar with some key elements of the AFI framework.

Most key elements of the Assignment and a few of the Writing Guidelines are not covered and or not covered in a substantive way.

Defined and described the AFI framework in a correct way. Did not describe and define each phase. Did not describe and define vision, mission and value statements, strategic plan and competitive advantage.

• It is incorrect to assume the statement should have a strong and specific choice of words, be brief and easy to remember, with a maximum of 30 words. And should be guiding statements. Did not identify the correct guiding principles used for preparing effective statements that describe the mission, vision, and the core values of an organization.
• It is incorrect to assume Caterpillar’s mission statement conforms to the text because Caterpillar has established itself as a leading global company in the machinery it produces has been used in putting up educational structures in schools. This will meet expectations when you review the mission statement in Chapter 1 of StrategicManagement: Concepts (p. 13) and determine correctly whether theCaterpillar Inc. mission statement conforms to the description in the text.State the reasons the mission statement conforms or does not conform.
• It is incorrect to assume Caterpillar’s mission statement, says the company has prospered in making its presence known in the global economy. Consequently, it is incorrect to conclude the company needs to balance its mission and vision statements. Because it says the global leader in the production of mining and construction equipment, the company has been faced with the demand to expand more (“Caterpillar: aiding productivity,”2018). Also it is incorrect to assume because in 2017, the company launched its programs to provide India with $5 billion worth of machinery by 2013. As such, the company is “not” living up to its mission statement. Did not explain based on correct research at Caterpillar, Inc and evaluate the alignment between what Caterpillar is currently doing and their mission, vision, or values statement
• The paper does not have an Introduction paragraph and does not have a Conclusion paragraphs.
• Mentioned you would look at how we are planning, and the best way is to analyze,formulate, and implement. Did not describe and define each phase. Did not describe and define vision, mission and value statements, strategic plan and competitive advantage.
• Did not identify the guiding principles used for preparing effective statements that describe the mission,vision, and the core values of an organization.
• Discussed what you believe is the real question when you look at all your statements is, “are we accomplishing our mission statement?” And you think that it is too early to really tell if we are accomplishing this. This will meet expectations when you review the mission statement in Chapter 1 of Strategic Management:Concepts (p. 13) and determine whether the Caterpillar Inc. mission statement conforms to the description in the text. State the reasons the mission statement conforms or does not conform.
• Discussed why you believe Caterpillar Inc vision statement is a solid vision for our company; the mission statement very strong statement that does build upon the vision statement; and why you believe the core values helps Caterpillar employees put our values and principles into action every day. Did not explain based on your research at Caterpillar, Inc and evaluate the alignment between what Caterpillar is currently doing and their mission, vision, or values statement.
• The paper is very general at times and uses no theoretical strategic management methodology to support any of your assertions.
• Data cited from the assigned reading about the AFI framework is not verified.

Please review the detail comments in the margin of the paper and in the comment section of the assignment rubric grading guide at the bottom of the paper.

Overall, your paper shows that you have used mostly personal beliefs and not verified information from the course textbook to support any off your assertions. I am not sure if you have familiarized yourself with this week’s strategic management terms and methodologies. I notice you cited aged information from Caterpillar, Inc, 2013 and 2018. I am not sure if you know where to find company related information at Caterpillar, Inc. and this is a primary source of reference for your weekly journal. Consider using the bold drop-down words and or the key word search feature at Caterpillar, Inc.com. I would like to see you develop a higher level of academic research and evaluation skills. Consider revisiting the Guidelines for Writing Research Academic Essays: Comparison and Contrast and Argument or Persuasion type. They are a key to your academic success in this course as you familiarize and learn strategic management terms and methodologies as you evaluate Caterpillar, Inc. and document your results in your weekly strategic management journal.

This assignment over the next several weeks is a project that lays the groundwork for this entire course because you must know what a strategic management process includes. Understanding the responsibilities and duties of the Strategic Manager is most important. Going forward each week, you will build upon introduction to the strategic management process and take on assignments of an Assistant Strategic Development Analyst. The intention of the Strategic Management Project is to provide practical experience with the elements of strategic management. When you demonstrate, you can apply it to your assignments in a substantive way and I believe you will be okay!

Assignment

Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts discussed this week in preparation for completion of this assignment: strategic management, competitive advantage, strategic plan, mission statement, vision statement, core values statement, AFI.

Create a strategic management journal. You will use information from this entry in your presentation due in Week 5.

Respond in your journal entry in 700- to 1050- words to the following prompts:

• Determine how AFI strategy framework acts as an integrative facilitator for strategic management planning.
• Identify the guiding principles used for preparing effective statements that describe the mission, vision, and the core values of an organization.
• Review the mission statement in Chapter 1 of Strategic Management: Concepts (p. 13), and determine whether the Caterpillar Inc. mission statement conforms to the description in the text. State the reasons the mission statement conforms or does not conform.
• Research public information, such as news releases, financial reports, and marketing analyses. Based on your research evaluate the alignment between what Caterpillar is currently doing and their mission, vision, or values statement. (Note, you can use the key word search feature (magnify glass) at Caterpillar.com to find their mission, vision and value statements. Use this feature to search for other information needed to complete your weekly strategic management journal. )