The objective of this paper is to compare two strategic plans drawn for two fire stations. A strategic plan is a blueprint prepared by an organisation to aid with equitable resource allocation, thereby helping it to achieve specific goals and objectives. Creating a good strategic plan entails the process of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation as well as the personal values of individuals who formulate the process. The societal expectations, as well as the external opportunities and threats, are also included in a good strategic plan (Simerson 68).
The Hartford Fire Department’s Strategic Plan covers the period between 2009 and 2013. When examined closely, it is more strategic than the Vashon Island’s Fire and Rescue strategic plan. Specifically, the Hartford Fire Department has included the personal values of individuals that have contributed to the plan under the heading “Process and Acknowledgement.” Furthermore, the mission of the company, which determines its goals and objectives, is outlined clearly, which is not the case with the Vashon Island’s Fire and Rescue plan. Besides, Hartford’s strategic plan encompasses all the characteristics of an ideal strategic plan that were outlined earlier in the paper (Simerson 34).
Indeed, both strategic plans play a crucial role in communicating the organisational challenges as they have discussed the weaknesses of their organisations in the SWOT analysis sections. Both plans have also included comprehensive discussions of the SWOT analyses for their companies. Such an analysis is important in the process of planning an organization’s day-to-day strategies (Simerson 41).
When the two plans are compared, Hartford Fire Department’s Strategic Plan is the most effective. Specifically, Hartford’s plan is carefully organised to highlight the key elements of a good strategic plan. Moreover, it is easy to follow even for amateur readers with minimal or limited information regarding strategic planning. Vashon Island’s plan does not follow the process outlined in the first paragraph strictly. As a result, it is very hard for individuals who are not conversant with planning issues to understand it well (Simerson 71).
Works Cited
Simerson Byron. Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide to Strategy Formulation and Execution. New York: ABC-CLIO, 2011. Print.
