Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Format and Structure of Strategy Document ..................................................78
Developing Strategic Goals .............................................................................81
Constructing Strategic Initiatives ....................................................................83
Defining Challenges.................................................................................. 84
Capabilities and Future Needs....................................................................85
Summary/Conclusion .........................................................................................86
Introduction
As the profession of Emergency Management continues to advance itself, it is impor-
tant that Emergency Management agencies and organizations have a clear pro-
grammatic direction. In order to accomplish this, it is critical that the Emergency
Manager establish a solid mission, set of objectives, and initiatives to carry out these
objectives. Each of these elements are components that make up a complete strategy
that will provide direction and guidance to the Emergency Manager as they prog-
ress with their agency or organization. With the litany of mandates, laws, rules,
regulations, ordinances, guidance, and other internal and external influences, man-
aging an Emergency Management program can be daunting at best. No matter
what the staffing is or what the resources are for an Emergency Management pro-
gram, it is critical that a solid departmental or organizational strategy be developed.
A strategy can serve as the foundation for an Emergency Management program. It
is also considered good business practice. In this chapter, we will look deeper into
what strategies are, why departmental and organization strategies are necessary,
and the elements of an Emergency Management program strategy.
Strategy Defined
In order for an Emergency Manager to develop a strategy, it is important to know
what one actually is. To achieve this, here are a couple of definitions that can help
to clarify the term:
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary : (a) A careful plan or method. (b) The art of
devising or using plans of strategems toward a goal.*
BusinessDictionary.com: (1) Alternative chosen to make happen a desired
future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem. (2) Art and
science of planning and marshalling resources for their most efficient and
effective use. The term is derived from the Greek word for generalship or lead-
ing an army. See also tactics.
* “strategy.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2010. Merriam-Webster Online. http://
www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strategy. Accessed 14 December 2010.
“strategy.” BusinessDictionary.com. 2010. Web Finance Inc. http://www.businessdictionary
.com/definition/strategy.html. Accessed 6 January 2010.
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