STSM.SG 1 Establish Strategic Needs and Plans for Standard Services

“Strategic needs” are conditions or objectives in the organization often driven by factors in the environment. An organization may need to increase revenue, profitability, or market share. Customers may need a different or new set of services, or expect a change in an organization’s service offerings based on what competitors are providing or based on shifts in their own objectives. The organization considers the range of needs in light of its capabilities, makes decisions about which objectives to pursue, and reflects these needs and objectives in plans for standard services.

In many organizations, strategic planning information can be proprietary, sensitive, and subject to non-disclosure requirements or other controls. Anyone participating in developing plans for standard services should exercise care in complying with controls to protect sensitive strategic information.