MGT 400 FINAL
MGT 400 FINAL
MGT 400 FINAL
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.............................................................................................................. 3
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VISION................................................................................................................ 4
MISSION.............................................................................................................. 4
LITERATURE REVIEW.............................................................................................. 4
Possible Challenges Faced in Strategy Implementation..................................7
Vision and Mission Alignment.......................................................................10
SWOT ANALYSIS................................................................................................... 11
Strengths.......................................................................................................... 11
Weaknesses...................................................................................................... 11
CHALLENGES IN STRATEGY FORMULATION..........................................................12
RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND STRATEGY EXECUTION.........................................13
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................... 14
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ABSTRACT
This term paper focuses on analyzing Forvis Mazars' strategic plan within the context of strategic
management. Forvis Mazars is a globally recognized professional services network aiming to provide
a wide range of services such as corporate reporting, tax, advisory, consulting, training, and financial
audit services. The paper examines the organization's vision, mission, SWOT analysis, challenges in
strategy formulation, and strategy implementation. Through a comprehensive review of literature,
strategic formulation, and the implementation process, the paper aims to assess the alignment of
Forvis Mazars' objectives and resource allocation and identify potential implementation challenges.
By understanding these key aspects, this paper provides valuable insights into the strategic
management practices of Forvis Mazars and offers recommendations for enhancing the organization's
strategic effectiveness.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Forvis Mazars is a well-known worldwide professional services network that places a high
value on creativity, moral behavior, and extensive service offerings. The organization wants
to establish itself as a major supplier of corporate reporting, tax, advisory, consulting,
training, and financial audit and assurance services in the United States and abroad. In
addition to promoting customer pleasure and professional competence, the company's goal
and vision are intended to steer it toward sustained growth.
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of Forvis Mazars' strategic
plan are examined in this assessment, along with the degree to which its objectives and
resource allocation line up, as well as any potential difficulties that may arise during strategy
implementation.
VISION
“Our forward vision is to be known for creating engaging opportunities, delivering innovative
solutions and building unrivalled relationships.”
MISSION
“To build remarkable careers and provide an unmatched client experience through an
uncommon commitment to excellence.”
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 STRATEGIC FORMULATION
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tool for strategic planning and helps managers formulate competitive strategies (Sammut‐
Bonnici, T., & Galea, D., 2015)
Strategy formulation is also a critical process for organizations, but it is fraught with
challenges that can hinder the creation of a successful strategy for example, predicting future
trends can be difficult, and organizations may find it hard to make strategic decisions based
on uncertain data. Organizational culture can resist change, especially when new strategic
directions conflict with existing norms and values. Employees at all levels may be reluctant
to accept new strategies, especially if they are not involved in the process. There is often
tension between addressing short-term operational concerns and long-term strategic goals,
and balancing these priorities can be challenging. Organizations must align the interests of
various stakeholders each of whom may have different expectations for the company’s
strategy. This can be particularly difficult when stakeholders have conflicting priorities or
when managing diverse stakeholder needs.
Efficiency: Proper implementation can lead to more efficient use of resources and
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better operational performance.
Recent studies emphasize the critical role of aligning organizational structure with strategic
goals. Effective communication is essential for ensuring that all employees understand their
roles in the implementation process. Research shows that organizations with clear
communication strategies tend to have higher success rates in executing their strategies
(Kaplan & Norton, 2016).
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business by gathering views of executives all over the world. This resource is rare hence it is
valuable in attaining sustainable competitive advantage as Forviz can come up with unique
strategies. It further distributes its resources to growing globally by operating under two main
entities which is Forviz Mazars LLP in the united states and Forviz Mazars group, an
internationally integrated partnership which is a strategic approach to globalization for market
development hence they are able to neutralize threats. Forviz Mazars also allocate its
resources to diversity and talent development which cultivate talented, diversified staff,
promoting creativity and teamwork.
Human capital is typically the most critical resource for a consulting firm, as service delivery
revolves around the skills and expertise of employees, (Kenton , 2024). Proper allocation of
human resources includes assigning individuals based on their specific expertise, such as tax
advisory, audit, or financial consulting, ensures that clients receive specialized, high-quality
services, (Forvis Mazars, 2024). The firm must continuously assess the skill sets of
employees to ensure alignment with client needs. For each client engagement, appropriate
staffing must be allocated based on project requirements. Managing consultants’ time
effectively is also a key aspect of resource allocation.
Financial resources must be allocated to ensure the smooth operation of the firm and the
execution of client projects. Proper budgeting and forecasting play key roles here. Each
engagement will have a set budget based on the estimated hours and complexity of the tasks,
(Forvis Mazars, n.d.). Resource allocation must ensure that projects stay within budget,
balancing cost efficiency with the necessary expertise required. Financial resources also need
to be allocated to the firm’s internal operations—marketing, IT, HR, and administrative
functions. Ensuring that these departments are adequately funded is critical to maintaining
overall firm operations.
Resource allocation in a large consulting firm like Forvis Mazars is a complex process that
requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and continuous evaluation. Whether it’s
human resources, financial investment, technological infrastructure, or client service, each
area must be aligned with the firm’s goals and client expectations. Proper allocation ensures
that the firm maintains its competitive edge, delivers high-quality service, and operates
efficiently across all its engagements.
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One of the most significant obstacles to strategy implementation is resistance to
change among employees. This resistance can stem from fear of the unknown, lack of trust in
leadership, or perceived threats to job security. Research indicates that effective
communication and involvement of employees in the change process can mitigate resistance.
For instance, a study by Kotter( 2014) emphasizes the importance of engaging stakeholders
early in the implementation process to foster a sense of ownership and reduce pushback
against new strategies.
Organizational culture also plays a pivotal role in strategy implementation. A culture that is
misaligned with strategic objectives can hinder progress. Recent findings by Sieber (2022)
indicate that organizations with a strong alignment between their culture and strategy are
more likely to achieve their goals. The study recommends conducting cultural assessments
prior to implementation to identify potential misalignments.
Strategy evaluation is a crucial aspect of the strategic management process, where the
effectiveness and efficiency of an organization’s strategy are assessed, (Kenton, 2024). It
involves comparing actual outcomes with desired goals, measuring performance, and
adjusting if necessary. The literature on strategy evaluation spans across various frameworks,
methods, and techniques, reflecting its significance in guiding organizational decisions
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toward achieving long-term goals, (Sheldon et al., 2024).
It is crucial for organizations to adapt, thrive, and sustain competitive advantage in a dynamic
environment. Strategy evaluation involves a continual process of monitoring, learning, and
adapting to both external and internal changes. This process ensures that organizations can
respond proactively to emerging challenges and opportunities, (Rozman et al., 2023).
There are several frameworks that guide how organizations assess their strategies have been
developed, (Asana, 2024), and these frameworks differ in their approaches to performance
measurement, analysis, and decision-making. Some of these models are
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macro-environment in which an organization operates. This framework helps identify
external factors that may influence the success or failure of a strategy.
Strategy evaluation can be challenging for organizations due to several factors. According to
Le (2021) some common challenges include:
Data and Measurement Limitations: Reliable data and consistent metrics are often difficult to
gather, especially for non-financial aspects of strategy.
Alignment and Consistency: Ensuring that the evaluation process aligns with overall business
goals and that the criteria for success are clear is crucial but often complex.
In summary, strategy evaluation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that involves
a variety of methods and tools. Organizations need to adopt a multidimensional approach that
combines financial, non-financial, and strategic considerations to evaluate their performance.
Additionally, as businesses face increasingly complex and dynamic environments, strategy
evaluation must be agile and responsive, with an emphasis on continuous learning and
adaptation.
3.0 EVALUATION
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abstract, meeting the demands of a changing global marketplace.
Although the mission statement emphasizes the experience of employees and clients, it might
be improved by specifically addressing more general strategic objectives like market
expansion, technological integration, and sustainability. These elements are suggested but not
stated directly and adding them would broaden the mission's scope.
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths
-Strong Ethical Framework: Forvis Mazars' commitment to integrity and corporate
responsibility positions it as a trustworthy partner for clients. This commitment is particularly
important in financial services, where trust is paramount.
- Diverse Service Offerings: By offering a broad range of services, Forvis Mazars can meet
the diverse needs of clients, making it a one-stop solution for financial, tax, and advisory
services.
- International Expertise: The company’s global network provides access to best practices,
technological resources, and knowledge that strengthen service delivery and ensure
consistency across markets.
Weaknesses
- Market Perception: As a newly formed entity from the merger of Forvis and Mazars, there
are potential concerns about its stability and reputation in the local markets. This uncertainty
can affect client trust, especially in regions where the firm is still building its presence.
- Integration Challenges: Merging different organizational cultures and practices may lead to
operational inefficiencies or misalignments, potentially delaying the full realization of
synergies.
- Compensation Issues: Employee satisfaction may be impacted by salary structures that are
perceived as below industry standards, which could lead to higher turnover and challenges in
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talent retention.
Forvis Mazars faces intense competition from established firms, particularly the Big Four
accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), which dominate the market. To differentiate
itself, Forvis Mazars must leverage its unique selling propositions—such as its global
expertise, diverse services, and ethical commitment—while ensuring competitive pricing and
service quality.
The shortage of skilled professionals in Botswana and other emerging markets poses a
significant challenge for Forvis Mazars. The company must invest heavily in training and
development programs to build local talent and ensure its workforce is capable of meeting
client needs. Additionally, offering competitive compensation packages and career
advancement opportunities will be essential for talent retention.
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practices, client expectations, and service delivery across regions. Understanding local norms
and fostering relationships built on trust will be crucial in maintaining client loyalty and
ensuring smooth operations.
Economic Vulnerabilities
Botswana’s dependence on the global diamond market makes its economy susceptible to
fluctuations, which can indirectly affect demand for professional services. Forvis Mazars
must diversify its client base to mitigate risks associated with economic downturns tied to
diamond price volatility.
Digital Transformation
Digital technologies present both opportunities and challenges. While they enhance
operational efficiency and audit quality, they also require significant investment in
infrastructure and ongoing employee training. Forvis Mazars must ensure that its digital
transformation efforts align with local market capabilities, especially in regions where digital
infrastructure is still developing.
- Human Resources: Forvis Mazars must allocate sufficient resources to recruit, train, and
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retain talent. This includes enhancing diversity and creating a work environment that fosters
innovation and teamwork.
- Physical Resources: Ensuring that offices and facilities are equipped with the necessary
tools and infrastructure to support operations in different markets will contribute to efficiency
and service quality.
CONCLUSION
Forvis Mazars is strategically positioned to become a leading player in the global financial
services market. Its long-term objectives, such as global expansion, sustainability,
technological integration, and talent development, are well-aligned with the evolving
demands of the market. However, the company must address several challenges, including
market perception, talent retention, regulatory compliance, and competition from larger
firms. A solid foundation is provided by the company's vision and purpose statements, but its
strategic position would be strengthened if they were clarified to more specifically target
objectives like profitability, growth, and market expansion. Through efficient resource
allocation and solutions of implementation issues, Forvis Mazars may fulfill its goal of
developing into a reliable, inventive, and socially conscious financial services provider.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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automation can reduce the risk of human error and improve the accuracy of reporting.
Regular Training and Knowledge Sharing: Establish a continuous training
program for all employees to stay up to date with the latest changes in Botswana’s
tax, financial reporting, and compliance regulations. Incorporate regular compliance
workshops and collaborate with local regulators (like BURS and BICA) for real-time
updates on changes in the law.
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delivery. This can help improve responsiveness and client satisfaction.
Cross-Cultural Training for Staff: To improve coordination between international
and local teams, Mazars should implement regular cross-cultural communication
training to help employees understand and respect cultural differences. This would
help bridge any gaps in communication, expectations, and working styles between
local staff and international colleagues.
5. Economic Vulnerabilities
6. Digital Transformation
Enhance Data Security and Cybersecurity: Given the increasing threat of cyberattacks,
Mazars must prioritize cybersecurity by adopting robust security measures to protect
sensitive financial data. Partnering with specialized cybersecurity firms or hiring dedicated
in-house experts will ensure that the firm complies with data privacy laws and safeguards
client information
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