10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 1 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
Touchstone 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic
Recommendations
SCENARIO: Select an organization you are familiar with or have worked for (currently or in
the past). You are tasked with analyzing the organization both internally and externally using
some of the tools and frameworks you have learned in this course. You are also tasked with
recommending changes to the organization’s strategy and structure, in addition to
considering associated ethical implications. This assignment requires you to apply SWOT
analysis, PESTEL analysis, Porter’s Five Forces of Industry Analysis, Porter’s Generic
Strategies, and organization design concepts related to strategy-structure fit. You will
prepare a slide deck containing your analysis and recommendations that could be
presented to the organization’s Board.
ASSIGNMENT: Your presentation will be 11-14 slides long, not including the title and
references slides. It must include the following slides:
Title
Executive Summary
Organization Background
Internal Strengths
Internal Weaknesses
External Opportunities
Ready
Submitted
Graded
When you’re ready to
upload your document, click
here.
SUBMIT TOUCHSTONE
Touchstones are currently being graded within 2-4 business days.
UNIT 4 — TOUCHSTONE 4:
Organization Analysis & Strategic
Recommendations
-/150
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 2 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
External Threats
Macro Environment Analysis: PESTEL
Micro Industry Analysis: Porter’s Five Forces
Generic Strategy Recommendations
Organization Design Recommendations
Ethical Considerations
References
If you’ve never used a presentation tool like PowerPoint or Google Slides before, don’t
worry! The assignment template below will help you create slides for a basic slide
presentation. Then you’ll be able to practice using the presentation technology as you put
the finishing touches on your presentation.
Touchstone 4 Template
Touchstone 4 Sample
Before you get started, let’s look at how you’ll be building the presentation, step by step.
Helpful Links:
Citation Help
Academic Integrity Guidelines
Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI
Share your feedback on Touchstones
A. Directions
Step 1: Choose an Organization
Select an organization that you are familiar with.
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 3 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
The most successful learners select an organization that is a public company with readily
available information to meet the analysis requirements of the rubric. These successful learners
do not rely solely on their personal knowledge but instead use evidence from references to
support points in the touchstone.
Learners that struggle with this touchstone are those who select an organization that is small,
hyper-local, non-profit, or governmental; this includes municipalities or the company they work
for. We suggest you avoid organizations in these categories.
Organizations that should NOT be used include:
Amazon
Amnesty International
US Bank
Walmart
Tesla
Step 2: Create Presentation Slides
Use a presentation tool like PowerPoint or Google Slides to outline and organize your
presentation. Your presentation must include the following:
Slide
Component
Title Slide
Your title slide will be the first slide and should include your name, the
date, and the name of the organization you selected.
Executive Summary
An executive summary should include the main points of your
presentation in 1-2 slides (no more than 2). It should also include your
recommendations in 1-3 bullet points. As a general rule, it is usually
best (and easiest) to write the executive summary last—after the rest of
your presentation is completed.
The organization background should be brief—no more than 1-2 slides.
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 4 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
Organization
Background
It should include a brief history of the organization, in addition to the
major products or services offered and the markets that are served.
Other possible categories include the founding date, mission
statement, annual profits, sales regions, etc.
Internal Strengths
Using what you have learned about SWOT analysis, identify 4-6
strengths internally within the organization. You may have to make
some inferences based on what you know or perceive about the
organization.
Internal Weaknesses
Using what you have learned about SWOT analysis, identify 4-6
weaknesses internally within the organization. You may have to make
some inferences based on what you know or perceive about the
organization.
External Opportunities
Using what you have learned about SWOT analysis, list 4-6
opportunities facing the organization externally. Opportunities and
threats are generally easier to identify than internal strengths and
weaknesses, and are typically shared across the same industry.
External Threats
Using what you have learned about SWOT analysis, list 4-6 threats
facing the organization externally. Opportunities and threats are
generally easier to identify than internal strengths and weaknesses,
and are typically shared across the same industry.
Macro Environment
Analysis: PESTEL
Applying the PESTEL framework to the organization, identify 1-3 factors
for each of the following: Political Factors, Economic Factors,
Sociocultural Factors, Technological Factors, Environmental Factors,
Legal Factors.
Micro Industry
Analysis: Porter’s Five
Forces
Analyze the industry the organization competes in by applying what
you have learned about Porter’s Five Forces of industry analysis. You
should list 2-3 observations for each of the following factors: Threat of
New Entrants, Threat of Substitutes, Supplier Power, Buyer Power, and
Industry Rivalry.
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 5 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
Generic Strategy
Recommendations
Given what you have learned from your internal and external analysis
of the organization, are they pursuing the right strategy? If so, why? If
not, what might you recommend? Is the recommended (or current)
strategy the right “fit” for the environment in which the organization
competes? Be sure to select one of Porter’s three generic strategies
and provide your rationale: Cost Leadership, Differentiation, or Focus.
Organization Design
Recommendations
Is the organization optimally designed (structured) for either your
recommended or their current strategy? For example, if they are
pursuing a Cost Leadership strategy, do they have a low-cost
operating model? The objective here is to determine and demonstrate
the degree of “fit” between strategy and structure.
Ethical Considerations
What are some of the ethical considerations for your recommended (or
current) strategy? Is the organization positioned for long-term
sustainability? Are there issues which may ultimately affect the
organization’s ability to attract and retain talented employees or
maintain the credibility of their brand? Are there potential ethical
dilemmas in executing any recommended changes? The need to
potentially layoff thousands of workers or stop paying for benefits such
as healthcare to lower operating expenses, for example?
References
This touchstone requires you to use at least four sources, including the
course tutorials. Ideas for outside sources include (but are not limited
to) organization websites, annual reports, or news articles from
reputable magazines or newspapers. Following APA formatting, your
sources should appear in alphabetical order. Visit the APA Style:
Citation Help resource for assistance.
Step 3: Add Speaker Notes
For this assignment, you are not actually giving a presentation, but rather just preparing a slide
deck that summarizes your findings and recommendations.
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 6 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
An important step in the preparation of a speech is writing speaker notes. Speaker notes are
notes added to a slide presentation as a reference for the presenter and can be found below
each slide. For this touchstone, add your speaker notes to explain your analysis using
information from your sources. If you were giving an oral presentation, these notes wouldn't be
visible to your audience when you’re in Presenter View. But you would be able to see them, and
they would guide you through your presentation.
Your speaker notes will be used to evaluate your project, so make sure you write in complete
sentences and pay attention to spelling and grammar. Also, make sure you’re citing the
information from your sources using in-text citations in APA style. These citations should include
the author's last name and the year of publication for the source, for example, (Mitchell, 2014).
Most presentation software will automatically display a field for speaker notes. If using Keynote,
you can access the speaker notes by clicking on View, then Show Presenter Notes.
Step 4: Submit Presentation
Once you have completed your slides and corresponding speaker notes, it is time to submit your
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 7 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
presentation. If you are using PowerPoint, you simply need to save your presentation and upload
this file to Sophia. If you are using another slide presentation technology, download the slide
deck as a Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) and upload this version to Sophia.
B. Rubric
Advanced
(100%)
Proficient
(85%)
Acceptable
(75%)
Needs
Improve
(50%)
Depth and
Comprehensiveness
of Organization
Background
A researched
discussion of the
organization’s history
and background is
provided. (10%)
Background slide(s)
demonstrate in-depth
knowledge of the
organization’s history,
major products or
services, and markets,
and reference relevant
external sources.
Background slide(s)
demonstrate ample
knowledge of the
organization’s history,
major products or
services, and markets,
and reference relevant
external sources.
Background slide(s)
demonstrate basic
knowledge of the
organization’s history,
major products or
services, and markets,
and reference relevant
external sources.
Background
demonstrate
knowledge
organization
major produ
services, an
but may be
confusing, o
reference to
sources.
Application of SWOT
Framework
A SWOT analysis of the
organization is
conducted. (17%)
At least 4 strengths,
weaknesses, threats,
and opportunities are
each identified. SWOT
analysis is specific and
evidence-based (makes
reference to sources).
At least 3 of each factor
are identified at the
advanced level. Or, at
least 4 of each are
identified but analysis
is less specific and may
not be evidence-based.
At least 3 of each factor
are identified, but
analysis is vague and
may not be evidence-
based.
At least 2 of
are identifie
analysis is v
may not be
based.
Application of
PESTEL Framework
A macro environmental
analysis of the
organization is
conducted. (17%)
At least 3 macro
environmental factors
for each PESTEL
category are identified.
Analysis demonstrates
a thorough
understanding of the
PESTEL framework and
the macro environment
of the organization.
At least 2 macro
environmental factors
for each PESTEL
category are identified.
Analysis demonstrates
a moderate
understanding of the
PESTEL framework and
the macro environment
of the organization.
At least 1 macro
environmental factor
for each PESTEL
category is identified..
Analysis demonstrates
a limited understanding
of the PESTEL
framework and the
macro environment of
the organization.
Macro envir
factors for m
PESTEL cate
identified, b
demonstrate
confusion a
PESTEL fram
the macro e
of the organ
Application of
Porter’s Five Forces
Framework
A micro environmental
At least 2-3
observations for each
of Porter’s Five Forces
are made.
At least 2-3
observations for each
of Porter’s Five Forces
are made.
At least 1 observation
for each of Porter’s Five
Forces is made.
Observations
Micro enviro
observation
but not all, o
Five Forces
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 8 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
analysis of the
organization is
conducted. (17%)
Observations
demonstrate a
thorough
understanding of
Porter’s Five Forces
and the micro
environment of the
organization.
Observations
demonstrate a
moderate
understanding of
Porter’s Five Forces
and the micro
environment of the
organization.
demonstrate a limited
understanding of
Porter’s Five Forces
and the micro
environment of the
organization.
Observation
demonstrate
about Porte
Forces and
environmen
organization
Strategy
Recommendations
Strategy
recommendations are
made and supported
with evidence. (17%)
Organization’s current
strategy is identified
and defended, or one
of Porter’s three
generic strategies is
recommended with
rationale. Strategy
recommendations are
highly specific and
supported by SWOT
and environmental
analyses.
Organization’s current
strategy is identified
and defended, or one
of Porter’s three
generic strategies is
recommended with
rationale. Strategy
recommendations are
moderately specific
and supported by
SWOT and
environmental
analyses.
Organization’s current
strategy is identified
and defended, or one
of Porter’s three
generic strategies is
recommended.
Strategy
recommendations are
somewhat vague or
unsupported by SWOT
and environmental
analyses.
Organizatio
strategy is id
and defend
of Porter’s t
generic stra
recommend
Strategy
recommend
be very unc
unsupporte
and environ
analyses.
Organization Design
Recommendations
Organization design
recommendations are
made and supported
with evidence. (10%)
Analysis of “fit”
between the current
organizational structure
and strategy is
comprehensive, and
any recommendations
for or against design
changes are explained
with evidence.
Analysis of “fit”
between the current
organizational structure
and strategy is present
but abbreviated.
Recommendations for
or against design
changes are explained
with evidence.
Analysis of “fit”
between the current
organizational structure
and strategy is present
but abbreviated.
Recommendations for
or against design
changes may be
unclear or unexplained.
Analysis of “
between the
organization
and strategy
missing.
Recommend
or against d
changes ma
unclear or u
Ethical
Considerations
Ethical considerations
for strategy
recommendations are
analyzed. (6%)
Analysis of ethical
considerations for
current or
recommended
organizational strategy
is relevant and
insightful. Awareness of
issues related to
business ethics is
strong.
Analysis of ethical
considerations for
current or
recommended
organizational strategy
is present but less well-
developed. Awareness
of issues related to
business ethics is
moderate.
Analysis of ethical
considerations for
current or
recommended
organizational strategy
is present but limited.
Awareness of issues
related to business
ethics is somewhat
weak.
Analysis of e
consideratio
current or
recommend
organization
is present b
or irrelevant
Awareness
related to b
ethics is ver
Formatting and
Mechanics
Conventions for
standard written
English are followed
and sources are
included. (6%)
Presentation is
polished and
professional, and
contains one or no
grammar, spelling, or
formatting errors. At
least four sources are
provided in the
reference slide.
Presentation is mostly
professional, but may
contain a few grammar,
spelling, or formatting
errors. Three sources
are provided in the
reference slide.
Frequent grammar,
spelling, or formatting
errors detract from the
overall professionalism
of the presentation.
Two sources are
provided in the
reference slide.
Presentation
unprofessio
contains a la
number of g
spelling, or
errors. One
provided in
reference sl
10/5/26, 10:57 AM
TOUCHSTONE 4: Organization Analysis & Strategic Recommendations | Principles of Management | Sophia Learning
Page 9 of 9
https://app.sophia.org/spcc/principles-of-management-2-touchstone-4-1
C. Requirements
The following requirements must be met for your submission:
All content must be appropriate for an academic context.
Composition must be original and written for this assignment.
Reference slide must include at least four sources.
Presentation must include speaker notes for every slide.
Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Submission must include your name and the date.
File format must be .pptx.
About
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Terms of Use
Your Privacy Choices
© 2026 SOPHIA Learning, LLC. SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, LLC.