VMOST Analysis

DESCRIPTION

The VMOST Analysis, devised by Rakesh Sondhi, Professor of Global Strategy at Hult International Business School, is a framework and evaluation technique for strategic planning. The results of this internal analysis will highlight various options on how to bring about change while ensuring they align with the strategic and long-term vision of the organization. This analysis can be applied at various levels, from an organization-wide lens to specific business unit projects. Each letter of the acronym represents a key element to consider during strategic planning: Vision Mission Objectives Strategies Tactics

WHEN TO USE IT

This analysis is typically conducted top-down, working from the vision all the way to tactics. The structure enables a team to set goals at every level of the organization that ladder up to the vision. Most employees tend to focus on the day-to-day activities they are responsible for. It is critical to have clarity in how daily activities drive towards the desired strategies, objectives, mission, and vision of the organization. The power of this analysis lies in its sequential nature and in ensuring all components are aligned.

HOW TO USE IT

VMOST is typically conducted after assessing the external environment and logical options for an organization (which would leverage a mix of tools such as STEEPV, Porter’s Five Forces, and SWOT).

1. Begin with the vision and mission: Focus the rest of your analysis by working your way top-down. The vision describes what the future should look like, and often uses terms such as ‘will’. Then, create missions: actions of changes that will help accomplish the vision. They are action-oriented but sit at a high level.
2. Set the objectives, strategy, and tactics: As you work your way down, your analysis and decision-making will become increasingly specific. Objectives must be linked to missions to help measure success and a strategy should support one or more missions, while tactics that are necessary to execute strategy (typically at the level of business units).
3. Prioritize the options: This tool helps stakeholders gain insight into the desired changes in their organization and will uncover various paths to bring about change. Using a set of logical criteria, prioritize what the client should accomplish first.