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Strategic Plan, Part 2: Internal Environmental Analysis
According to the Defense Logistic Agency (2017), the purpose of the DLA's
Strategic Material is to lead the U.S. agency for the analysis, planning, procurement and
management of materials critical to national security and that they serve their clients
through a unique combination of technical expertise, global/geopolitical material supply
analysis, and management & tracking of a broad range of existing & future critical
materials. Analyzing information and understanding the information you are given is
crucial for a company. An organization must understand the purpose of what they are
analyzing so they can make a plan and then prosecute it in the right way. The purpose of
this paper is to analyze the DLA's internal environment, their weakness and strengths,
their competitions and general factors that can affect the organization.
Internal environment
The atmosphere in the DLA is different from many companies. It is more a
military-oriented organization than an average company. Many of its employees are also
military veterans, which is good for the veterans because it gives them a sense of pride of
belonging. The non-veterans also love working there because it shows them somewhat of
how the military operates. It has its chain of command to go off though, and it makes it
easier for the employees to talk to someone in regards to any situations that may arise.
Besides that, we all feel like a family. Working in the DLA the internal environment is
excellent. The supervisors and managers treat everyone with respect and dignity; it makes
the employees comfortable to talk to the leaders. Once a month the commanding general
comes in, in every warehouse and makes sure he asks everyone around him if everything
is ok in the depot. This is dedication and motivation for the employees to see how much
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the higher ups care about their employees. To take the time and ask if everything is ok in
the depot and if there's anything "he" as Commanding General can do, is a great
environment to be in. Also, there are activities throughout the whole depot such as
employee appreciation day or veteran's day, where we have different games and
challenges to build employee bonding. The DLA also have opportunities for potential
promotions, and there are many pieces of training we can attend if an individual is not
trained for a particular position and what's to get promoted.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the most important advantages of the DLA regarding stakeholders and
consumers is that we are capable of deploying forces by air, land, and sea (Defense
Logistics Agency, 2017). Not many companies can do that and for us to do that as an
organization is impressive. The DLA also takes care of its employees and families just
like how the military does it. The strengths of our internal processes are also strong
because they have mastered their planning and they have the subsequent ability to grow
and expand. Another essential advantage we have is that we have a strong community
relationship throughout the world and this is very important to have. A good community
relationship is a must because this is where it all starts out to become successful. Our
relationship with our consumers is crucial, and we have to maintain a good status to do
business. Also, one of the most important strengths we have in the DLA is the employee,
without a trustable employee it'll be difficult to function. The DLA have to trust it's
employees and its employees have to believe it's company to operate right and make sure
we target out quota every month to support our warfighters. We also have leverage on
other people's money, which is great to have. According to the Mettise, M. Brach Chief
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of warehouse 30 (2017), "the only weakness we have internally is our Human Resource
division because they are not very good on communication since they are in different
states."
Internal Environmental Factors
As I identify the DLA's internal environment, one of its most crucial internal
environment factors is, of course, its employees. Employees play a huge factor in its
company, and it will determine what kind of culture and vibe the organization represents.
Employees who are motivated to work have higher outgrowth for a company rather than
employees who do not like what they do or dislike the environment of the workplace.
When an employee is unmotivated, the factors that come with this negativity will hurt the
company financially. Workers need to work together and collaborate on new ideas and
solutions to make the company successful. Having a good organization structure will also
help the company internally along with having a good management system that every
employee can trust. No favoritism among other employees due to any relationship they
have with one another is also a huge factor. Making sure that the company is all about
equality. This is where human resources play a significant role in a company because
they deal with many things, from hiring to firing to solving the situation that may happen.
Perform Competitor Analysis
The DLA has many competitors. They have to be aggressive but yet cheap
enough for their consumers to bargain with. There are vendors and contractors that can
eliminate the DLA, but because the DLA has such a good relationship with its
consumers, it will be hard to let them go. Mainly because the DLA is unique when it
comes to what products they have to offer and also their services of support is
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tremendous. The DLA is a small military organization that can help the military itself,
which they do. The DLA also provide deployments for their employee just like
contractors do, which it's a big deal because they military want certain trained personnel's
in specific areas where they are needed. A statement from the DLA Logistic Operations
Director Navy Rear Admiral, "I would unhesitatingly say you are our competitive
advantage in the balance of national power around the world. Without your ideas,
innovation, and commitment, we're not able to successfully support our warfighters,
(Reeces, B. 2016)." During this statement, the Admiral was talking to the DLA
employees and letting them know that without the trust and motivation of its employees
the DLA would not be able to support it warfighters today.
Structure of the Organization
The workflow and supervision of the DLA environment have a huge factor in its
performance. This is what keeps their structure flowing and maintains their monthly
quota. Each warehouse is different, and they have to maintain a certain quota every
month. The branch chief of a warehouse has to set up goals and make sure they are doing
everything by the book, just in case they get audited anytime. They have certain
structures to follow such as policies and procedures. For example, working at the DLA as
a laborer, we deal with MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) and supply them all over the world.
Each meal is different and can be confusing when packing them in the line, so everyone
has to double check it is the right meal with the correct serial number. If the serial
number is wrong or even the meal its self then we have to re-pack them again, which will
cost more money and time.
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Conclusion
The DLA's internal environment has been successful throughout the years, and
every year they are making more progress as technology changes and the era of our
environment also change. They have learned and adapted to a new generation that will
make them even more successful. I neglect to find any weakness for the organization, but
they have much strength within their internal environment. Their performance structure
has changed throughout the years, and they maintained to keep their quota every month.
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References
Defense Logistic Agency (2017); Strategic Material; received from
http://www.dla.mil/HQ/Acquisition/StrategicMaterials.aspx
Mettise, Matt (207); Branch Chief Warehouse 30;
retrieved from DLA Tracy, CA.
Reeces, Beth (2016); The Defense Logistics Agency; The Nations Combat Logistic
Support Agency; retrieved fromhttp://www.dla.mil/AboutDLA/News/News
ArticleView/Article/930516/dla-defense-industry-collaborate-on-maximizingwarfighter-readiness/
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