We have submitted a group assignment on applied strategic management Now I have to write individual reflections on group assignment Questions- 1. A skill or tool which the student has newly identified and/or practised for the first time in the scenario process, the value they see in this skill/tool and how they might use them in the workplace (400-500 words) 2. A new idea arising from the scenario process that challenged or developed the student's thinking in new ways (400-500 words). Answer- We have used MIRO board for scenario process Answer from chatgpt for reference 1. Skill Identified and Practiced: Scenario Building Using MIRO

One of the most impactful skills I developed during this group assignment was scenario building. This was a new process for me, especially the application of scenario planning frameworks like STIRDEEPER (Society, Technology, Industry, Resources, Demographics, Economics, Environment, Politics, Energy, and Religion). The use of MIRO, a collaborative visual tool, further enhanced my ability to map out complex scenarios.

Scenario building required us to look at Uruguay's future through various lenses, incorporating environmental, economic, and social factors, all while considering uncertainty and risk. For instance, we explored different end states for the country under varying levels of success in climate change mitigation and life quality metrics. The visual aid provided by MIRO allowed us to organize these thoughts collaboratively and efficiently. We could create mind maps, cluster key ideas, and dynamically move elements around as the scenarios evolved. This tool made it easier to think holistically about the uncertainties, driving forces, and the possible futures we were tasked with evaluating.

In terms of application in the workplace, scenario planning is vital for strategic decision-making. Whether I am dealing with market analysis, risk management, or long-term corporate strategy, the skill of systematically creating and analyzing potential future outcomes will be highly valuable. MIRO itself offers an adaptable platform for brainstorming and teamwork, which I see myself using in professional settings for tasks like project management, product development, or strategic workshops.

The ability to distill complex issues into clear visual frameworks also enhances communication with stakeholders. Scenario building does not just aid in risk assessment but allows for strategic innovationidentifying opportunities within uncertain conditions. This will be particularly beneficial when working in dynamic industries such as finance or technology, where anticipating future trends is crucial.

2. New Idea: Broadening Strategic Thinking Through Iterative Scenario Development

The scenario-building process challenged my understanding of strategic management by highlighting the importance of considering multiple future possibilities, each shaped by different driving forces and uncertainties. The iterative approach we used was especially transformative. Initially, I believed that the most effective strategic plans were linear, where one selects the best available option based on current data. However, through this assignment, I learned that strategic thinking must embrace ambiguity and unpredictability, which is often not evident in traditional management models.

This project taught me the significance of flexibility in strategic planning. The transition from Iteration 1 to Iteration 2 (where we refined our driving forces and incorporated local insights, such as water scarcity and demographic changes) demonstrated how essential it is to revisit and refine scenarios as new data becomes available. This iterative approach opened my eyes to the necessity of building strategies that are resilient to changing external factors, rather than fixating on a single predictive path.

This shift in thinking has altered how I will approach business problems in the future. Rather than assuming that a company's environment will stay relatively stable, I now appreciate the value of continuously adapting and testing assumptions. In the workplace, I envision applying this by continually revisiting project roadmaps or market entry strategies to assess whether the external environment has shifted. The ability to adapt strategies in response to unforeseen factors will be crucial in roles such as management consulting or corporate strategy, where decision-making occurs in volatile environments.

Moreover, considering different outcomes forced me to think more creatively about problem-solving. The assignment involved envisioning scenarios where both positive and negative drivers coexist, such as achieving success in climate change mitigation but failing in social equity metrics. These multidimensional perspectives pushed me to develop innovative solutions that address multiple variables simultaneouslya crucial skill in any leadership role. Please reframe the same taking this as reference and provide each asnwer in 400-500 words . Make it impactful and thoughtful self reflection.