Running head: STRATEGIC PLAN PART 2: INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 Strategic Plan, Part 2: Internal Environmental Analysis Elizabeth Hutchins University of Phoenix STR 581 October 3, 2016 Rodney Klein

STRATEGIC PLAN PART 2: INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 2 Strategic Plan Part 1: Environmental Analysis The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Scottrade's internal environment, identify the most significant strengths and weaknesses of the organization, and identify the most important internal environmental factors in the general, industry, and external analysis concerning the internal analysis. Further, this essay will evaluate the structure of the organization and the influence it has on its performance, as well as, conclude the organization's competitive position. Scottrade Inc. is a discounted brokerage firm that enables traders, investors and advisors to take control of their financial futures. Scottrade can do so by offering a variety of services, such as a number of trading technology products, long-term investor support, client education, face-to-face interaction at local branches, extended support through national service centers, independent advisor support, and online banking solutions (Scottrade, Inc., 2013). Most importantly, the company is well known for their competitive, low, trading commissions. Most Important Strengths and Weaknesses of the Organization One major strength of Scottrade is that it is a privately owned company. Being privately owned; Corporate management has complete control over the operations of the company, the tax structure, the freedom to make changes without concerns over shareholder expectations and interferences and are not vulnerable to hostile takeovers (Dorward, 2015). Scottrade also has a “right of non-disclosure” and are not required to reveal information about their operations. Right of non-disclosure and confidentiality is a key advantage as it removes the benefit of competitors. Lastly, privately held companies are least vulnerable to civil liability lawsuits (Dorward, 2015). This strength has been necessary because of the recent changes to the company's business model and organizational structure. A major internal weakness is the decline in employer-employee satisfaction. Scottrade's mission, core values, and principles are the driving force of internal operations. Scottrade has