Environmental Scanning: Evaluation & Recommendations to Management

Abstract

This report summarizes information about the potential that environmental scanning activities offer the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). Environmental scanning activities help an organization to anticipate, evaluate, and prepare for situations or conditions that serve as obstacles or opportunities to move toward a future vision. Environmental scanning in its broadest sense includes marketing and strategic planning, as well as identifying emerging issues, setting priorities, monitoring the environment, interpreting information, and alerting management to the need for action. The report highlights some issues for Mn/DOT to consider as it looks at using environmental scanning as a tool and makes specific recommendations for its incorporation.