Distinguished - Thoroughly and comprehensively developed introduction and thesis statement, giving a clear direction and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - Clearly developed introduction and thesis statement, giving some direction and purpose of the paper.

Basic - Introduction and thesis statement are present, and somewhat give direction and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Introduction and thesis statement are present, though incomplete. The direction and purpose of the paper is unclear.

Non-Performance - The introduction and thesis statement are either non-existent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively analyzes the strategic plan including at least three strengths and three weaknesses that are internal to the organization.

Proficient - Analyzes the strategic plan including  three strengths and three weaknesses that are internal to the organization. The analysis is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Partially analyzes the strategic plan including at least two strengths and weaknesses that are internal to the organization.The analysis is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze the strategic plan including strengths and weaknesses that are internal to the organization; however, fewer than two of each are included and the analysis is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The analysis of the strategic plan is either non-existent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively analyzes the strategic plan including at least three opportunities and three threats that are external to the organization.

Proficient - Analyzes the strategic plan including three opportunities and three threats that are external to the organization. The analysis is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Partially analyzes the strategic plan including at least two opportunities and at least two threats that are external to the organization. The analysis is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze the strategic plan including opportunities and threats that are external to the organization; however, fewer than two of each are included and the analysis is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The analysis of the strategic plan is either non-existent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly and accurately addresses at least five key areas, concepts, and strategies that are outlined in the course text.

Proficient - Addresses at least five key areas, concepts, and strategies that are outlined in the course text. Minor details are missing or inaccurate.

Basic - Partially addresses at least five key areas, concepts, and strategies that are outlined in the course text. Relevant details are missing and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to address key areas, concepts, and strategies that are outlined in the course text; however, fewer than five are addressed and significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The incorporation of key areas, concepts, and strategies outlines within the text is either non-existent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Conclusion is skillfully developed and thoroughly summarizes the strategic plan value for the organization and reaffirms the thesis.

Proficient - Conclusion is mostly developed, and adequately summarizes the strategic plan value for the organization and reaffirms the thesis.

Basic - Conclusion is present, and loosely summarizes the strategic plan value for the organization and reaffirms the thesis.

Below Expectations - Conclusion is present, though somewhat incomplete. It does not adequately summarize the strategic plan value for the organization and reaffirms the thesis.

Non-Performance - The conclusion is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors, and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors, which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title and reference page.

Proficient -Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.

Basic - Exhibits basic knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - The paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Proficient - The paper closely meets the page requirements stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic - The paper meets over half of the page requirement.

Below Expectations - A fraction of the page requirement is completed.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished -Provides ample resources and uses the correct amount of sources from the specified search agents.

Proficient - Provides the approximate number of sources, while using some of the correct search agents specified in the assignment instructions.

Basic - Provides over half of the  sources required in the assignment instructions.

Below Expectations - Provides inadequate number of resources and does not include sources from specified search agents.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either non-existent or lacks the components described in the instructions.