The final paper must follow this framework: (Be sure to explain each section, each matrix etc.) Include a cover page, use Times New Roman font size 12 with 1 inch margins on all sides. All of your matrices should each fit on one page; do not carry over to another page. Number every page. Follow the format below as to the order of your paper, each numbered item should be a section heading of your paper. Label each matrix and then it is very important that you then explain your matrix. Describe the key data points, and explain in detail what this matrix explains about your case. When someone looks at any of your matrices, they should be able to understand what this data means to further understand your case.
Your paper is to be in the following order. Each bolded category (e.g. Company Background) is a section of your paper. Each section could be several pages in length. There are 16 sections, so it is reasonable that your total paper could exceed 40 pages, including matrices. It is important to provide detailed and thorough explanations of the information about your company. The key to a case analysis is to provide an analysis using the tools we have covered in this course and describe what this tool is telling you about the company and its competitive position.
Company Background: Several paragraphs on history, founders, products, etc.
Company Vision & Mission: Identify and analyze the companys vision, mission, objectives, and strategies. Analyze using the criteria from the textbook.
Company Business Model: What is the organizations business model? Define how the business will provide customers with value and generate sufficient revenue to cover costs and produce attractive profits. Include a value chain analysis for your company. Provide an analysis based on the criteria from the textbook.
Competitive Strategy: Which of the five generic competitive strategies most closely fits the organization? As you consider the typical marketing, finance, and HR activities of the organization, what are the chief elements of the organizations strategy?
Ethics: Identify the companys code of ethics and discuss any ethical issues. Does the company pass the ethical litmus test? How so? Or, why not? Provide specific examples from the companys code and what you find regarding the actual behavior of your company.
Five Forces Analysis: What is competition like in the industry? Do a five-force analysis. Identify the forces and, as appropriate, assess the impact these forces might have on members of the industry. Include an analysis for each of the five forces.
Strategic Group Map: Create a Strategic Group Map using two relevant and key differentiating characteristics. What does it reveal about who each member sees as its major competition?
EFE Matrix: Identify and discuss the organizations important external opportunities and threats, and construct an External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix. Explain.
SWOT & CPM: Prepare the following matrices and discuss the implications of each matrix, and give the advantages and disadvantages of these alternative strategies:
Construct a SWOT Matrix and provide a SWOT analysis. What does this analysis reveal about the overall attractiveness of the situation?
Construct a Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM). Explain.
IFE Matrix: Identify and discuss the organizations major internal strengths and weaknesses? What key factors determine the success of members of this industry (KSF)? Construct an Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix. Explain.
Advanced Matrices: Prepare the following matrices and discuss the implications of each matrix, and give the advantages and disadvantages of these alternative strategies:
BCG
SPACE
QSPM
Financials: Prepare the last 3 years of financial data in a spreadsheet.
Operating Profit Margin
Net Profit Margin
Earnings Per Share (include a 3 year stock chart)
Return on Assets
Return on Equity
Current Ratio
Working Capital
Total-Debt-to-Assets
Debt-to-Equity
Long-Term Debt-to-Equity
Days of Inventory
Inventory Turnover
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for Selected Items (Net Income)
Strategic Performance: How well is the organization performing from a strategic perspective? Try to assess the companys market share, growth, competitive position, or ability to meet goals.
Recommendations: Recommend SPECIFIC strategies and long term objectives. Compare your recommendations to actual strategies planned by the company.
Forecasted Ratios & Financials: Specify how your recommendations can be implemented and what results you can expect. Prepare forecasted ratios and projected financial statements. Include a timeline for action.
Strategy Review and Evaluation: Recommend procedures for strategy review and evaluation. Follow the textbook criteria outlined or strategy review and evaluation. Describe how your company is meeting these criteria.
References
Strategy Club. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.strategyclub.com
