CASE STUDY QUESTIONS – See Appendix: Case Analysis and Case Analysis Boxes throughout the text – see chapter/page numbers below for more specific explanations of each point. In summary, we are learning how to analyze common business cases in different environments and how to manage them strategically to maximize profits and minimize negative possibilities. The conclusion should provide your best strategic alternatives. We are learning the basics of how to manage strategically and will gain experience in real-world situations. Not only will the Appendix: Case Analysis found in the back of our book help with writing about cases, but our Course Resources have guidelines too.
For all the cases, see the Appendix: Case Analysis information starting on page A-1 shows the process. As you can see, the questions build up and lead to developing the optimal strategy for a company. Case Studies are a process and guide in development to manage strategically. For cases such as this assignment, only answer the questions below. Although they are similar to the Appendix, start by following the question pattern below to ensure your readiness for the next steps. We have progressed through our reading and these major Case Analyses assignments include more questions leading your work to conclude alternative strategies. Be sure to conclude with your strategic alternatives, which is the main purpose of the assignment.
Each case will have a list of questions to answer, leading to the best strategies. Throughout our Strategic Management textbook, directions and models demonstrate how to assess factors for optimal strategy creation. Additionally, the glossary and index provide meanings and more page numbers about the content.
Major case questions
1. Introduce the organization: basic facts and current status
Ch. 1
2. Specifically identify the industry, life-cycle stage and the competitors – see IBIS World database
Ch. 2
3. Who has succeeded and failed in the industry? What are the Critical Success Factors?
Ch. 2
4. What political/legal forces affect the industry?
Ch. 3
5. What economic forces affect the industry? What is the market structure?
Ch. 3
6. What social forces affect the industry?
Ch. 4
7. What technological forces affect the industry?
Ch. 4
8. What is the current firm-level / corporate-level strategy: Growth strategies / Stability strategies / Retrenchment strategies
Ch. 6
9. What is the current business-level [generic] strategy? See Porter’s generic strategies: low-cost; differentiation; market-wide [broad] or niche?
Ch. 7
10. What are the business strategies of the major competitors?
Ch. 7
11. What is the organization’s financial position and financial strategy – how do they make and invest their money?
Ch. 8
12./13. What are the organization’s Strengths and Weaknesses? On what competencies should they build?
Ch. 9, SWOT
14./15. What are the organization’s Opportunities and Threats? How should they address or overcome them?
Ch. 9, SWOT
16. What strategic alternatives are available to the organization?
Ch. 9
17. What are the pros and cons of these alternatives?
Ch. 9
18. Which alternative should be pursued and why?
Ch. 9
19. How should these alternatives be implemented? (What are the next 3 steps to be taken?)
Ch. 11
Case Study Summaries
Instructions: This project requires you to apply the concepts and methods in this course. The purpose is to research, and collect company and environment data in order to create the best strategic alternatives from your findings. The question list shows pages of reading that may not have been assigned yet. This will help you find the meanings and apply them. This is an individual project.
Answering the questions above, write the research paper incorporating APA standards and citing a minimum of five (5) journal sources, and/or business trade resources. After answering these questions concisely, continue on to the next inquiry. To answer and minimize word count, use bullet lists and tables such as for the SWOT analysis. Do not simply answer the questions; provide support and articulate a path forward with your strategic alternatives. The paper is similar to composing a business proposal for executives to learn about the firm’s best opportunities and next steps toward them. The main purpose is to apply our textbook reading to provide strategic options, justifying our alternatives from research.
For your HW papers, your paper submission should follow these composition and formatting guidelines; and be composed into a “Word Document.”
Title page with your name, course, date, and an appropriate title.
You can use single or double space, Times New Roman, and 12pt font.
Support your position.
When all is done, give a brief conclusion.
Upon citing works, add a separate reference page.
These APA additions are NOT a part of the word count that should approximate 1000-1200 words. Each individual will submit their paper to the Professor via the Assignment link.
