External Environment Assignment

This assignment will help you prepare  for the Final Case Analysis. Read the The Guide to Case Analysis document for thorough instructions and a detailed outline on the Final Case Analysis report.

This paper will focus on evaluating a company’s external environment, as described in Chapter 3 of the textbook. The paper should answer the eight main topics/questions presented in Chapter 3 for the industry and company/organization you choose to evaluate. The eight questions are summarized on pages 81-82. It is highly recommended that you choose the same organization you plan to use for your final case analysis assignment, since this activity will cover a large part of the final analysis requirements. Also, this submittal can be used as a main part of the final analysis.

If you haven't already, remember to sign up for the case study you want to examine throughout the term (see Discussion Board/Week One for this forum).

This analysis is a critical first look at the situation an organization faces and helps prepares the strategic planning team for an honest evaluation of strategic alternatives. The paper should be outlined in nine sections with the first section as an introduction and describing the company and industry to be evaluated. The next eight sections should mirror the eight questions from the chapter with the appropriate headings (which should be included in your paper).

The purpose of the paper is to give students the opportunity to explore these subjects and to scratch the surface of what is required to truly understand a company’s position in the external environment. Therefore, it is understood that the paper will not cover all the possible outcomes or areas to consider.

Submission Details:

• The paper should be no more than 4-6 pages of text, double-spaced, with an additional works cited page.


• The use of bulleted phrases and lists instead on lengthy sentences is acceptable under each of the eight questions for the details of your analysis.


• Please use size 12 font, 1" margins, and APA formatting.


• The instructor evaluates each essay for clarity of writing, critical analysis of the issues, proper use of references to support positions taken, and extent to which it addresses the issues specified in the assignment.

Text book -  Thompson Jr. A. A, Peteraf, M. A., Gamble, J. E., and Strickland III, A. J. (2020). Crafting & Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases. 22 nd Edition. McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 978-1-260-07510-6