The length of the paper should be approximately 25 pages, double-spaced including references, tables and figures. Make sure that the paper has an executive summary and that it is divided into sections and subsections in a logical manner. Part of your grade will be based on each individual's assessment of the relative contribution of each group member (Peer evaluation form is attached at the end of this syllabus and a drop box in D2L is prepared for submitting the form). The written paper should focus on the following points:
Introduction/Executive Summary.
Brief introduction of the company and product(s)
One or two key strategic issue(s) confronting the firm
The objective of your project and importance of the issue
External Environment and Industry Analysis.
General environmental components that impact the industry and the firm: economic, political, cultural, technological, or legal forces, including global/international economy.
Industry analyses: competitive structure, current and future competitors, customer needs and key stakeholders.
Key analytical tools you can choose from 1) Porter’s Five Forces Model; 2) Stakeholder Analysis; 3) SWOT Analysis (primarily the OT portion); 4) Strategic Group Mapping; 5) Industry Key Success Factors
Analysis of Internal Condition.
Internal firm resource and capability in competing with other companies.
Analytical tools include: 1) Value Chain Analysis; 2) Resource and Core Competency Evaluation; 3) SWOT Analysis (primarily the SW portion)
Strategy Development.
Based on the results of the analyses, key strategic recommendations should then be made.
Discussion on strategy development includes firm’s competitive strategy, business diversification strategy, and global competitive strategy.
Strategic Implementation and Control Systems.