Create a Company Analysis and Recommendations Report
Assignment Descriiption
For your final assignment, I’d like you to conduct an in-depth strategic analysis of a company of your choice. More specifically, I CHALLENGE YOU to find what you consider to be currently THE most interesting and exciting business with the highest growth potential (so, don’t pick Facebook, Apple or Google – they are already pretty big!).
Once you do your research, submit a paper that presents a succinct analysis (based on your own research! No hunting for prior cases or things like that) of the causal reasons of success of your chosen firm, as well as the resulting recommendations that you are making to your company.
The paper should clearly show your contribution as a manager/consultant to understand the key reasons of success and identify potential pathways of improvement.
Assignment Structure
Your assignment will contain two main parts:
- Part 1 – Analysis of the company (50%). Explain WHY this business is so fantastic (needless to say, that you should phrase this in the language, concepts and logics of this class).
- Part 2 – Recommendations for the company (50%). Explain WHAT this business could do even BETTER going forward.
Assignment Format
Your paper should be written in a concise style, limited to max. 6 pages plus a reasonable appendix if needed (12 pt. Times Roman font, 1.5 spaced, 2.5 cm margins all around; please do not use your formatting skills to squeeze more words on these pages – the point of the restriction is that you focus on what is essential, i.e. analysis, interpretation and recommendation!)
Grading
Your paper will be graded as follows:
Understanding and application of strategy logics 18 points
Industry analysis 18 points
Understanding of network externalities as they affect the selected company 18 points
Identification of key capabilities and drivers of value 18 points
Strength and logic of overall predictions 18 points
Appropriate company selection 5 points
Length of report and technical requirements 5 points
****Considerations for completing this assignment
This is individual work.
Your paper should be written in a concise style.
Your paper should be submitted in document format, with a maximum length of 6 pages plus a reasonable appendix if needed. In technical terms, please use 12 pt. Times Roman font, 1.5 spaced, 2.5cm margins all around. In other words, please do not use your formatting skills to squeeze more words on these pages: the point of the length and formatting restrictions is that you focus on what is essential (your analysis, interpretation and recommendations!)
This assessment will be graded by your learning facilitator and will count as 60% of your grade.
Use the rubric below as a guide to understand how you will be assessed.