Assignment:
Individual Strategic Analysis Report
The intent of the Individual Strategic Analysis Report is to assess the internal and external environments of a firm and develop a strategic recommendation. Developing such an understanding should draw on perspectives from all of your previous business courses and use especially the analytical concepts presented in BA 452. You will choose a firm from the assigned list of company's with approval of your instructor.
The project consists of four steps/phases:
A. Development of a description of or body of data/information about various aspects of the company and its environment (both general and specific/industry)
B. Analysis of the data/information using course concepts and analytical tools
C. Identification of strategic issues/problems/decision to which the company needs to attend.
D. Generation of strategicalternatives or options, i.e., what the company could do to improve the company results
E. Choice/decision among the alternatives as to what the company should do.
These steps/phases are reflected in the instructions and suggestions below.
a. Present your firm's industry description and history.
b. Create an External General Analysis -Use the PESTEL model. Make sure that you identify both opportunities and threats in the external environment. Identify factors which will impact on the external environment. Make sure that you address demand and where the industry is going. Identify what are the major issues in the industry that are concerning for the firm.
c. Demonstrate that you understand the general industry dynamics using the 5- Forces model and KSFs. Explain if the industry attractive and why. Determine if there are thereare profits to be in this industry and by who. Who are the incumbents? Potential new entrants? Is the 5 forces shifting?
d. Develop a Competitive Analysis. Examine and discuss the industry characteristics - Demand, Market Segments, Revenues, Capacity, Pace of change, Life cycle and Industry Structure all need to be addressed. Describe any first movers. What are the tactical, strategic, offensive and defensive maneuvers that are going on within the industry. Who is the best company is the industry? Identify who is very weak in the industry.
e. Develop an internal analysis to identify the company's business model ( how they make money). Give a short history and overview of the firm's products.
f. Describe and analyze the firm's mission, values, and goals. Indicate if they are appropriate and begin followed.
g. Discuss and identify the firm's resources and capabilities, and describe the leadership, culture, and core competencies. Analyze their current position in the market and determine what they have in their "luggage or not." Discuss the major issues facing the company internally. Use the models of Value Chain, and RBV perspective.
h. Evaluate the company's performance using financial and other measures.Demonstrate yourunderstanding of how well the firm is doing. You will need to examine company's financial and market data.Include an income statement and balance sheet for 5 years. Discuss the trends for the company. Do these trends echo the industry? If not discuss reasons why.Is there anything to be concerned about?
i. Do the Ratio Analysis (profitability, liquidity, operating/asset management, debt, industry specific) for the last 3 years. You need numbers.Compare to industry averages for the last 3 years (identify who is in your average).Point out problem areas. Does the firm have a competitive advantage?
j. Develop a SWOT Matrix and discuss the implications of the SWOT and how it helps to form the companies strategies, goals, and mission.
k. Identify what strategies - Porter's generic, business and corporate level that the company appears to be following and how the company's internal abilities and external forces impact on these strategies.
l. Explain what changes you might recommend in the company's direction. Make sure that you use the SWOT and the book to help you.
Your audience is the top executives of the company. You need to place yourself in the role of an analyst who has been hired to help the firm craft a strategy. Put your data into tables and figures. Your text should be your analysis, interpretation, and findings derived from your data. You need to gather the data (cite your sources) and do analysis. Remember it is the so what and interpretation which matters. Use the techniques and tools to outline the external and competitive environment of the industry for the company. You must refer to and utilize your Exhibits. Business writing is a must, therefore it is important to use headings and have a clear logic in your report.
Remember - Headings, summaries, roadmaps, page numbers, spelling and grammar all count!
Exhibits that should be attached to the report include at least aPESTEL, 5 Forces, Strategic Map, Balance Sheet and Income Statement, Ratios (3 years at least), Competitor Table, Value Chain, VRINE and SWOT for each firm. The data (numbers and charts) go into tables and figures, write your analysis referring to the data. It is the quality of data and interpretation which matters. Exhibits should be referred to and discussed in the report. Do not just repeat data, instead analyze and tell your boss what the data means. Use headings to help organize your report. Please make sure you use terms developed in class and from the book.
You need to cite your sources of data. Use end notes to cite your sources. Be consistent in your format. You may also include reference page. The Maximum length is 30 pages with an additional 15 pages of exhibits. What you turn in for this assignment you should be proud to give to any boss.
Note that in several instances the Professor/Boss expects the use of exhibits, e.g., financial statements. There are multiple points at which "a graph will speak volumes." Or a summary exhibit will efficiently summarize a discussion. I would suggest putting your tables and charts in the back of your report.
The page count assumes 12-Point Times Roman font or equivalent, with one-inch margins. Generally a professional report will be single (or perhaps one and a half) spacing.
The report is for a business audience and needs to fit a more business style of writing. Contact thewriting center if you are unsure about business writing style. Use headings to organize your work.
ttachment:- Individual Strategic Analysis Report.rar