Homework 1: Keep all underlined and/or bold text as headers, delete all text in italics, as it's instructional. Please use a separate paragraph for each item listed. Include all items; if it's not applicable, for example, there are no legal issues, discuss it. Fully and properly cite all quotes and ideas per MLA format.
Direct quotes should be no more than 2-3 sentences. Never quote an entire paragraph. Cite all quotations. Total citations shouldn't be more than 20% of the paper.
Attach a separate Bibliography to all assignments. You will use it for your final paper. For all assignments, all but 2 sources must be from the from the PSU Library, BA 301 Course Guide: Business Source Premiere, Business Insights Global, LexisNexis, Edgar (10K), Investext, Passport, IbisWorld, Mintel, as well as any industry specific database found through the course guide.
Part 1-Company Discussion
Introduction: First sentence should start with "________ is a _________ company..." Then include an overview of the history, size, number of employees, locations, products, etc. At least two paragraphs.
Mission
Quote, cite, AND discuss.
Vision
Quote, cite, AND discuss.
Values
Quote, cite, AND discuss.
Current Business Strategy
Located in 10-K or Company Annual Reports.
Stakeholders
List 5 of them. List their stakes. Do not list individual shareholders.
List two opposing stakeholders and their stakes,
List two stakeholders with the same stakes, list their stakes.
Financial Overview
3 years revenues, 3 years profits. Cite, discuss.
Financial History
3 years of historical stock performance. Cite, discuss.
Debt
Discuss DE ratio.
Patents
Discuss only if applicable. For example, a pharmaceutical company should have a robust discussion on patents. If not applicable, say so.
Legal issues
Is the company facing multiple lawsuits-discuss? Do not list individual lawsuits.
SWOT
In narrative form. Include a separate paragraph for each:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Part 2-Industry Discussion
Industry Introduction: Start with "____________ is in the ______ Industry." Thoroughly introduce the industry, trends, up, down, predictions. What makes it an industry? Don't directly discuss your company here.
Competitor 1: Introduction & overview. Market share compared to your company. 3 years revenues and 3 years profits. How is this competitor different than the others in their Industry? What are they doing better or worse?
Competitor 2: Introduction & overview. Market share compared to your company. 3 years revenues and 3 years profits. How is this competitor different than the others in their Industry? What are they doing better or worse?
Competitor 3: Introduction & overview. Market share compared to your company. 3 years revenues and 3 years profits. . How is this competitor different than the others in their Industry? What are they doing better or worse?
If your industry doesn't have clear competitors, thoroughly describe the competitive landscape. See me if you need help.
As always, attach your bibliography.