This project is the last of four projects. You will generate a pool of alternative strategies, evaluate these alternative strategies, and select the best strategy using the tools and concepts learned throughout the course. You will develop implementation plans, evaluative plans to control the implementation process, and plan for post-evaluation measures. You will also draw from previous business courses to understand how organizations develop and manage strategies to establish, safeguard, and sustain their position in a competitive market.
Skill Building:
In this project, you build many different skills, including research, critical thinking, writing, and developing analytical skills related to various financial analysis tools and strategy tools used in business. In addition, you will select optimal strategies, design how to implement them, and evaluate the implementation process of the optimal strategies.
Outcomes Met With This Project:
Examine the impact of ethical decision making, social responsibility, stakeholder analysis, and corporate governance on organizations and society;
Utilize a set of useful analytical skills, tools, and techniques for analyzing a company strategically;
Integrate ideas, concepts, and theories from previously taken functional courses including, accounting, finance, market, business, and human resource management;
Analyze and synthesize strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to generate, prioritize, and implement alternative strategies to revise a current plan or write a new plan and present a strategic plan;
Evaluate the outcomes of identified strategies to determine their success and impact on short-term and long-term objectives.
Instructions:
Step 1 Course Material and Research
You must research information about the focal company and the environment for this project. You are accountable for using the course materials to support the ideas, reasoning, and conclusions made. Course material’s use goes beyond defining terms and explains the ‘why and how’ of a situation. Using one or two in-text citations from the course materials and then relying on Internet source material will not earn many points on the assignment. A variety of source material is expected, and what is presented must be relevant and applicable to the topic being discussed. Avoid merely making statements but close the loop of the discussion by explaining how something happens or why something happens, which focuses on importance and impact. In closing the loop, you will demonstrate the ability to think clearly and rationally, showing an understanding of the logical connections between the ideas presented from the research, the course material, and the question(s) being asked.
Note: Your report is based on the research results performed and not on any prepared documentation. What this means is that you will research and draw your own conclusions that are supported by the research and the course material rather than the use of any source material that puts together any of the tools or techniques whether from the Internet, for-pay websites, or any pre-prepared document, video or source material. A zero will be earned for not doing your own analysis.
Success: The analysis is based on research and not opinion. You are not making recommendations, and you will not attempt to position the focal company in a better or worse light than other companies within the industry merely because you are completing an analysis on this particular company. The analysis must be based on factual information. Any conclusions drawn have to be based on factual information rather than leaps of faith. To ensure success, as stated above, you are expected to use the course materials and research on the focal company’s global industry and the focal company. The opinion does not earn credit, nor does it use external sources when course materials can be used. It is necessary to provide explanations (the why and how) rather than making statements. Avoid stringing one citation after another, as doing so does not show detailed explanations.
Step 2 Research
In completing the report, you will use the chapters in the eBook as a guide and perform research on the same company as in Projects 1 and 2. Answer the required elements below in narrative form following the steps.
Note: Your report is based on the research results performed and not on any prepared documentation. What this means is that you will research and draw your own conclusions that are supported by the research and the course material rather than the use of any source material that puts together any of the tools or techniques whether from the Internet, for-pay websites, or any document, video or source material. A zero will be earned for not doing your own analysis.
Library Resources
On the main navigation bar in the classroom, select Resources and then select Library. Select Databases by Title (A – Z). Select M from the alphabet list, and then select Mergent Online. Dun and Bradstreet’s Hoovers Database, among others, is another excellent source for competitors and industry information. You are not to depend on one resource to complete the analysis. Moreover, it is impossible to complete Porters Five Forces, a competitive analysis, or an OT by using only the course material.
You should not be using obscure articles, GlassDoor, or Chron, or similar articles.
Research for Financial Analysis: Financial Research
Research for Industry Analysis CSI Market
The UMGC library is available for providing resources and services. Seek library support for excellence in your academic pursuit.
Library Support
Extensive library resources and services are available online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at https://www.umgc.edu/library/index.cfm to support you in your studies. In addition, the UMGC Library provides research assistance in creating search strategies, selecting relevant databases, and evaluating and citing resources in a variety of formats via its “Ask a Librarian” service at https://www.umgc.edu/library/libask/index.cfm.
Scholarly Research in OneSearch
To search for only scholarly resources, you are expected to place a checkmark in the space for Scholarly journals only before clicking search.
Step 3 Specific Company for All Four Projects
For this project, your instructor has specifically assigned each student to write an independent report on one focal company. The assigned company must be used for all four projects in this course. You cannot write reports on any other company different from the company specifically assigned by your instructor. Students who fail to use the specifically assigned companies from the list or use an unapproved company will receive a zero for the project.
The company that your instructor has assigned to you will be used for this project.
Step 4 Preparation for the Project
Before you begin writing the report, you will read the following requirements that will help you meet the writing and APA requirements.
You will be analyzing the selected company. When doing analysis, you are not merely making statements that may be cited. Instead, you will be supporting the statements made. Support is the process of explaining, discussing, and analyzing why and how, which is a higher-level critical analytical skill that is required for this class. Support is needed to do well on this project.
Read the grading rubric for the project. Then, use the grading rubric while writing the report to ensure all requirements are met, leading to the highest possible grade.
Step 5 How to Set Up the Project
The document has to be written in Word or RTF. No other format is acceptable. No pdf files will be graded. Use 12-point font for a double-spaced report. The final product is expected 10-12 pages. The final project may not be more than 12 pages, excluding the title page and reference page. Those items identified in the implementation and action plans should appear under the appropriate heading in the paper. Do no use an Appendix.
Create a title page with the title, your name, date, the course number, the instructor’s name.
Create Topic Headings that correspond to exact sections of the project requirements.
Use the following template using the headings to separate elements. Do not use bullets in your paper as the required format is in narrative format with indented paragraphs and no extra space between paragraphs.
Introduction
(The Introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of the paper and will describe to the reader the intent of the paper, explaining the main points covered in the paper. This intent should be understood before reading the remainder of the paper so the reader knows exactly what is being covered in the paper. Therefore, write the introduction last to ensure all of the main points are covered.)
Alternative Strategy Generation
To generate a pool of strategies, you will look at the organizations business-level strategy, corporate-level strategy, and global strategy. Then, using the information and data collected from your research and the analytical outcomes from (a) external factor analysis in your Project 1 and (b) internal factor analysis in Project 2, you will generate a pool of strategies.
Generate a minimum of three possible alternative strategies for the company.
Identify and discuss cultural and organizational factors that should be considered in analyzing and choosing among the alternative strategies.
Strategy Prioritization
Prioritize strategies and explain using the course material to support the reasoning Use the tools learned in the course.
Strategy Selection
Your strategy selection will be based on the use of the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). The QSPM produces a composite analysis. A composite analysis is one in which you will bring in a combination of relevant factors from the various analyses (EFE Matrix, IFE matrix, CPM matrix, SWOT, Grand Strategy Matrix, and QSPM). The QSPM is a tool that helps determine the relative attractiveness of feasible alternative strategies based on the external and internal key success factors.
Develop a Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) analysis.
Discuss the value of a QSPM analysis for strategy selection. Be specific.
Strategy Implementation
Recommend procedures for strategy implementation.
Discuss who, what and how to implement the selected strategy or strategies at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level.
Strategy Evaluation
Use frameworks and tools discussed throughout the course. Support the reasoning and conclusions made.
Discuss procedures for strategy review and evaluation
Discuss the appropriate evaluative measures (including who, what, when, and how at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level)
Discuss a corrective action plan (including who, what, when, and how) at the corporate, business unit, and functional levels.
Conclusion
Create a conclusion. The Conclusion is intended to emphasize the purpose/significance of the analysis, emphasize the significance/consequence of findings, and indicate the wider applications derived from the main points of the projects requirements. Finally, you will conclude the findings of the external environment analysis.
References
Step 6 Review the Paper
Read the paper to ensure all required elements are present.
The following are specific requirements that you will follow. Use the checklist to mark off that you have followed each specific requirement.
Checklist
Specific Project Requirements
Proofread your paper.
Read and use the grading rubric while completing the paper to ensure all requirements are met to lead to the highest possible grade.
Third-person writing is required. Third-person means that there are no words such as I, me, my, we, or us (first-person writing), nor is there use of you or your (second-person writing). If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person.
Contractions are not used in business writing, so do not use them.
Paraphrase and do not use direct quotations. Paraphrase means you do not use more than four consecutive words from a source document. Removing quotation marks and citing is inappropriate. Instead, put a passage from a source document into your own words and attribute the passage to the source document. There should be no passages with quotation marks. Using more than four consecutive words from a source document would require direct quotation marks. Changing words from a passage does not exclude the passage from having quotation marks. If more than four consecutive words are used from source documents, this material will not be included in the grade.
You are expected to use the research and weekly course materials to develop the analysis and support the reasoning. Therefore, there should be a robust use of the course material. The material used from a source document must be cited and referenced. A reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa. Changing words from a passage does not exclude the passage from having quotation marks.
Use in-text citations and provide a reference list that contains the reference associated with each in-text citation.
You may not use books in completing this problem set unless it is part of the course material. Also, do not use a dictionary, Wikipedia, Investopedia, Fern Fort University, or any other for-free website.
Provide the page or paragraph number in every in-text citation. Since the eBook does not have page numbers, you must include the chapter title, section heading, and paragraph number.
For citations using a video, you must provide the minutes and second of the cited material.
Step 7: Submit the Report in the Assignment Folder
Submitting the project to the Assignment Folder is considered the student’s final product and therefore ready for grading by the instructor. It is incumbent upon the student to verify the project is the correct submission. No exceptions will be considered by the instructor.
NOTE: All submitted work is to be your original work. You may not use any work from another student, the Internet, or an online clearinghouse. You are expected to understand the Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism Policy and know that it is your responsibility to learn about instructor and general academic expectations concerning proper citation sources as specified in the APA Publication Manual, 7th Ed. (Students are held accountable for in-text citations and an associated reference list only).
Hide Rubrics
Rubric Name: Project #4 20% – Fall 2021
This table lists criteria and criteria group names in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method. You can give feedback on each criterion by tabbing to the add feedback buttons in the table.
Criteria
Equivalent to an A
Equivalent to a B
Equivalent to a C
Equivalent to a D
Equivalent to an F
Criterion Score
Introduction
0.4 points
Writes an introduction that captures the reader’s attention, explains the purpose of the presentation clearly, correctly, and concisely.
(0.36 – 0.4)
0.34 points
Writes an introduction that explains the purpose of the presentation correctly, but needs minor clarity or development.
(0.32 – 0.35)
0.3 points
Writes an introduction that provides a general idea of the purpose of the presentation. Needs more development.
(0.28 – 0.31)
0.26 points
Writes an introduction that provides a general idea of the purpose of the presentation or needs significant development.
(0.24 – 0.27)
0 points
No attempt at presenting an introduction.
(0)
Score of Introduction,/ 0.4
Generate a minimum of three possible alternative strategies.
1 point
Generates at least five alternative strategies that appropriately fits the information already presented from the research and course material to support by the course material.
(0.9 – 1.0)
0.85 points
Generates at least four alternative strategies that fit what has been already presented from the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(0.8 – 0.89)
0.75 points
Generates at least three alternative strategies that fit what has been already presented from the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.7 – 0.79)
0.65 points
Generated alternatives do not fit with what has been presented OR fewer than three viable alternatives provided; minimal support the reasoning and conclusions used. Needs major development.
(0.6 – 0.69)
0 points
Little to no attempt to generate alternative strategies,
(0 0.59)
Score of Generate a minimum of three possible alternative strategies.,/ 1
Identify and discuss cultural and organizational factors that should be considered in analyzing and choosing among the alternative strategies.
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly identifies and discusses cultural and organizational factors that should be considered in analyzing and choosing among the alternative strategies using the research and course material to support by the course material.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Correctly identifies and discusses cultural and organizational factors that should be considered in analyzing and choosing among the alternative strategies using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.05 points
Correctly identifies and discusses cultural and organizational factors that should be considered in analyzing and choosing among the alternative strategies using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Attempts to identify and discuss cultural and organizational factors that should be considered in analyzing and choosing among the alternative strategies using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Little to no attempt to identify and discuss cultural and organizational factors.
(0 – 0.83)
Score of Identify and discuss cultural and organizational factors that should be considered in analyzing and choosing among the alternative strategies.,/ 1.4
Discuss Strategy Prioritization.
1 point
Prioritizes strategies and thoroughly and correctly explains using the research and course material to support reasoning and conclusions.
(0.9 – 1.0)
0.85 points
Prioritizes strategies and explains using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(0.8 – 0.89)
0.75 points
Prioritizes strategies and explains using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.7 – 0.79)
0.65 points
Attempts to prioritize strategies and attempts to explain using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.6 – 0.69)
0 points
Little to no prioritize or explain reasoning.
(0 0.59)
Score of Discuss Strategy Prioritization.,/ 1
Develops a Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) analysis and discusses the value of the QSPM for strategy selection supported by 2 specific examples.
1 point
Thoroughly and correctly develops a QSPM and discusses the value of QSPM for strategy selection supported by 2 specific examples using course material to support reasoning.
(0.9 – 1.0)
0.85 points
Develops a QSPM and discusses the value of QSPM for strategy selection supported by 2 specific examples using course material to support reasoning, but needs some development.
(0.8 – 0.89)
0.75 points
Develops a QSPM lacking depth or incomplete discussion of the value of QSPM for strategy selection or not supported by 2 complete examples, course materials or thorough reasoning. Needs significant development.
(0.7 – 0.79)
0.65 points
Attempts to develops a QSPM and examples, but neither is thorough and lacking support for the reasoning. Needs major development. Missing key information.
(0.6 – 0.69)
0 points
Little to no development of a QSPM.
(0 0.59)
Score of Develops a Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) analysis and discusses the value of the QSPM for strategy selection supported by 2 specific examples.,/ 1
Recommend the best one or two strategies and long-term objectives among the alternative strategies and explain why these strategies and objectives are best.
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly recommends the best one or two strategies and long-term objectives among alternative strategies explaining why these strategies and objectives are best using the research and course material to support by the course material.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Recommends the best one or two strategies and long-term objectives among alternative strategies explaining why these strategies and objectives are best using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.05 points
Attempts to recommend one or two strategies and long-term objectives among alternative strategies attempting to explain why these strategies and objectives are best using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Recommends one or two strategies and long-term objectives among alternative strategies and may attempt to explain why these strategies and objectives are best using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Fails to recommend the one or two strategies and long-term objectives among alternative strategies and or fails to explain why these strategies and objectives are best.
(0 0.83)
Score of Recommend the best one or two strategies and long-term objectives among the alternative strategies and explain why these strategies and objectives are best.,/ 1.4
Identify strategy recommendations using goals, objectives, strategy and tactics.
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly identifies strategy recommendations using goals, objectives, strategy and tactics using the research and course material to support by the course material.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Identifies strategy recommendations using goals, objectives, strategy and tactics using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.05 points
Identifies strategy recommendations using goals, objectives, strategy and tactics using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Attempts to identify strategy recommendations using goals, objectives, strategy and tactics using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Fails to identify strategy recommendations using goals, objectives, strategy and tactics.
(0 0.83)
Score of Identify strategy recommendations using goals, objectives, strategy and tactics.,/ 1.4
Recommend procedures for strategy implementation
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly recommends procedures for strategy implementation using the research and course material to support by the course material.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Recommends procedures for strategy implementation using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.05 points
Recommends procedures for strategy implementation using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Attempts to recommend procedures for strategy implementation using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Fails to recommends procedures for strategy implementation.
(0 0.83)
Score of Recommend procedures for strategy implementation,/ 1.4
Discuss who, what and how to implement the selected strategy (or strategies) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level.
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly discusses who, what and how to implement the selected strategy(ies) at the corporate, business-unit and functional levels using the research and course material to support by the course material.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Discusses who, what and how to implement the selected strategy(ies) at the corporate, business-unit and functional levels using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.05 points
Discusses who, what and how to implement the selected strategy(ies) at the corporate, business-unit and functional levels using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Attempts to discuss who, what and how to implement the selected strategy(ies) at the corporate, business-unit and functional levels using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Fails to discuss who, what and how to implement the selected strategy(ies) at the corporate, business-unit, and functional levels .
(0 0.83)
Score of Discuss who, what and how to implement the selected strategy (or strategies) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level.,/ 1.4
Discuss procedure for strategy review and evaluation
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly discusses procedures for strategy review and evaluation using the research and course material to support by the course material.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Discusses procedures for strategy review and evaluation using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.05 points
Discusses procedures for strategy review and evaluation using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Attempts to discuss procedures for strategy review and evaluation using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Fails to discuss procedures for strategy review and evaluation.
(0 0.83)
Score of Discuss procedure for strategy review and evaluation,/ 1.4
Discuss the appropriate evaluation measures
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly discusses the appropriate evaluation measures using the research and course material to support reasoning and conclusions made.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Discusses the appropriate evaluation measures using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.05 points
Discusses the appropriate evaluation measures using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Attempts to discuss the appropriate evaluation measures using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Fails to discusses the appropriate evaluation measures.
(0 0.83)
Score of Discuss the appropriate evaluation measures,/ 1.4
Discuss a corrective action plan (including who, what, when and how) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level.
1.4 points
Thoroughly and correctly discusses a corrective action plan (including who, what, when and how) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level using the research and course material to support by the course material.
(1.26 – 1.4)
1.19 points
Discusses a corrective action plan (including who, what, when and how) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but needs clarity or some development.
(1.12 – 1.25)
1.055 points
Discusses a corrective action plan (including who, what, when and how) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level using the research and course material to support the reasoning and conclusions made, but significant clarity or development is needed.
(0.98 – 1.11)
0.91 points
Attempts to discuss a corrective action plan (including who, what, when and how) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level using minimal research or course material to support the reasoning and conclusions used. May present incorrect information. Needs major development.
(0.84 – 0.97)
0 points
Fails to discuss a corrective action plan (including who, what, when and how) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level.
(0 0.83)
Score of Discuss a corrective action plan (including who, what, when and how) at the corporate level, business-unit level, and functional level.,/ 1.4
Conclusion
0.4 points
In a clear and concise manner, comprehensively concludes the paper by restating/ summarizing the argument. Refer to the opening statements and main points made throughout the paper. Reflect on the importance of the arguments and conclude their development.
(0.36 – 0.4)
0.34 points
In a clear manner concludes the paper by restating/ summarizing the argument. Refer to the main points made throughout the paper. Attempts to reflect on the importance of the arguments, but further development of the main points of the paper is needed.
(0.32 – 0.35)
0.3 points
Concludes the paper by somewhat restating/ summarizing the argument. Attempts to bring in some explanation of the general idea of the main points of the paper.
(0.28 – 0.31)
0.26 points
Attempts to restate/summarize the argument, but explanations are irrelevant to the main points of the paper.
(0.24 – 0.27)
0 points
Fails to present restatement/summarization of argument.
(0)
Score of Conclusion,/ 0.4
Attention to Instructions
2 points
Demonstrates exceptional understanding of requirements responding completely to each aspect of assignment including minor aspects of the assignment such as using third person writing, required use of course readings, and assignment format.
(1.8 – 2.0)
1.7 points
Demonstrates excellent understanding of requirements; missed one minor aspect of assignment.
(1.6 – 1.79)
1.5 points
Demonstrates satisfactory understanding of requirements; missed a key element or two minor aspects of assignment.
(1.4 – 1.59)
1.3 points
Fails to show a firm understanding of requirements; missed two key elements or several minor aspects of assignment.
(1.2 – 1.39)
0 points
Fails
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