MBA 599 Strategic Management Case Project

This capstone course requires each student to construct a detailed and well-thought-out analysis of a
business employing all the relevant strategic analysis tools studied in the course. This project will take the
full term to complete. It is our sincere hope that you will find this project to be the most rewarding effort in
your educational career.
Project Overview
This course is designed to help you develop strategic skills that can be used in management. The
process of strategic planning is an iterative cycle of research and analysis, ending with a series of choices
about what will be attempted and how it will be approached. The most tangible output is the strategic
planning document. The most important output is the increased understanding that the participants
acquire. Accordingly, the assessment of the final project will be heavily dependent on the quality of the
strategic thinking inside that polished report. Students that focus on the expeditious completion of the
steps may find that they have shortchanged the important and time-consuming exploration and thinking
that is necessary to create a quality strategic case. Since not all tools can tell the planner which factors
and alternatives are important to consider, the planner should pull in as much diverse information and
perspectives as possible. Additionally, you should put yourselves in the competitors shoes and consider
how the game will play out. Your homework and subsequent improvements are intended to become a
primary basis for the exploration and questioning that drives your strategic understanding and creative
ideas. In addition, it is important to test your strategic thinking and your use of analytical tools in
preparation for your final project.
Tips for Selecting an Organization
As you select an organization for your class project, it is important that you select one that is interesting,
possibly useful to you in your career, industry, or interests, and allows you to explore strategic challenges
in a meaningful way. If you select the industry in which you currently work, you must address two critical
issues: (1) integrating and clearly citing existing information. (You will need to delineate work youve
contributed as opposed to pre-existing information), and (2) succinctly presenting existing information
while adding new insight, analysis, and plans that substantially add to strategy development,
implementation, and/or assessment of the organization. An organization or industry you are interested in
should give you better access to information although you need to pay careful attention to the points
made above.
Do not underestimate the degree to which you will need to be an expert in the selected industry and
related areas. It is impossible to create a strategy without understanding the terms, technologies, market
changes, and so forth in great depth. As soon as you select a topic, you should establish (or monitor)
news feeds from several major sources of business news to keep abreast of actions in your industry.
Public companies are preferred for these plans as SEC filings and investment analyses are available
through research. Some of the firms main competitors will likely be public so that you can research them
as well. Large, diversified, companies can be difficult for purposes of this course (unless their
diversification is relatively narrow, and largely in one solutions space). Large organizations (e.g. GE)
may file consolidated reports, and you may not have access to dis-aggregated information on the division
that you are analyzing. Additionally, its better to select a company/industry under duress or at least
struggling. The reason is its very difficult to add new strategic ideas for a company that is doing well.
You may select any form of organization including profit, non-profit, and government organizations.
However, please take into consideration that within these various organizations, the strategic thinking can
be quite different and some can pose challenges for the planner. Most organizations have some type of
customer base and opportunities for improvement. Charitable organizations compete against other
nonprofits for time and money. Educational organizations compete for students. Regulated utilities
compete for customers among themselves (e.g., gas versus electric) and in conjunction with governments
to attract new industry. Units of governmental entities may be the most difficult, but even those
organizations have customers who can choose to live in a different locality or elect government officials

willing to change the status quo. If you are undecided, medium or small-size competitive, profit-oriented
organizations may provide the best platform for applying course concepts.
Project Deliverables
Phase 1 Modules 1-3 (Outline for Strategic Management Case)

Introduction of the company (limit to a maximum of three single-spaced pages).

o Description of the firm and its products
o Company history (brief history, critical events, competitors, leadership), including strategic
elements of its history
o Vision and mission statement
o Assessment of mission and vision
External assessment
o EFE and CPM with strategic implications
o Analysis of competitive position, opportunities, and threats
Internal assessment
o IFE with strategic implications
o Financial ratio analysis with key conclusions and implications for strategic choice
o Overall analysis of internal capabilities and implications for your strategic decisions

Module 1:

Select company and secure instructor approval. Once approved, create plan outline, insert
current mission and vision.

Module 2:

Complete an EFE and CPM for your company (including analysis and conclusions) and insert
in your working draft which you will hold until you submit Phase 1 during Module 3. .

Module 3:

Complete an IFE and calculate financial ratios (including analysis and conclusions) for your
company and insert in your plan to submit at the end of Module 3.

Submit all of Phase 1 to the Dropbox no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EST of Module 3. (This
Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.)
Phase 2 Modules 4-6 (includes revisions to Phase 1 based on the instructor's feedback)

Internal assessment (continued from Phase 1include IFE and financial ratios)
o Current strategy (brief description of the firms current strategies), including current use of
technology
o SWOT matrix with strategic implications for the company
o BCG matrix with strategic implications for the company
o Space or other matrices with strategic implications for the company
o Possible strategic alternatives
o Evaluation of current organizational structure
o Recommendation changes (if needed) to the structure, culture (including values), processes,
rewards, or technology

Module 4:

Integrate instructor feedback from Phase 1.

Module 5:

Develop SWOT, BCG, SPACE, and IE matrices with strategic implications for the company.

Module 6:

Develop alternative strategies for your company with strengths and weaknesses of each.

Submit all of Phase 2 to the Dropbox no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EST of Module 6. (This
Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.)

Phase 3 Modules 7-8 (includes revisions to Phase 2 based on the instructor's feedback)

Strategic analysis, choices, impact, and measurement

o Product-positioning map
o Evaluation of strategies and objectives to achieve most favorable market position
o Description of how you would implement your strategies
o Milestones (steps for each major initiative with their timelines
o Specific results you want to achieve including market, financial, and product or service goals
o Financial projection (minimum three years)
o Presentation with audio see below
o Executive summary see below
Presentation with audio
The final submission for your project includes developing a PowerPoint presentation with
embedded audio files. Each slide must contain an audio file in which you offer insight to the
material in the slide and key points the professor should take away from the visual
information in the PowerPoint. You should minimize repeating points made in the slide other
than emphasizing important components. To put this simply, please do not read the slides
verbatim but make sure to add value to what is presented on the slide to improve the
understanding of your work. The presentation with audio is a significant component of the
final submission, so please makes sure to offer your best work, speak clearly, emphasize the
strategic implications of your work, and engage the viewer.
Executive summary (compiled with concise and critical elements from the detailed work)
While done as a last step, this goes in front of the report, after the index. A final and allencompassing analysis is presented, along with the recommendations that you would make
to the firms board of directors. This includes identifying what you recommend, and briefly
outlining alternatives considered, key implementation steps, and the impact of the
implementation on the companys performance and competitive position.

Module 7:

Develop a product-positioning map with strategic implications for the company.

Conduct final evaluation of alternative strategies and detailed description of selected strategy.

Module 8:

Develop detailed implementation and assessment plan.

Complete financial projections.
Create presentation with audio.
Complete the executive summary and insert into the plan.
Complete all editing, verification, and citing of all sources, and insert graphs and illustrations.

Submit all of Phase 3 to the Dropbox no later than Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EST of Module 8. (This
Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.)
Project Submission
Please do not jeopardize completing your MBA! Before you begin, read the plagiarism policy in the
syllabus and catalogue. There is zero tolerance for plagiarism in this course. Any case of plagiarism will
be taken seriously. All assignments will be submitted to Turnitin and be subject to additional validation by
the professor. Work from prior classes cannot be used in this course without prior, written permission from
the professor.
Project Evaluation
All sections of the plan are evaluated based on:
1. Correctness and completeness: models/matrices used in the case are reasonably sound/accurate
and thorough.
2. Strategic analysis and conclusions: points made are insightful and clear with relative importance
distinguished (not just a rehash of the facts).

3. Logical sequence and continuity of writing: the reader can seamlessly move from paragraph to
paragraph or section without losing his or her train of thought.
4. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure are at the graduate level.
5. External sources: the ability to integrate and interpret external sources of information. As a
capstone class, the external research is extensive, relevant, and informative to the companys
direction, its competition, industry, and choices.
6. Language: the effective use of standard business terms especially those emphasized in the David
text and prior business courses.
See the full grading rubric at the conclusion of this document.
Tips for Completing the Project
You should expect to build up a large mass of analyses before you can put together a coherent case. In
the end, a great case will always look simple relative to the countless hours going down many different
paths in order to build understanding. The volume of material generated can distract from the creative
part of the process. The following suggestions are designed to serve as a reminder for things not
identified distinctly in the assignments, the syllabus, or the textbook Plan preparation guidelines.
1. Company and industry background
Use your own judgment to determine the amount of background to include. Over-detailed
company history is usually irrelevant and rarely improves the report. On the other hand, a history
of strategic moves and competitive reactions might be very illustrative. Decide what to include
based on whether that information is important to understanding the future environment and
strategic choices. Market share, financial strength, brand image, and the like are always relevant
strategically.
2. Address uncertainty
In your strategic analysis, make sure to state any assumptions related to your business. If you
believe there is going to be high risk, describe contingency plans or alternate scenarios.
3. Discuss the things that create organizational culture and behavior necessary to support
the strategy
a. What operational and motivational processes create the culture (acting your way into a new
way of thinking, identity orientation, incentives, etc.)?
b. What organizational structure fits the mission/vision, the operational approach, and the need
for adaptability or stability?
c. Make sure to delineate your ethics standards including values the company lives by.
4. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and internal/external (IE) matrices
Some of you may think that the BCG and IE matrices are not relevant to your project since your
organization only reports one business segment. First, these exhibits are important to think
through and are required even if they only have one product line. Second, there are often more
segments in any organization than meets the eye. The reason to break up the business into
component parts is to shed some light on the strategic positioning and future potential. Ask
yourself, are there segments that behave differently (different customers, competitors, growth
rates, success factors, etc.)? You can be sure that Wal-Mart is looking at grocery, clothing,
pharmacy, electronics, toys, garden, and automotive all separately, and possibly even separating
seasonal items. For purposes of this class, approximations can be used whenever necessary to
separate a subunit. Pushing the analysis down to a more detailed level forces you to recognize
what you know and what you do not know. I am more concerned with strategic thinking than with
availability of detailed data. You can put estimated numbers in your plans as long as a note is
added explaining the basis, reasoning, and level of uncertainty.
5. Implementation
Your implementation strategy must show how it is aligned with your strategic objectives. The
strategic-level implementation questions are mainly resource-related (where the money/people

come from) and timing issues (when are initiatives expected to happen). In addition, if there is
something specific mentioned in the analysis (e.g., a trend, a weakness, concerns about the
competitive response) that affects implementation, then you need to include the relevant part of
the implementation approach mentioned as part of the strategy. If there is not anything notable in
these kinds of areas, then specific content is not required in the report.
6. Overall assessment of the strategy
As you prepare your strategies, it will be helpful to review Rumelts four criteria:
a. Consistency
i. Strategy should not present inconsistent goals and policies.
ii. All of the pieces of your overall strategic approach should be aligned.
b. Consonance
i. Strategy should examine sets of trends.
c. Feasibility
d. Advantage
i. Strategy should include creation or maintenance of competitive advantage.
7. Sources
Follow APA style guide to write the case. Cite within the body of your case and include a
reference list. This is particularly true for any source data that will come from financial reports and
corporate websites.
Project Grading (See detailed grading rubric at end of these instructions)
Eighty percent (80%) of the course grade will be determined based on the Strategic Management Case
as distributed below:
1. Phase 1: Proposal and initial analysis (20% of course grade)
2. Phase 2: Substantive draft (20% of course grade)
3. Phase 3: Final Case (40% of course grade)
Example Outline and Structure for the Strategic Plan (Headings)
The outline below is an example and should be modified to adapt to your company. The primary headings
are good ways to organize your work into logical sections (e.g., internal analysis, external analysis, etc.).
Cover Page
Index
Executive Overview
Introduction of the Company
Description of the firm
Company history
Vision and mission statement
Strategic elements of the history
Overall assessment
External Assessment
EFE and CPM
Analysis of competitive position, opportunities, and threats
Internal Assessment
Financial ratio analysis
IFE
Analysis of internal capabilities and implications for your strategic decisions to follow
Current strategy, including current use of technology

Possible alternatives
SWOT matrix
BCG matrix
Space or other matrices
Description of core values you would use to create the desired culture
Evaluation of current organizational structure
Recommendation changes (if needed) to the structure, processes, rewards, or technology
Strategic Analysis, Choices, Impact, and Measurement
Product-positioning map
Evaluation of strategies and objectives to achieve most favorable market position
Description of how you would implement your strategies
Milestones (steps for each major initiative with their timelines
Specific results you want to achieve including market, financial, and product or service goals, and
how and when they will be measured
Financial projection (minimum three years)
Presentation with audio

Component

No submission

Novice

Basic

Proficient

Exceptional

Grading Rubric

MBA 599.01; MBA 599.04; & MBA 599.06

< 15

15-16

17-18

19-20

< 15

15-16

17-18

19-20

Program Outcome #1 - Apply key knowledge of core

business management functions (management,
marketing, accounting, and finance)
Description of the firm (brief history, critical strategic events,
competitors, leadership, etc.). If there are any general
situational assumptions or limitations on the scope of the
analysis, these should also be specified here. This section
should be limited to a maximum of five pages. Note: Some
students may select a new business venture for a firm they
would seriously consider starting. For these students, this
section will focus on a research based history, critical strategic
events, emerging competition, and industry leaders.
MBA 599.02 & MBA 599.03
Outcome #5 - Recognize and effectively analyze complex
business problems using critical thinking skills
The strategic analysis of the firm. The results of each strategic
tool are presented along with a discussion of importance and
implications. Also required are sections for financial analysis
and assumptions, although the specific contents of these
sections may vary considerably.
Discussion on external opportunities and threats
Discussion on internal strength and weaknesses
Subsection for each model (CPM, EFE, IFE, SWOT,
SPACE, BCG, IE, QSPM) on the firm, analysis and
strategic implications
Specific strategic strategies and long-term objectives

MBA 599.07 & MBA 599.09

< 15

15-16

17-18

19-20

< 15

15-16

17-18

19-20

<7

7-8

10

Outcome #6 - Make ethical business decisions within the

context of a diverse set of stakeholders and in an
economically responsible manner
Financial strategic assessment. This section should integrate
the findings from all of the analytical exercises employed in
Phase 2 (strategic analysis of the firm). A final and allencompassing analysis is presented, along with
recommendations that you would make to the firms board of
directors. This would include identifying what you would and
would not do, and outlining any relevant alternate scenario
plans or contingency plans. Be sure to address any potential
competitive reaction.
Revenue, cost, and financial implications. (Note: you
should prepare five-year financial statements)
Project timeline, key milestones, and specific annual
objectives
Method for reviewing and evaluating strategy
implementation
MBA 599.10
Outcome #4 - Apply widely used technology to
management issues
The plan should discuss current use of technology,
consideration of any new technology solutions or potential for
improvements in the use of technology.
Internal Assessment
Current Strategy (brief description of the firms
current strategies), be sure to discuss current use of
technology
Recommendation changes (if needed) to the
structure, culture (including values), processes,
rewards and technology
MBA 599.08A
Outcome #2A - Exhibit clear and concise written
business communication skills
Written communication:
Grammar
Spelling
Cover page
Table of contents
Use of appropriate business language and terms
Consistency, clarity, and logical progression of analysis
and conclusions

MBA 599.08B
Outcome #2B - Exhibit clear and concise oral business
communication skills
1. Use of Media.
Visual aids are used are:
o Appropriate and professional.
o Easy to read.
o Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the
presentation.
2. Delivery
Language choices are appropriate and enhance the
effectiveness of the presentation.
Delivery techniques make the presentation
compelling.
Presenter sound polished and confident.
Presenter engages the audience.
Presenters stays within the allotted time limit
(approximately 10-15 minutes)
Total points (maximum 100 points):

<7

7-8

10