Case Analysis Report - Food Fight: The Day McDonald's Blinked - Will upload



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1.Company/Industry Profiles and other “Case Facts�

The most popular type of student-written cases are company or industry profiles. This popularity stems from the fact that most of us know very little about the inner workings of the companies that influence our daily lives. For example, Kmart, the nation’s third largest retailer, came very close to bankruptcy as a consequence of its aggressive entry into specialty retailing. Eventually, the company shed its excess and concentrated on reviving its stores by changing its identity to “Big Kmart.� Thus, the first reason for the popularity of these types of cases is that it’s interesting and informative to find out “how things are� and “how things work� in the corporate community.



A second reason, beyond the simple pleasure of discovering the unknown, is the fact that these types of cases are excellent at providing “memorable examples.� The information gained from the analysis of a company or industry may not be directly applicable; that is, it may not produce a reproducible model. However, these cases provide a storehouse of examples from which to draw. For example, an analysis of the Wal-Mart Corporation quickly reveals that a major factor in its emergence as the nation’s top retailer, surpassing both Kmart and Sears, is its expertise in information systems. This kind of example, one that reveals the link between functional expertise, strategy, and success, provides an excellent illustration for understanding how firms compete and win.



While it is true that company and industry profiles offer excellent opportunities for student case writing, there is one important caveat. The data are relatively easy to gather; in fact, sometimes too easy. In this era of meta-search engines and web page mania, it is embarrassingly simple to generate a massive list of potential data sources. The problem is that many of these hits repeat the same information. Also, much of the information on the Web is raw data that is not supported by fact. Anyone can write a web page and, because there is a difference between journalism and research, they fail to verify the information they report. This is the classic problem of using secondary sources. One must learn to question sources and to verify the information gathered on the Web. In other words, just because you read it on the Web doesn’t mean it’s true! The best case studies rely on information gathered from primary sources (i.e., company annual reports, company press announcements, original research studies, and interviews with knowledgeable sources) and verification of the information gathered.



Last, a potential problem with company/industry studies concerns the depth of the analysis. Quality case analysis demands that one does not simply restate the work of others. For example, it’s interesting to know that Wal-Mart depends on a sophisticated information system. But the very popularity of this observation demands that a new analyst go one step further by digging deeper.





The specifications given:



Writing the Case Analysis



As a general rule, the case analysis process and write-up should be organized in any way that contributes to the collection of relevant data and to the reader’s understanding. Professor John Quelch, formerly of the Harvard Graduate School of Business and a distinguished case writer, has noted some of the elements of a good case: “Basically, it needs a start, a middle and an end,� and, he continues, “You also need an exciting problem and a sense of the personalities involved.� Some examples follow.



Similar to the issues that distinguish a good case, a good case analyst writes with a purpose (generally persuasive),



1.Defining a Purpose

All good writing has a purpose. In case writing, the definition of purpose begins with the decision about the type of case to be written, but it doesn’t end there. By definition, all cases are intended to be educational, but it’s up to the writer to target and polish the educational thrust. The writer must decide the functional purpose of the case. A decision must be made early on about whether the case will be explanatory, descriptive, or exploratory. Below is a brief description of each type of functional purpose.



â-¦Descriptive cases are narratives that provide a detailed account of a circumstance or situation. Descriptive cases convey information only; thus, the reader is free to use the information unconstrained by any pre-existing goals of the writer.

â-¦Explanatory cases require that the writer assume the role of an expert and use that expertise to translate a difficult subject into a language accessible to the reader. Explanatory cases remove obscurity; they exist to make the difficult comprehensible.

â-¦Exploratory cases invite the reader to tour new terrain. The writer assumes the role of a knowledgeable but unobtrusive guide. In these cases, the reader is left to explore and experience the case. Like a professional guide leading a white-water trip through the Grand Canyon, the case writer remains in the background, secure in the knowledge that all potentially dangerous contingencies have been identified and planned for in advance.

2.Preparing the Case

1.Organization

As a general rule, a case analysis should consist of a minimum of four primary parts:



1.The introduction, which outlines the issues and draws the reader’s interest.

2.The background section, which provides insights into the broader context of events and forces surrounding the decision-making process. Focus only on the most directly relevant background and avoid superfluous details.

3.The core analysis section, which contains information directly relevant to the decision at hand.

4.The appendixes, including any necessary notes, tabulations, calculations, references, etc., which are germane but which are too long or too technical to be included in the main body of the report.*

Remember, cases are not organized around chapters; they consist of a series of labeled subsections that, as a general rule, should not exceed two pages in length. The precise labeling and position of these subsections will, of course, depend on the subject matter. It is the author’s responsibility to discover the natural divisions in the presentation. Headings should be short, informative, and directive; no key aspect of the case should be presented without calling the reader’s attention to it through the use of a heading.



5.Analyzing the Data

In the early phase of the case analysis report, the primary objective of the investigator is to get acquainted with the subject. Cases provide data from a wide range of primary data sources (SEC filings, annual reports, internal memos, interviews, etc.), all of which are distinguished by the fact that they have not been contaminated by the errors or biases of others. It’s the case analyst’s objective to produce a solid representation of the facts to support his or her position. Rely on the facts of the case for your evidence. Case analysis rarely requires a lot of outside research since most cases are designed to be self-contained, meaning that the case typically presents enough facts in the body of the case and the appendices for the analyst to form a sound judgment. Many journalists say that a good rule of thumb is, “If you can’t stand behind it, don’t write it.� Present the facts of the case that you can stand behind.



6.“Selling� Yourself and Other Stakeholders on the Idea ****************************** Once your audience is established, it’s time to prepare for some selling. When seeking cooperation, there are several ways to get the process off to a good start:

• Frame your arguments persuasively

• Understand the dynamics of your audience and the motivations of your audience

• Present facts that support your analysis

• Present recommendations backed by the case facts

• Use active language throughout the report

• Wrap-up with a conclusion and re-sell your primary findings and recommendations

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Case Analysis - Howard Schultz and Starbucks Coffee Company HBS 5-801-374

In this case analysis, here are some general guidelines to follow in the response:

? identify key organizational issues (decisions or actions required in a given situation).
? analyze the situation (identify problems; understand the underlying causal factors; and identify and evaluate options)
? recommend specific actions (what should be done, by whom, when and in what sequence) to address the key issues.

Please answer the following questions below in the paper. This part can be in outline form where a statement of the question is followed by a bulleted or numbered list of the key items in your response.


1. In the early 1980s, how did Howard Schultz view the possibilities for the fledgling specialty coffee market? What were the most important factors in shaping his perspective?

2. In 1987, Schultz bought Starbucks from its original founders. At the time, Seattle based coffee been retailer had six stores and a roasting plant. By the end of the twentieth century, Starbucks had 3,300 locations in 17 countries and was the leading specialty coffee purveyor in the world. What were the critical drivers of Starbuck?s success?

3. What is the source of Starbuck?s competitive advantage? Is it sustainable? What should the company do next to enhance its position in the market?

4. It?s 2011, and you?re leading a panel discussion at your University Reunion on great companies and their leaders in the Information Revolution. What role do you ascribe to Starbucks and Howard Schultz?

Case Analysis Guidelines/Requirement

The case is based on a key situation or event in public financial management.

Case analysis should reflect an understanding of the critical issues of the case, integrate material covered in class and present concise and well reasoned justification for the position taken.

Each case analysis should consist of:

A brief analysis of the situation and pending decision problem, as presented in the case, and as relevant to your answer. This case analysis should be brief and you should assume the person reading the assignment (me) is familiar with the details of the case.

The decision or recommendation for action, with the appropriate supporting arguments. In general, keep the analysis clear and concise. Avoid common errors in case analysis.

Some common errors are:

a. Focusing too heavily on minor issues or those on which there is little data.
b. Lamenting because of insufficient data in the case and ignoring creative alternatives.
c. Rehashing of the case data-assume the reader knows the case.
d. Not appropriately evaluating the quality of the cases data.
e. Obscuring the quantitative analysis (if relevant), making it hard to understand.
f. Do not address issues
g. Are not practical
h. Get carried away with personal biases
i. Are not thoroughly proofread and corrected.


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Case analysis for Pharma Technologies:

A new biotechnology firm, Pharma Technologies, has developed a competing
method for the treatment of erectile dysfunction that promises significant advantages
over Pfizer?s blockbuster drug, Viagra. With deep-pocketed pharmaceutical companies also pursuing product development efforts, the president of Pharma Technologies
is charged with deciding how to leverage his company?s superior proprietary technology into a viable product before the window of opportunity closes. Students can
explore the trade-offs in pursuing internal versus external development of new technology, the strategic implications of in-licensing and out-licensing, and the criteria
used in identifying potential alliance partners to expedite the commercialization of
new technology.

If the case discusses points of view or alternatives, you are not supposed to select one of those alternatives and defend it. You are supposed to perform your own analysis and from that analysis develop your own three alternative strategies for PTI. If some of your alternative strategies are the same as those discussed in the case, this is all right. Likewise, it is also all right if your alternative strategies are different from those present in the case. What is important is that your strategies flow from and are substantiated by your analysis.

Case Study requirements:

10 pages
Word format
APA style, 1 inch margins
Use at least 4 references to supplement the information in the case or support your recommendations.


The format for the case analysis report is:

Case Details:
Describe in detail the illegal/unethical behavior you will be analyzing in your case analysis.

Background:
Identify the key stakeholders in the case and the impact of operational/ethical issues on the stakeholders.

Legal analysis:
Depending on the situation in the case, summarize the key legal issues related to federal employment or federal consumer protection law and in what way the company is non-compliant with the law. What factors do you think have contributed to the company be non-compliant.

Ethical analysis:
Summarize the key ethical issues in the situation. Apply at least three of the ethical perspectives (theories of ethical thought see below) and for each perspective, give your opinion as to what aspects of the situation (actions by any stakeholder) demonstrate ethically sound behavior and which illustrate unethical behavior.

Contributing factors: corporate culture and corporate governance/guidelines.
Analyze how the companys corporate culture that may have either helped to minimize the unethical behavior or actually contributed to/caused the unethical behavior. Analyze how the companys corporate governance (overall guidelines, strategic decisions/actions) may have helped to minimize the unethical behavior or actually contributed to/caused the unethical behavior.

Ethical decision factors to consider:
Based on the ethical perspectives (theories of ethical thought, see below), what are the key factors that should be addressed or considered in resolving the legal/ethical issues identified in this case (as outlined above). List each ethical issue and then for each issue, the factors to be addressed or considered based on the ethical perspectives used above.

Recommended corrective action:
Recommend corrective actions for each of the legal/ethical issues outlined above. Provide supporting rationale for each recommendations or industry examples of the use of your recommendations as best practices.

Recommend approaches or policies that the company can take to help prevent these issues in the future. Provide supporting rationale for each recommendations or industry examples of the use of your recommendations as best practices.

Reference List: minimum of 4 references. References can be used for the following:
to show best practices from organizations for preventive or corrective actions related to ethical issues
examples of similar incidents in the same/other industries, to illustrate factors contributing to the unethical behavior
examples of common concerns expressed by the stakeholders you identified in the cases

* reference material (law, research articles, government data) to explain why the actions in the case are not in compliance, or what the compliance requirements are



Theories of Ethical Thought

1. Consequential Theories - Acts are judged good or bad based on whether the acts have achieved their desired results. Acts of the business community or any other social unit i.e. government, school, (fraternity, and sorority). Act and rule utilitarianisms are two sub-schools.

2. Deontological Theories - Actions can be judged good or bad based on rules and principles that are applied universally.

3. Humanist Theories - Action are evaluated as good or bad depending on whether they contribute to improving inherent human capacities such as intelligence, wisdom and self-restraint.




Case:

Exxon Valdez

On Good Friday, March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez was run aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. On March 24, 1989, Joseph Hazelwood was in command of the Exxon Valdez. Defendant Exxon Shipping [Company] owned the Exxon Valdez. Exxon employed Captain Hazelwood, and kept him employed knowing that he had an alcohol problem. The captain had supposedly been rehabilitated, but Exxon knew better before March 24, 1989. Hazelwood had sought treatment for alcohol abuse in 1985 but had "fallen off the wagon" by the spring of 1986. Yet, Exxon continued to allow Hazelwood to command a supertanker carrying a hazardous cargo. Because Exxon did nothing despite its knowledge that Hazelwood was once again drinking, Captain Hazelwood was the person in charge of a vessel as long as three football fields and carrying 53 million gallons of crude oil. The best available estimate of the crude oil lost from the Exxon Valdez into Prince William Sound is about 11 million gallons. Commercial fisheries throughout this area were totally disrupted, with entire fisheries being closed for the 1989 season. Subsistence fishing by residents of Prince William Sound and Lower Cook Inlet villages was also disrupted. Shore-based businesses dependent upon the fishing industry were also disrupted as were the resources of cities such as Cordova. Exxon undertook a massive cleanup effort. Approximately $2.1 billion was ultimately spent in efforts to remove the spilled crude oil from the waters and beaches of Prince William Sound, Lower Cook Inlet, and Kodiak Island. Also, Exxon undertook a voluntary claims program, ultimately paying out $303 million, principally to fishermen whose livelihood was disrupted. [Lawsuits] (Involving thousands of plaintiffs) were ultimately consolidated into this case. The jury awarded a breathtaking $5 billion in punitive damages against Exxon. Exxon appealed the amount of punitive damages [to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit]. [T]he Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in this case reiterated the guideposts for use in determining whether punitive damages are grossly excessive [include] the reprehensibility of the defendant's conduct. The court of appeals remanded the case [and] unequivocally told this court that "[t]he $5 billion punitive damages award is too high" and" [i] t must be reduced."

Justice Holland
[T]he reprehensibility of the defendant's conduct is the most important indicium [indication] of the reasonableness of a punitive damages award. In determining whether a defendant's conduct is reprehensible, the court considers whether "The harm caused was physical as opposed to economic; the tortious conduct evinced an indifference to or a reckless disregard of the health or safety of others; the target of the conduct had financial vulnerability; the conduct involved repeated actions or was an isolated incident; and the harm was the result of intentional malice, trickery, or deceit, or mere accident."
The reprehensibility of a party's conduct, like truth and beauty, is subjective. One's view of the quality of an actor's conduct is the result of complex value judgments. The evaluation of a victim will vary considerably from that of a person not affected by an incident. Courts employ disinterested, unaffected lay jurors in the first instance to appraise the reprehensibility of a defendant's conduct. Here, the jury heard about what Exxon knew, and what its officers did and what they failed to do. Knowing what Exxon knew and did through its officers, the jury concluded that Exxon's conduct was highly reprehensible.
Punitive damages should reflect the enormity of the defendant's offense. Exxon's conduct did not simply cause economic harm to the plaintiffs. Exxon's decision to leave Captain Hazelwood in command of the Exxon Valdez demonstrated reckless disregard for a broad range of legitimate Alaska concerns: the livelihood, health, and safety of the residents of Prince William Sound, the crew of the Exxon Valdez, and others. Exxon's conduct targeted some financially vulnerable individuals, namely subsistence fishermen. Plaintiffs' harm was not the result of an isolated incident but was the result of Exxon's repeated decisions, over a period of approximately three years, to allow Captain Hazelwood to remain in command despite Exxon's knowlede that he was drinking and driving again. Exxon's bad conduct as to Captain Hazelwood and his operating of the Exxon Valdez was intentionally malicious. [Emphasis added.]
Exxon's conduct was many degrees of magnitude more egregious [flagrant] [than defendant's conduct in other cases]. For approximately three years, Exxon management, with knowledge that Captain Hazelwood had fallen off the wagon, willfully permitted him to operate a fully loaded crude oil tanker in and out of Prince William Sound-a body of water which Exxon knew to be highly valuable for its fisheries resources. Exxon's argument that its conduct in permitting a relapsed alcoholic to operate an oil tanker should be characterized as less reprehensible than [in other cases] suggests that Exxon, even today, has not come to grips with the opprobrium [disgracefulness] which society rightly attaches to drunk driving. Based on the foregoing, the court finds Exxon's conduct highly reprehensible.
[T]he court reduces the punitive damages award to $4.5 billion as the means of resolving the conflict between its conclusion and the directions of the court of appeals. [T]here is no just reason to delay entry of a final judgment in this case. The Court's judgment as to the $4.5 billion punitive damages award is deemed final.

Case, Specific instructions, and case template will be faxed to write the case analysis.
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Case Analysis Format & Rubric

The purpose of the Case Analysis learning tool is to provide an opportunity for the student to demonstrate the application of knowledge to a management scenario. Since most management problems are inherently multidimensional, the use of the Case Analysis tool is a 'hands-on' process that helps students experience organizational complexities within a thoughtful forum.

Therefore, the quality of your responses is more important than the quantity. Keep in mind the student learning model:

Absorb, Synthesize, Analyze, Apply, Conclude and Demonstrate.

Defining the central problem= 10 points

Provide a summary statement to demonstrate an understanding of the problem being presented. Summary statements are, typically 3-5 sentences.

Identify the relevant factor(s) and explain why they are important to the case= 10 points

It is not unusual for a case to have several relevant factors that are crucial to identifying a course of action. However, it is critical to the analysis that the relevant factors number no more than 3 and that it represents the student's choice (not the instructor) and it is important to state 'Why' you think the factor(s) you have chosen are important.

Application of weekly readings= 20 points

The weekly readings, classroom discussions and other support material are intended to add to the student's personal body of knowledge as well as provide a framework for applying the material to the case scenario. Identify the relevant material from the chapter readings, classroom discussions and other material that you believe has the most direct application to clarifying the problem and/or providing some kind of resolution.

Conclusions= 10 points

Identify a course of action you would take to resolve the case problem and what do you think needs to happen once the action has been taken. Feel free to support your course of action through personal, vicarious and/or classroom experiences.

One reference should be an outside source to support the analysis.

Weekly Reading terms.

Acquaintance time, Active listening, address terms, affective culutures, appointment time, attribution theory, blog, closure, coaching, communication, coummunication medium, company hotlines, conduit metaphor, constructive feedback, corporate talk shows, counseling, cross-cultural communication, decoding, defensive bias, destructive feedback, discussion time, downward communication, empathetic listening, encoding, feedback to sender, formal communication channel, fundamental attribution error, hearing, horizontal communication, informal communication channel, kinesics, listening, onochronic cultures, neutral cultures, noise, nonverbal communication, online discussion forums, organizational silence, paralanguage, perception, perceptual filters, polychronic cultures, schedule time, selective perception, self-serving bias, survey feedback, televised/videotaped speeches and meetings, upward communication.

Any of them can be used and other theories can be incorporated if needed.
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Case Analysis Assignment Description
You are to assume the role of a consultant specifically hired by the organization/person to analyze the situation and make recommendations on how to implement and/or sustain the change effort.
You should write your memo assuming that the organization/person knows everything described in the case study. You need not describe the case study the reader will already know everything there is to know about the case.
Your memo should include an analysis of the situation and a set of recommendations for the organization/person. Your recommendations must be supported by your analysis.
Your analysis should include any relevant facts provided that might influence the effective implementation and/or sustainment of the change effort.
Your memo should include a balance of analysis and recommendations, and these two elements should be logically and explicitly linked.
You may use any source, provided that it is appropriate for the case, and you cite it. An excellent source to use is the Leadership text by Yukl.
Your business memo should be no longer than three pages, SINGLE-SPACED, TWELVE POINT FRONT.
NO popular press citations. The majority of the citations should come from academic journals.
You must utilize research evidence to support any assertions, not just the opinions of individuals.
Also, your memo should not be a critic. The assignment instructions indicate that you're a hired consultant reporting to the organization.
In essence, you are being paid to provide recommendations to make Sherman efforts successful, not to attack the CEO of the organization you're working for.

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Case analysis. Pick any airline company (example Southwest) and talk about how effective they are in marketing their product (example discount coupons) thru social media (twitter, facebook, email, sms messages, etc) today. Pretend that you are consultant for this company and tell what they are doing well, bad thru social media, and what suggestions you could give in improving their social media. Include several alternatives and one recommendation. Also, include background on the company (introduction), swot analysis on social media, and conclusion. Thank you.

P.S.: Number of sources is up to you, but at least 3.

Case Study: BLUE TURTLE CLOTHING COMPANY
Source: Ivey Publishing. Richard Ivey School of Business. The University of Western Ontario.
Case code: 9B06B011
Copyright 2006, Ivey Management Services

Requirements: Prepare a case report following the case study method

Following the case study method:
Case study is the process of learning by doing. It will be through case study that you learn and apply the concepts of the course. In contrast to conventional teaching and learning, you must become engaged in the process of analysis rather than participate by listening or observing.
In the case method, you read a story about a real problem a manager has faced in the planning or operation of a business. The task is not so much about finding the correct answer as it is about pinpointing the problem and developing a well-thought-out and justifiable resolution. Because it is based on a real situation, it has all the elements associated with typical management challenges: time constraints, information constraints, lack of knowledge of the competitor?s strategy, and often lack of market research. Typically, the case writer will include information superfluous to the decision. More information is always desired, but not usually available; this is reality. Managers often do not have the time or resources to seek more information. Further complicating matters is the dynamic business environment in which a company operates. Companies interact and compete with many other organizations, which are also engaged in decision making influencing future outcomes.
Case study is useful as a learning experience because it trains you to deal with unstructured information, to sift through and identify what is important and disregard the rest, to deal with both quantitative and qualitative data, to make reasonable assumptions, and to find an appropriate resolution. It is stimulating and engaging, as you have to become involved with and take ownership of your analysis and then defend it in the face of critique from colleagues and the instructor.
Steps in the case method
Before you begin your analysis, skim through the case to get an understanding of the structure from a writing framework perspective. Look at each exhibit to ensure you comprehend its content and relevance. Try to determine what the major question or issue is for the case. Then go back and give it a careful reading, making notes in the margins to identify the evidence components of your analysis. In this way, you can more easily gather evidence to support your strategy or analysis.
Once you have done this, you are ready to organize your thinking toward a resolution. Use the following steps.
1. Problem statement
2. Situation analysis (current status)
a. Company objectives, background, and forecast
b. Company fit in the environment: internal and external factors (SWOT with implications)
c. Market analysis
d. Segmentation analysis
e. Competition analysis
f. Financial analysis
3. Case keys
4. Analysis of alternative solutions (pros and cons of each plus quantitative assessment and key uncertainties)
5. Recommendation(s)
6. Action plan
You may be tempted to waffle and avoid making a decision, or decide you need more information. This is not an acceptable strategy. In all cases, you must make a decision and justify it. It is not a comfortable process initially, but as you try, you will improve. Do not generalize or give an unsubstantiated opinion, as this is not what your supervisor (or instructor) is expecting. Make reasoned statements citing supporting evidence. With time, you will see increased proficiency and confidence in your assessments.
Case report format
This outline of a case report format will help you to write your case report.
Executive summary
An executive summary is an abbreviated version of the complete report or plan, providing the reader with the main points on one page, if possible. That it is brief does not mean it should be vague. It should contain original writing, not a copy of your introduction. Specific facts, income levels (condensed projected income statement or statement of contribution), and market share numbers should be provided. The addition of specifics should not add much to the length. This page is extremely important, as it must hold the attention of the reader (for example, your manager, instructor, or a venture capitalist) and motivate them both to choose to accept your plan or recommendation without further examination and to read further because they are interested.
This part of the report should be written last, after completion of the major sections of the main report. The executive summary should be followed by a detailed case report based on points 1 to 6 below.
Case analysis
1. Problem statement: Identify the problem in one or two sentences that include all the main elements of the central problem(s) described in the case. Do not repeat the details of the case.
2. Situation analysis: Analyze and interpret the facts of the case that are relevant to the problem and its potential solution. Summarize the key facts of the case; state assumptions or inferences about missing information; identify the main issues about the organization or the situation and relate them to the problem. Focus on the symptoms and explain how they relate to the problem. The following subsections and focus questions are often useful in this part of the report, but do not necessarily limit your report to those listed ? they are provided as examples. The report should always be adapted to its context and purpose.

o Objectives and goals: What are the objectives of the individuals and the goals of the organization?
o Background and forecast: What is the current strategy and positioning of the organization? Looking at the current situation, what has happened? What is likely to happen in the near or long-term future? Why is change necessary?
o SWOT analysis: Explain internal strengths and weaknesses and external environment opportunities (to the company) and threats, and provide a summary statement of implications.
o Market analysis: Provide information on the size and growth of the market, the environment, current and past strategies, and the marketing mix, including the following:
? Segmentation analysis: Provide information on segmentation, attractive segments, present and potential segmentation, profitability of each segment (for the purpose of this course, customers are those in the distribution channel who purchase products, while consumers are the final purchasers or end users).
? Competition analysis: Provide the strategy used by each competitor (segments, and so on).
o Financial analysis: General financial evaluation with additional information (when available) on specifics such as capital costs, yearly operating expenses, contribution margin per unit or percent, and break-even analysis. Expected contribution from your strategy and best, worst, and expected scenarios are required.

3. Case Keys: What is the key question, opportunity or issue in the case?
? Key success factors: Determine the main factors that are vital to the success of the company (maximum of three factors)
? Key uncertainties: Determine the main factors that could seriously damage the chosen strategy (maximum of three factors)
? Analysis of alternative solutions: Generate distinct, realistic alternative solutions to the problem. Identify all options; eliminate those that do not fit with goals, objectives, or resources. Discuss pros and cons. Build an argument to accept one and reject qualitative and quantitative considerations and include target segment and suggested marketing mix. Address key uncertainties that could seriously damage the chosen alternative.
4. Recommendation(s): Clearly state the chosen alternative with concise reasons in support of the objectives and resources of the firm, the expected rate of return, the risk of failure, and the competitive reaction. Explain the short- and long-term implications (including target segment, market mix, benefit package)
5. Action plan: Provide detailed steps and phases in implementation. Focus on the short term. Address contingencies ? what if...? Provide reasonable alternatives to put in place if the action plan fails.
Attachments
Provide exhibits, references, a bibliography, timelines, and so on. All exhibits should be referred to in the body of the analysis.

CASE STUDY PROJECT DETAILS
This project will consist of the analysis of ONE Case Study chosen by the student from one of the Case Companies in the course textbook.

The company that I chose is Waterford Wedgwood PLC, Stock Symbol WATFF, and Headquarter in Dublin, Ireland at the time of this printing. It is my understanding that it was to be purchased by KPS Capital Partners, an investment group from the United States. Since the company is experiencing financial problems there should be a great deal of information about the company. Company Website is: www.waterfordwedgwood.com

The work submitted must be done using Microsoft Word
The student will do this assignment by following the guidelines below in completing the project.
Times New Roman, 12 Font, Double spaced, 12 Referenced sources

A. Executive Summary: This will be two to three pages, and do the following:
Summarize your analysis and its results including any recommended changes to the organizations vision/ mission, objectives, and the strategies that will result in the achievement of the long term objectives. This is where an overview of the details of the report is found. The details are found in section B, Analysis.

B. Analysis: this will be a detailed analysis that supports the conclusions and recommendations contained in the Executive Summary. Each item below, 1-10, must be submitted in a separate section for each, labeled as to the item. For example: "The firms' existing mission, objectives and strategies", EFE Matrix etc. For each of these items, there must be a brief summary [one to four paragraphs] included to explain the result achieved, such as a new mission statement, including the rationale behind that result. [Also as discussed above submit all of your work in one document, not as many different document attachments].

1. Discuss the firm's existing vision, mission, objectives and strategies. Cite sources.

2. Develop a new vision statement, and mission statement for the organization. [Or, provide a logical analysis as defense as to why either or both should not change].Base the analysis on the criteria found in the course text book. Use the "Mission Statement Components" (see below) to analyze the existing mission statement and to develop a new statement.
Mission Statement components:
Customers Who are the firms customers?
Products or services What are the firms major products or services?
Market Geographically, where does the firm compete?
Technology Is the firm technologically current?
Concern for survival, growth and profitability Is the firm committed to growth and financial soundness?
Philosophy What are the basic beliefs, values, aspirations, and ethical priorities of the firm?
Self-concept What is the firms distinctive competence or major competitive advantage?
Concern for public image Is the firm responsive to social, community and environmental concerns?
Concern for employees Are employees a valuable asset of the firm?
Indicate how each of the nine components is met or not met. For the existing and the newly developed mission statement use an Evaluation Matrix as done in case Exercise 2A on page 66 to illustrate your analysis. The new mission statement MUST MEET the nine components.
(See supplemental submission for Exercise 2A page 66)

3. Construct an EFE Matrix. Identify at least seven of the organization's external opportunities and at least seven of its threats. The analysis of this item is to explain why the factors were chosen and how the weights, ratings and final score were derived. This should be based on the research about the company and the external environment in which they operate. Cite sources.

4. Construct a Competitive Profile Matrix. Identify at least seven critical success factors upon which your comparison of competitors is based. The analysis of this item is to explain why the factors were chosen and how the weights and ratings were derived. Explain the final scores for each company in terms of why one company, particularly your case study company, scored lower or higher than the competitors. This should be based on the research about the company and its primary competitors. Cite sources.

5. Construct an IFE Matrix. Identify at least seven of the organization's internal strengths and at least seven of its weaknesses. The analysis on this item is to explain why the factors were chosen and how the weights, ratings and final score were derived. This should be based on the research about the company and its internal strengths and weaknesses. Cite sources.

6. Develop Long Term Objectives that result from your analysis in items 1-5 above. Number each Objective. Explain how your analyses of the items in 1-5 above relate to each of the objectives chosen. Compare your recommendations to the objectives planned by the company as identified in the textbooks case study write up or other sources such as Securities and Exchange Commission reports or the companys web site. Cite Sources.

7. Prepare a SWOT Matrix. Explain briefly why each of the strategies chosen in each of the four cells is considered feasible for future consideration in terms of how each supports the Long Term Objectives you have chosen. For the SWOT Matrix, you must include at least four strategies in each of the strategy cells-SO, ST, WO, and WT.

8. Prepare ONE QSPM Matrix. From the SWOT Matrix chose at least ONE SET of strategies to be evaluated. Each set of strategies being compared must fall in the same strategic category; for example- expansion in Europe versus expansion in Asia. These two alternatives fall into the Market Development category.
The following are the Alternative Strategies Defined and exemplified from textbook:
FORWARD INTEGRATION Gaining ownership or increased control over distributors or retailers.
BACKWARD INTEGRATION Seeking ownership or increased control of a firms suppliers
HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION Seeking ownership or increase control over competitors
MARKET PENETRATION Seeking increased market share for present products or services in present markets through greater marketing efforts
MARKET DEVELOPMENT Introducing present products or services into new geographic area.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Seeking increased sales by improving present products or services or developing new ones
RELATED DIVERSIFICATION - Adding new but related products or services
UNRELATED DIVERSIFICATION - Adding new, unrelated products or services
RETRENCHMENT Regrouping through cost and asset reduction to reverse declining sales and profits.
DIVESTITURE Selling a division or part of an organization.
LIQUIDATION Selling all of a companys assets, in parts, for their tangible worth.
They are competing options for implementing the same strategy-Market Development. If you cannot fit two or more strategies into the same category, then they cannot be included in the same QSPM. Explain how the two or more strategies you have in the QSPM fall into one of the strategic categories (listed above). Lastly, use the QSPM format on page 208 to do the matrix. In the QSPM identify which alternative strategies from the SWOT matrix are being compared. Identify them by the CELL-SO, WO, ST, WT- from which they are drawn. Explain the weights and attractiveness scores assigned so that it is clear why one alternative in the set was chosen over another. The strategy chosen must be based on the QSPM analysis.
(See supplemental submission for QSPM Format page 208)
In this report you are required to discuss a how the strategy chosen supports the achievement of one or more of the Long Term Objectives established in step 6. Ensure that you explain the results of the QSPM in terms of why the strategy chosen scored higher than other comparable ones.

9. Recommend procedures for strategy review and evaluation for the strategy chosen. Base your strategy review procedures on one or several of the tools found in chapter 9: Table 9-1, Table 9-3, Table 9-4 and or Figure 9-2. Explain specifically for the strategy chosen how the chosen strategy review procedure would be applied.
(Se supplemental submission for tables and figure)

10. Identify and explain one contingency plan for the strategy recommended. Use the seven-step process outlined below in developing the contingency plan.
1. Identify both beneficial and unfavorable events that could possibly derail the strategy or strategies.
2. Specify trigger points. Calculate about when contingent events are likely to occur. Assess the impact of each contingent event. Estimate the potential benefit or harm of each contingent event.
3. Develop contingency plans. Be sure that contingency plans are compatible with current strategy and are economically feasible.
4. Assess the counter impact of each contingency plan. That is, estimate how much each contingency plan will capitalize on or cancel out its associated contingent event. Doing this will quantify the potential value of each contingency plan.
5. Determine early warning signals for key contingent events. Monitor the early warning signals.
6. For contingent events with reliable early warning signals, develop advance action plans to take advantage of the available lead time.
C. References: In researching the case study reference material used must be properly credited. The American Psychological Association [APA] format style will be used for documenting sources. [The typing will be double spaced, Font 12, Times New Roman]. This includes an APA List of References, and each time a portion of an author[s] work, a direct quote or summary, is used in the body of the report, an in-text citation in the American Psychological Association [APA] format is to be used. See resources about APA Style under Doc Sharing. Make sure that you give full credit to the work of others. This includes material taken from the course text book by David and or the case studies written by other authors.
Doing this improperly can affect your grade. In the worst case, can result in an F for the paper.
NOTE: the web site WIKIPEDIA is not a valid site to use for this paper. Using it as a cited source in the report will result in a loss of points. Each time this site is used in the paper {-10} points will be deducted from the grade for the paper.
In addition to the Textbook, you should use at least 12 other sources to ensure that you have done a complete review of an organization and its competitors.
D. Grading of the Case Analysis Paper: The paper will be graded on grammar and spelling and how well the paper presents a logical analysis that supports reasonable recommendations that are being made. You will use the text book as well as other sources for the research. IMPORTANT: you will have to use sources [see C above] other than the text to ensure that the information is up-to-date. The case analyses in the text book were done in 2007-2008.
(See supplemental submission for Case analysis of Waterford Wedgwood from textbook)
Also ensure, as discussed under item C above, that you are careful in citing data and information taken from OTHER sources. You will lose points if you do not give proper credit through FOOTNOTES. You must meet all of the requirements as outlined above in order to receive the maximum credit possible.
It is requested that you read pages 320-331 for information that will be helpful to you in doing this project.
(See supplemental submission for textbook copy of pages 320-331)
Also, in the "Doc Sharing" portion of the course web site, there are some samples of Case Analysis Project work done by students for this assignment. Since these come from the work of different students this does not represent a complete project but is only meant to assist in understanding the level of analysis required.
(See supplemental submission for sample Case Analysis Project)




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CASE ANALYSIS FORMAT
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This section should appear after on a separate page at the beginning of the report. It should be limited to a maximum of 200 words and give a very brief summary of the background, the problem, the method of analysis and the recommendation. Please note that this summary must have all four of these elements. The Executive summary has to be TWO paragraphs

2. BACKGROUND
In this section, the context of the problem and the current situation is described from the case. Only the essential details should be covered and this section should NOT be a synopsis of the case. This section should be limited to a maximum of 250 words. (one and a half or two pages)

3. PROBLEM STATEMENT
A succinct statement of the problem/ dilemma/ issue should be stated here. Be careful to identify the real problem and not the symptom of the problem. Maximum 100 words. (Five or six lines)

4. ANALYSIS
This is the most important section of the report. A clear, step-by-step description of how the data in the case was analyzed should be given. Technical terms should be kept to a minimum as the focus is on producing a document that is understood by management. Details of calculations and the technical details of the analysis should be appended to the report (usually in the form of Excel spreadsheets). Summary tables and graphs MUST be used to illustrate the important results of the analysis. It is important to cite any references in the text to support your analysis. Two or three pages ( remember graphs go in the appendix section and must be properly cited underneath each graph.

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In this section, the recommended solution to the problem or resolution of the dilemma should be presented. The reason for the recommendation should be justified and the implications of the solution articulated. Be sure that your recommendations are related directly to the stated problem and avoid going off at tangents. Half a page or two paragraphs.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
A list of the books, articles, websites, software etc. consulted or used in understanding the situation, writing the report and generating the solution should be presented. These references should be in APA 6th edition format.

APPENDICES
The detailed workings and calculations used should be presented here and referred to in the appropriate place in the text so readers (i.e. managers) who require details can determine where they are located. These will usually take the form of MS Excel spreadsheets or other outputs from any software used. The most convenient way to do this is to imbed these files into the report as this will enable you to submit a single file for the assignment/ case analysis. [In MS Word this can be achieved by selecting the Insert tab (second from the left), then Object (second last block), click Create from File, browse for the correct file, click Display as Icon and then press OK.]

Please answer the 3 case questions as part of the appendix located towards the end of the case. (Located at the end of page 9) Write each question out and then the answer.

Format must be in APA 6th Edition

Remember the case deals with Logistics and Supply Chain Management so explain the theories used and what other theories can be applied.

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Customer is requesting that (cwanga) completes this order.

Case analysis (No need to cite from the article, just analyze and summarize). Go straight to the point, no need fancy words or complex sentences.

1. What are the companys vision/mission and objectives?

2. Corporate strategy (most important part)
What have been the key elements of the companys corporate strategy up until the time of the case, must choose one of the four strategies to say (1.stability, 2.expansion [internal, external or alliance?], 3.retrenchment, or 4.combination of any of the three)? What role does corporate culture play in the implementation of the companys strategies

3. Business (or competitive) strategy
What is the companys business strategy (Cost leadership or Differentiation, choose one to talk about) ?

4. Industry analysis
Define the industry to which the company belongs. Using Porters five forces model (1.competition from rival sellers. 2.competition from potential new entrants to the industry. 3. competition from producers of substitute products. 4. supplier bargaining power. 5.customer bargaining power.), analyze the competitive forces in this industry. Discuss those factors or problems which are most important for this industry and why they are important.


5. Company situation analysis
Make lists of internal strengths, internal weaknesses, external opportunities, and external threats. Be sure to include analysis of financial information in examining the companys internal capabilities. Based on analysis, summarize the major strategic issues facing the company and industry.


6. Recommendations
Select and describe a strategy for this company. Strategy recommendations should be justified in terms of how well they deal with environmental threats, take advantage of opportunities, minimize internal weaknesses, and utilize the organizations competitive strengths


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Case Study IV - Establishing Clinical Services within Stark Laws

Instructions: The final case study for this semester of Physician Practice Management focuses on the issues that medical groups face in developing ancillary services in light of the Stark laws and regulations (see attached "case 4 material"). The case is focused on an independent medical group practice that wants to expand its business model, but has concerns around the regulatory environment in which it operates.


Related reading (See attached files and 2 websites below):
1. The Case: Establishing Clinical Services within Stark Laws (see attached file ?case 4 material?)
2. Blair and Keagy, Chapter 9 (pp. 195-210) (see attached file- ?chapter 9 and 10??Sorry, please ignore Chapter10, I cannot delete it from the file)
3. Information regarding starklaw from the website (http://starklaw.org)
4. Covered services listed from the CMS website (http://www.cms.gov/PhysicianSelfReferral/).


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General Instructions:

Purpose: To utilize the information presented in the course in real world or hypothetical situations that are typically encountered in medical group practice environments.
Method: Successfully completing each case study will require that class members
1. Define the issue(s) that require resolution.
2. Analyze the information presented
3. Generate alternative solutions to the problem
4. Select the solution you believe should be implemented
5. Describe the implementation plan.

Note: Each case has been selected to emphasize the application of knowledge from the section of the course being covered. The analysis may also build on prior sections. Class members are free to also incorporate outside material in the analysis. All sources that are used to develop alternatives and solutions should be cited.

Length: Each case analysis should be a maximum of four double-spaced pages, using a 12-point font and one-inch margins. The case analysis papers should be uploaded by 5:00 pm EDT Saturday of the week in which they are due.

Grading Criteria: The primary criterion is meeting the elements listed above in Methods. In addition, thoroughness of analysis, organization, clarity of presentation, comprehensiveness, and in particular the use of proper English will be considered in grading.

Case analysis (No need to cite from the article, just analyze and summarize). Go straight to the point, no need fancy words or complex sentences.

1. What are the companys vision/mission and objectives?

2. Corporate strategy (most important part)
What have been the key elements of the companys corporate strategy up until the time of the case, must choose one of the four strategies to say (1.stability, 2.expansion [internal, external or alliance?], 3.retrenchment, or 4.combination of any of the three)? What role does corporate culture play in the implementation of the companys strategies

3. Business (or competitive) strategy
What is the companys business strategy (Cost leadership or Differentiation, choose one to talk about) ?

4. Industry analysis
Define the industry to which the company belongs. Using Porters five forces model (1.competition from rival sellers. 2.competition from potential new entrants to the industry. 3. competition from producers of substitute products. 4. supplier bargaining power. 5.customer bargaining power.), analyze the competitive forces in this industry. Discuss those factors or problems which are most important for this industry and why they are important.


5. Company situation analysis
Make lists of internal strengths, internal weaknesses, external opportunities, and external threats. Be sure to include analysis of financial information in examining the companys internal capabilities. Based on analysis, summarize the major strategic issues facing the company and industry.


6. Recommendations
Select and describe a strategy for this company. Strategy recommendations should be justified in terms of how well they deal with environmental threats, take advantage of opportunities, minimize internal weaknesses, and utilize the organizations competitive strengths

Case Study 1: Sally

Sally is a 34-year-old single Caucasian woman who comes to you seeking assistance for what she calls her ?food problem.? Sally states that she loves food and finds it one of the only sources of comfort and pleasure in her life. Sally is wearing a tank top and matching shorts. Her outfit is clean and fashionably in style; however, the clothing appears to be too small for Sally?s obese body. Sally is sweating a great deal and she is breathless after the short walk from the parking lot into the office.

During the interview, Sally discloses that she was diagnosed with depression and was prescribed medication, but she has not been taking it like she should. She clutches the pillows on the couch to her body throughout the interview and pulls tissues out of a nearby box to wipe sweat from her face.

Case Analysis:

Identify and give examples of three techniques you would use to explore Sally's story. Your examples should be worded as if you are actually speaking to the client.



What goals would you want to identify for Sally, based on the information available? Explain why you chose those goals and how you think they will help meet the client's needs.



Case Study 2: Romeo

Romeo is a 19-year-old Hispanic male. He has numerous visible tattoos, piercings, and puckered scars. Romeo discloses that he attempted suicide twice during high school and has lately has been feeling like he might try again. The last two times he tried, he bought some prescription drugs off of a local dealer in his neighborhood.

Romeo has no job, is not in school, and is not close with his family. He is homeless and rotates between different friends? couches and the occasional shelter. Romeo admits to gang involvement in the past but refuses to answer questions about possible current involvement. Romeo states he currently uses marijuana daily to try to ?stay calm.?

Case Analysis:

Identify and give examples of three techniques you would use to explore Romeo's story. Your examples should be worded as if you are actually speaking to the client.



What goals would you want to identify for Romeo, based on the information available? Explain why you chose those goals and how you think they will help meet the client's needs.


Case Study 3: Gladys
Gladys is a 25-year-old Vietnamese stay-at-home mother who has been married for 7 years and has three children by her husband. They are all girls with the oldest being 6 years old followed by a 4-year old and now a 3-month old. Gladys reports that her husband always wanted a son. She states that he has always been an angry man but after the birth of their third daughter, his violent behavior has increased. Gladys states that most of his violence and aggression has been directed at her or the house all these years, but now she fears for her daughters? lives. ?He?s out of control,? she says during the interview, ?I don?t know what to do.?
Gladys? family lives in Vietnam and her husband has no family connections. Gladys reports that her husband pays all the bills and the only money she receives is a small weekly allowance for food and supplies for her and the girls.
Case Analysis:

Identify and give examples of three techniques you would use to explore Gladys' story. Your examples should be worded as if you are actually speaking to the client.



What goals would you want to identify for Gladys, based on the information available? Explain why you chose those goals and how you think they will help meet the client's needs.

Case Analysis
A bank advertises home loans at low interest rates for its account holders for three months. Toward the end of the second month, the bank withdraws the offer. Sam opens an account with the bank because of the offer. He is, however, a little late applying for the loan and the offer is withdrawn before his application is processed. Sam sues the bank.
Analyze the case and assess the bank's obligation and Sam's claim. Make a decision in the case, giving reasons.
Provide a one page analysis of at least 500 words.



reference (1)
Mallor, J.P., Barnes, A.J., Bowers, T., & Langvardt, A.W. (2007). Business law: The ethical, global, and e-commerce environment (13th ed.). Chicago, IL: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Case will be sent by Email

Cisco Systems, Inc Implementing ERP

Case Analysis Should Answer the following Question

1.What is the legacy system problem at Cisco? How big of a problem is it?

2.Is the ERP project just a big IT project?

3.What could Cisco do after implementation of their ERP that they could not do before?

4.What are key elements of the new IT architecture that enable this?

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Case Analysis: Starbuck's
You will start this Case Analysis in this module, writing a draft of the final case analysis due in Module 6. You will need to highlight and concisely summarize relevant information from the preselected case and, using concepts from the course, provide a detailed analysis of the strategic management issues portrayed in each case. Finally, you are expected to present recommendations for addressing the issues that are viable and well reasoned.

This Case Analysis is based on the case "Starbuck?s Strategy and Internal Initiatives to Return to Profitable Growth" found in Part Two of your textbook, Essentials of Strategic Management.

Based on the readings, analyze the subprime mortgage market and the strategies of Starbuck's Corporation. Make sure to cover the following in your case analysis:
Identify and discuss key strategic issues for the organization.
Apply course concepts in analyzing Starbuck's external environment and internal situations, decisions, and strategic fit.
Utilize concepts from the course as well as outside resources and offer recommendations on improving upon the strategy, or reflect on how a better strategic fit might have been achieved.


Introduction (brief, one-to-two paragraph summary that identifies the case?s main strategic issues and outlines the structure of the paper)
Background (clear, detailed overview of pertinent information from the case and outside resources that describes the industry and the organizations and key players [internal and external] involved)
Analysis (using course concepts, identifies and discusses the main strategic issues facing the industry and organizations, such as external environment, internal situation, and strategic fit)
Conclusion (brief, one-to-two paragraph summary that offers alternatives to improving strategy)
References


As I mentioned, this case study is worth 20% of your final Business Strategy grade so it is very important that you invest your best efforts. I would also suggest getting other people to read your writing and comment or edit it.


I have attached the grading rubric for the case study.


I have also attached a sample of a completed case study




Structure:


Here is a suggested structure for your case analysis:



Begin with a summary of your case (up to one page) and end with a conclusion and bibliography.
In the middle of the study (between the introduction summary and the conclusion), you should include paragraphs explaining and analyzing the main strategic issues facing the industry and organizations, such as external environment, internal situation, and strategic fit.


As part of your analysis you should definitely include an explanation of the company's strategic direction (Mission, Vision, Goals and Objectives), apply Porter?s Five Force Analysis,

Case Analysis- Teamwork

Outline:
i) Team Analysis
(a) Strengths
1. All team members are very technical
2. Knowledgeable
(b) Weaknesses
1. Submissive
2. Like to work alone
3. Does not actively seek input of others
4. Think they work better individually

ii) How their communicative role in the company
(a) They are Peripheral Specialists, who play a vital role in the network by serving as experts, but they operate on the periphery.

iii) Describe Their Overall Team Morale and Outlook
(a) Analysis of the Charts (page11-14, Exhibit 2, 3, 4)
(b) Lacking consensus, not on the same page

Case Analysis
?Insight Paper? for Case 7: Apple Inc.

This is for an MBA course entitled ?Strategy Formulation & Implementation?.
The Textbook is: Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Concepts & Cases, 18ed., ISBN 978-0-07-811272-0, Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, & Strickland, McGrawHill-Irwin, 2012.
Please find a person with such background (eg: Business major) to write it. Thanks.
If you have any question, I can be reached at: 716-515-5406 (cell phone).
Frank
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Requirement for ?Insight? papers:
Insight papers are not edited versions of the case. They are 1-2 page insights into analysis, recommendations, relationships between case elements, strategic factors, consequences of decisions or recommended decision, etc, that are NOT readily apparent by simply reading the case or repeating information from the case.

This essay needs to be 2 pages (double spaced) and is recommended to be divided into 3 parts:
1. Brief case summary (should be less than half page)
2. Case analysis
3. Recommended action (Action plan)
After reading the attached material, please address some of the following questions listed below in the case analysis section and/or action plan section (The answers are in the attached ?Instructor?s manual? of this case in detail. Please limit your answers/analysis within 2 pages)

Recommended questions:
1. What are the chief elements of Apple?s overall competitive strategy? How well do the pieces fit together? Is the strategy evolving?
2. What are the key elements of Apple?s strategy in computers, personal media players, and smartphones? Have its strategies in its core businesses yielded success? Explain.
3. What does a competitive strength assessment reveal about Apple?s computer business, as compared to the leaders in the personal computer industry? Use the methodology in Table 4.2 to support your answer. Does it appear that the company?s competitive positions in personal media players and smartphones or stronger or weaker than its position in computers?
4. Does it make good strategic sense for Apple to be a competitor in the computer, personal media player, smartphone, and tablet computer industries? Are the value chain activities that Apple performs in computers, personal media players, tablet computers and smartphones very similar and ?compatible? or are there very important differences from product to product? Which of the four products lines---computers, tablet computers, personal media players, or smartphones---do you think is most important to Apple?s future growth and profitability? Why?
5. What is your assessment of Apple Computer?s financial performance the past three years? (Use the financial ratios in Table 4.1 on pages 94-96 of the text as a guide in doing your financial analysis.)
6. What recommendations would you make to allow Apple to strengthen its position in its most important markets? What steps should it take to ensure that the iPad becomes a success in the marketplace and a major contributor to the company?s overall performance?
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Instructions:
? Read the case ?Apple Inc.?. (Please see attached paper).
? Read attached ?key points? of Chapters 4, 5, 10 (The corresponding chapters in the textbook are Chapters 4, 5, 10. Because it is very long, I only attached ?key points? with this order).
? To make the writing easier, I attached the ?Instructor?s manual? of this case for you to use as reference only (Has detailed answers to above questions).

CASE STUDY: Studying Grief Without Consent

John Clark, a graduate student at a major university, wanted to research the emotional needs of families who had a dying relative. He decided that the best way to conduct this research was to work as a participant-observer in a hospital. He already had training and experience as a counselor, and he added to his qualifications by taking a course to become a nursing assistant.

A small community hospital interested in family care allowed him to volunteer for ten hours a week as a nursing assistant and counselor. The hospital had never conducted medical research before, and had no committee for the protection of human subjects. In fact none was required by state or federal law at the time. Clark informed the administration and the staff of his research intentions and received their approval for his work.

Working in the intensive care unit and the emergency room, Clark gave basic care, took vital signs, and assisted the nurses. When a critical care patient was admitted to the unit, he was assigned to work with the family. He provided counseling, helped them deal with the hospital administration, acted as an information liaison between staff and family during nonvisiting hours, and stayed with the family when they were told of the death.

Following each death, he wrote a case history and maintained a check list of common grief reactions. He showed these reports to no one. After a period of three months, he wrote a paper reporting his findings. From this study, the staff developed a course to teach nurses how to deal with the critical care patients family.

The families Clark counseled were told only that he was a nursing assistant and counselor working with the hospital to give special attention to their needs. They responded very positively to the services that he provided. They were not told that a research project was being conducted or that a study would be written.

Clark later decided to use his study as a central part of his doctoral dissertation, and to extend his research where necessary. The university at which he was enrolled had an active research review committee for the protection of human subjects, which was required to examine all research conducted under its auspices.

Should Clark and the hospital have obtained the consent of the families to participate in the research even though it was not legally required? Should the chairman of Clarks department now send the research study to the universitys review committee? If so, what should the committee recommend?

[Reference information = Levine and Veatch, eds. 1984. Cases in Bioethics. Hastings-on-Hudson, NY: The Hastings Center, 77.]


How to begin
- You should begin by considering a number of things. First, read through the case and decide what the major issue(s) is. In other words, what is at stake in this case? Is this an issue of confidentiality? Autonomy? Are there broader themes or issues such as the patient-physician relationship or distributive justice? After making these general observations, move on to the specifics of the case.

- Generally, the point of a case is that something must be done. Specifically, there are multiple options, and we must decide which is preferable. You should identify and consider various possible solutions/actions. Also feel free to fill in hypothetical details. Often we will not know all the details of a case. What these details are can affect your decision about what you think should be done. If there is a relevant detail missing, discuss how this detail (potentially) effects your conclusion. Or, if necessary, state your assumptions up front. For example, In this case, I will assume the physician has discussed X with the patient."

- Note: Sometimes the facts of a case will be important, but do not let emphasis on these distract you form the ethical issues of the case. Your argument should focus on the ethical conflict.

- Remember to bring up possible objections to your point of view. Sometimes, this will come out in your discussion of possible options. For example, you may pose one option as something certain people would propose and then discuss why you disagree with it. However, if this is not clear in your general discussion, then make it clear.

- Finally, be clear about which option(s) you support and why. Again, this will usually be clear from your general discussion. However, if not, make it clear.

What I will look for when grading your case study:
NOTE! One of the first things I will look for is whether you are able to use the theories/readings effectively. Below is a detailed description of other specific things I will look for.

- Overall moral argument/position
For your analysis, you need to take a clear position and defend it. To do this, avoid back and forth discussions (especially within the same paragraph). Also, always make sure it is clear when you are presenting your view and when you are considering another viewpoint. A good way to clue the reader into your overall argument is to state it in your introduction along with a summary or suggestion of how you will defend it.

- Also, make sure to stay focused on the moral issues of the case. Yes, what is legal or suggested by professional codes will often be relevant and useful for your case, but it does not always coincide exactly with the moral argument. For example, in most states physician-assisted-suicide is illegal; however, many argue that this is morally acceptable when practiced with consenting, competent adults.

Use of moral theories, concepts, and readings when appropriate
- One goal of this course is to learn to see the connections between abstract moral theories and everyday, practical issues. When making your arguments consider whether they relate to any of the theories or concepts discussed in the readings. If so, make this connection explicit. However, do not feel like you have to cram as many theories as possible into your case analysis. This can actually detract from your argument if they are not relevant or you spend too little time on each point. Best to focus on the few that are most relevant or useful. (Also consider this connection when considering an objection to your position.)

Objection and response
- A common philosophical tool in constructing an argument is to consider the position of those who disagree with you. This shows that you understand why reasonable people would disagree, but also gives you the chance to explain why your position is still better. When considering an objection to your argument, make sure it is clear to the reader this is what you are doing (otherwise, it will appear you are contradicting yourself). Also be sure to give your opponent the credit/time they deserve. You will usually need a few sentences to a paragraph to adequately explain your opponents position (remember the point is to acknowledge this is a reasonable view, not just something we can dismiss out of hand). Then, after you explain the objection, go on to refute it. You can do this either by showing a flaw in your opponents position or providing an argument that you think is stronger than the one presented by your opponent.

Case analysis on "Curfew at Nine: A Bronx Neghborhood Looks for Solutions"

The paper is for a Public Administration class on Organizational management, theory and behavior.

Concentrate on the public policy aspects - the individuals involved, there power and influence - the organizations involved and how they organized to curtail the issues.

Please refer to faxed information and previous e-mail (order request)


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Case Study Analysis Paper
Prepare a 1,400 to 1,750-word case study analysis paper based on the Material, ?Case Study for Student Analysis,
Below is a detailed description explaining how to prepare a case study analysis paper.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Typically written in narrative form, a case sets forth, in a factual manner, the events and organizational circumstances surrounding a particular managerial situation. Placing the reader at the scene of the action, the real events presented provide an opportunity to help evaluate alternative courses of action.
Case analysis is used in academics to help you demonstrate your ability to evaluate situations critically, to apply concepts you have learned in a class, to solve problems, and to communicate your findings and conclusions. The purpose of this exercise is to introduce you to case studies and the analysis process, and to a proper format for writing the case study analysis report.
Try not to worry about trying to find the "right answer" to a case. Usually, there is no single right answer. Most cases are intentionally ambiguous and can be viewed from many different perspectives. Several feasible solutions are usually available to any give case. The best solution is the one you can best support with thoughtful analysis, logical arguments, and substantiating evidence from your research or your own experience. Your goal in analyzing a case is to provide an effective solution to the situation outlined and to support that solution with solid and persuasive evidence.
Overview
Analyzing a case study can take several forms, and you should check with your instructor on the specific approach or point of view that he or she recommends. For example, you might analyze the case from the perspective that you are the central character of the narrative and must provide a report of what you would do in the situation. On the other hand, you might play the role of an outside consultant hired to evaluate the situation for which you provide a report.
Make sure you allow enough time for the various tasks you must perform. These tasks are listed below and explained in more detail in the following sections.
(Note: When writing a case analysis as an exercise in a writing class, there will be no content-related course concepts (e.g., management or health care theories) that apply directly to the case. The objective of the assignment will be to produce a well-written analysis. You should check with your instructor to determine the expectations of content and the amount of research required.
Analyzing the Case
1. Read and study the case thoroughly.
2. Define the problem(s).
3. Select a focus for your analysis by identifying key issues and their causes.
4. Identify and apply course concepts in order to identify possible solutions.
5. Evaluate alternative solutions and choose the solution you believe is best.

Writing the Case Analysis
1. Determine how you want to present your views and structure your paper.
2. Produce a first draft of your case analysis.
3. Revise and edit the draft.
4. Format and proofread the final report.
Analyzing the Case
1. Read and study the case thoroughly.
Read the case once for familiarity with the overall situation, background, and characters involved, noting issues that you think may be important. Read the case again, and highlight all relevant facts. Make sure you understand the situation and have all the facts. Make notes about issues, symptoms of problems, root problems, unresolved issues, and the roles of key players. Watch for indications of issues beneath the surface.
2. Define the problem(s).
Identify the key problems or issues in the case. Case studies often contain an overabundance of information about a particular situation, not all of which may be relevant. Do not try to analyze every fact and issue. Part of the skill of good case analysis is in determining which facts are relevant.
3. Select a focus for your analysis by identifying the key issues and their causes.
Determine how to focus your analysis. Narrow the problem(s) you have identified to between two and five key issues. Do not try to examine every possible aspect of the case. Identify the most important issues that relate to the concepts you have been studying in the course (if applicable).
Once you have focused on one or two key issues, try to gain a fuller understanding of their causes. Why do these problem(s) exist? What caused them? What is the effect of the problem(s) on the organization or the relationships among individuals in the organization? Who is responsible for or affected by the problem(s)?
4. Identify and apply course concepts in order to identify possible solutions. (See previous note regarding writing a case analysis as an exercise in a writing class.) This section is included so that you become familiar with the application of case studies in context of applying content-related course concepts.)
a. Identify and apply one or more concepts discussed in class, covered in your readings, or learned from your own experience that would apply to the case and provide some insight or guidance in solving the problem(s).
b. Review your notes from class discussions and your texts and other readings in the course, conduct outside research, and use your own knowledge and experience to decide what concepts, theories, or ideas could be relevant.
5. Evaluate alternative solutions and choose the solution you believe best reflects the findings from your analysis.
Make certain you can support the solution you choose with solid evidence from your case analysis. Weigh the pros and cons of each alternative. Which solution is the most feasible? Make certain you can defend that solution.
Now you are ready to proceed to the next step?determining how to present your ideas and structure your paper.
Writing the Case Analysis
Written case analyses are short, structured reports. Usually, the instructor will ask for between two and ten typed pages, depending upon the complexity of the case. Some case studies are assigned as individual efforts; others are group projects. Still others may be a partial group effort, with the group collaborating in the analysis and each individual student being asked to prepare a separate written analysis.
Your task, in writing your case analysis, is to combine aspects of the case and key issues with your perceptions and supported opinions. You must then examine alternatives, choose the most viable solution, and provide evidence to support your views. You obtain this evidence from class discussions, your text readings, outside research, and your personal experiences.
1. Determine how you want to present your views and structure your paper.
Most case studies follow a prescribed format and structure and can vary depending upon the course in which it is used, such as those discussed next. Check with your instructor regarding his or her preference as to the sections of the case study analysis report. Case study analyses are written as reports with headings, not as essays. The report should clearly identify the relevant sections for the reader.
a. Title page
Use standard APA format to develop a title page.
b. Introduction
Determine a thesis. Summarize, in one sentence, the principal outcome of your analysis. This is the thesis for your report and should be clearly stated in the first few paragraphs. The introduction identifies the central problem.
c. Background
Take the central problem, and place it in a context for the reader providing background information about the case. Do not reiterate or rehash the facts stated in the case. Rather, place the case in a research context. The background section demonstrates to the reader that you have conducted research, either academically or in the field, regarding the types of problems that the case study describes. Be sure that your written presentation focuses your diagnosis of the problems on the most important issues.
d. Key Problems
This is where you identify your thoughts about the problems that exist. It is considered a very important part of the report. Start with the ?who-when-where-what-why-how? typical questions (Gerson & Gerson, 2002). Ask yourself here as you ponder the situation: ?What are the problems at this company?? There certainly is usually more than one problem. Identify the ones you see as being instrumental to the success of the company or its project.
e. Alternatives
Now that you have conducted research and placed the problem(s) into a context, you will have informed choices about the alternative solutions to the problem(s).
You are not expected to analyze all possible alternatives. However, you should have considered several alternatives when you formed your opinion about the case. Discuss these alternatives and why you rejected them in determining your solution to the case. Why are these viable alternatives? What are the constraints (e.g. money, time, personnel, resources) imposed and the reason that you do not recommend the alternative at this time?


f. Proposed Solution
Discuss your proposed solution providing support with solid evidence. Generally, you should only provide one proposed solution. Keep in mind that in the context of the case study, the characters or company can only start on one solution at a time. Which one do you propose and why? Justify why this solution is the best option through a logical argument supported by research.
The proposed solution should be specific and realistic.
g. Recommendations
If appropriate, you may conclude your written analysis with a discussion of the implications of the problems you identified on the functioning of the organization or on the relationship among individuals in the case. You may also want to make recommendations for further action that might be taken to resolve some of these issues. Be specific about what should be done and who should do it. This section discusses specific strategies that the individuals in the case can do to accomplish the proposed solution.
Check with your instructor as to whether this section should be included in your case analysis report.
2. Produce a first draft of your case analysis.
3. Revise and edit the draft.
4. Format and proofread the final report.
Case study reports are written in a structured format, not as essays. Case study reports usually contain an Executive Summary that contains brief summaries of the Introduction, Background, and Proposed Solution sections of your report. The Executive Summary provides a quick, easy-to-read summary of these three main parts of the case study. (Check with your instructor to see if he or she requires an Executive Summary to be included with your report.)
Tips for formatting the final report:
a. If an Executive Summary is to be included, it should be single-spaced with relevant headings identifying the sections. The Executive Summary should summarize those sections of the report, and not contain any information not discussed by the report.
b. The case study analysis should be written as a structured report, with relevant headings. The case study analysis is not an essay.
5. Include any relevant appendices and references in a proper APA format.

Case Study for Student Analysis

In early April, Carl Robins, the new campus recruiter for ABC, Inc., successfully recruited several new hires in spite of having been at his new job for only six months; this was his first recruitment effort.

He hired 15 new trainees to work for Monica Carrolls, the Operations Supervisor. He scheduled a new hire orientation to take place June 15, hoping to have all new hires working by July.

On May 15, Monica contacted Carl about the training schedule, orientation, manuals, policy booklets, physicals, drug tests, and a host of other issues, which Carl would coordinate for the new hires. Carl assured Monica that everything would be arranged in time.

After Memorial Day, Carl was at his office and pulled out his new trainee file to finalize the paperwork needed for the orientation on June 15. While going through the files, Carl became concerned. Some of the new trainees did not have applications completed or their transcripts on file, and none of them had been sent to the clinic for the mandatory drug screen. He then searched the orientation manuals and found only three copies with several pages missing from each.

Frustrated, he went for a quick walk. Upon his return to the office, he decided to check out the training room for the orientation. There, he found Joe, from technology services, setting up computer terminals. Carl reviewed the scheduling log and found that Joe had also reserved the room for the entire month of June for computer training seminars for the new database software implementation.

Carl panicked. He went back to his office, put his head on his desk, and thought to himself, "What am I going to do?"

Case Analysis on USA Truck as of JANUARY 2005!!; www.usa-truck.com ; NasdaqGS: USAK

[Basic Case Analysis Format]
- Case Analysis 4-5pgs
- Appendix 1-2 pgs

[Format Considerations]
- Double Spacing
- 12 font
- One inch margins
-
[Case Analysis must encompass:]
I. Mission/Vision/External Analysis
- External Analysis includes:
-Government
-Economic
-Social
-Technological
-International
-Ecological
II. Industrial Analysis:
-structure
-customers
-suppliers
-competitors
III. Internal Analysis (non-financial):
-Management
-Marketing
-Operations
IV. Financial Analysis:
- ratio analysis (trend, industry comparison)
- break-even analysis (FC, VC, Calculation)
- Cash flow analysis (major sources/uses, trend)
- cost of capital analysis (calculation)
- Explanation of financial analysis
V. Assumptions/challenges/objectives
- Fututre assumptions
- broad general environment
- industry specific environment
- Statement of the critical challenge
- identify criticasl issues
- identify critical obstacles
- Strategic objectives
- Specific strategic objectives
- specific financial objectives
VI. Alternatives (three)

VII. Analysis of alternatives
- advatages/disadvantages
- Risks/obstacles
VIII. Resolution/implementation/control (specific details/ completion time/ financial projections)
-Resolution
- statement of decision
- justification of decision
-implementation
- identification of required activities, their
sequences, and competion time
- identification of resources required (financial projections - revenue/expenses, costs)
- Control
- process for measuring and monitoring results
IX. Sources

***** The appendix should be used for all charts, graphs, and exhibits. These will be financial data etc. The info should be presented in narrative form throughout the body, but referred to in chart/graph etc form in the appendix ( i.e. see exhibit e-5 for USA Truck balance sheet, or whatever)

email me if there are any question ASAP. Thasnk you!!