briefly outline what the company does, how it developed historically, what problems it is experiencing, and how you are going to approach the issues in the case

Last Name(s), First Name(s):
BUSI 4317
Case Study #1
Date Submitted:
Case Study #2: Case options—MGM. Complete Sections I, II (part A & B), III and IV (part A).
I. Introduction: Strategic Profile and Case Analysis Purpose
In the introduction, briefly outline what the company does, how it developed historically, what problems it is experiencing, and how you are going to approach the issues in the case write-up.
a. Briefly summarize and present critical facts from the case that affected the company’s history (strategic direction and performance).
b. Explain how these critical facts lead to a particular focus for your analysis.
c. State any important assumptions about case facts on which your analyses are based.
II. 20 points: Situation Analysis
a. 10 points: General environmental analysis
i. Evaluate trends in each segment of the general environment.
ii. Predict the segments that you expect to have the most significant influence on the company over the next several (5 to 10) years.
b. 10 points: Industry analysis
i. Porter’s five forces model—Examine the five forces affecting the firm’s profitability potential.
ii. Determine the attractiveness of the industry (or segment of the industry) in which the company is competing.
c. Competitor analysis
i. Strategic groups—Create a strategic group map to identify the firm’s competitors.
ii. Analyze each competitor in terms of market commonality and resource similarity.
d. Internal analysis
i. Evaluate capabilities in terms of the four criteria of sustainable competitive advantage.
ii. Perform a value chain analysis.
III. 10 points: SWOT Analysis
Analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified in the situation analysis sections for configurations that may benefit the company’s efforts to perform well.
IV. 55 points Solutions and Recommendations: Strategy Formulation and Implementation
a. Strategic Formulation
i. 10 points: Customer analysis–identify who the target customer is currently& what needs the firm is currently satisfying
ii. 10 points: Current business strategy–identify the company’s corporate-level strategy
iii. 15 points: Strategic alternatives (develop alternatives)
iv. 15 points: Alternative evaluation (which alternative has the most potential, why)
v. 5 points: Alternative choice (your recommendation and supporting rationale)
b. Strategic Alternative Implementation
i. Action items
ii. Action plan
V. Appendices
VI. References
15 points: Writing Mechanics/Style and Overall Expectations