MGMT 4402
Strategic Management & Decision Making
Individual Mini Research Pape
Your paper should be an 5-7 page double-spaced, with one inch margins and 12 point font. Grades will be based upon the strength of analysis, the quality of the research, and the demonstration of the subject matter. Below is a sample outline for your review
Instructor Notes & Suggestions
· Select a business or an organization that you have some interest in or would like to understand more about as it applies to the business model
· The size of the company is not important, but it needs to be large enough that you can research it.
· Public or private companies
· Research the basis of the business model
· What has made the business successful and how has it changed within the last 5-10 years
· Write me a “story” of the business model and the history from a business perspective and give me your insight on what you feel the future will be over the next 5+ years for this organization within the specific industry or segment
Sample Outline
· Introduction and overview of the business model
· Short overview of the industry
· Competitive Landscape
· SWOT Analysis
· Timeline of major events over the last 5-10 years
· Key strategies and initiatives
· Cu
ent day business strategies
· Products, Services, Solutions, etc.
· Business Strategies – cu
ently facing the organization
· Any immediate threats that will predict the outcome within the next 3-5 years
· If it applies; Ethical Issues, CSR Issues, Human Rights, etc…
· Leadership Overview & strategies & decision making
· Summary / Conclusion
· Last minute future business predications…………
Examples - Companies
· JC Penney (Retail)
· Google / Yahoo
· Verizon / AT&T
· Bank of America (Banking / Insurance)
· E-Bay
· Wall-Street Journal (Publishing)
· Samsung (Technology)
· Solar Powe
· Etc….
Level of Research
· List a minimum of 3-5 outside research elements
· All sources must come from creditable publications & sources
· Document and refer to these your paper pe
APA format
Format
· Length: 5-7 Pages
· Paper: Double Spaced
· APA Format
· Paper can be free flowing - no specific template
· Include Cover Page (not counted at paper length)