ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION (NEED 2-3 PAGES)

Case Study 1: 3i Group's Private Equity Investment in China's Little Sheep

Read the case study titled, "Integrative Case 1: 3i Group's Private Equity Investment in China's Little Sheep,".

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1. Assess the level of intensity of the major competitive forces affecting the Chinese restaurant industry using the five (5) forces framework. Speculate on the profit potential within the industry.

2. Conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis for Little Sheep Catering Chain Co in which you examine at least three (3) strengths, three (3) weaknesses, three (3) opportunities, and three (3) threats. Recommend two (2) actions that Little Sheep Catering Chain Co. should take based on your SWOT analysis.

Note: The SWOT analysis table does not count toward the final page length. Please include the SWOT analysis table in the appendix. Use Microsoft Word, or equivalent software, to create the SWOT analysis table.

3. Using the VRIO (value, rarity, imitability, organization) framework, analyze the primary resources and capabilities that will enable Little Sheep Catering Chain Co. to generate a sustainable competitive advantage.

4. Compare and contrast the fundamental benefits that Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and 3i offered Little Sheep in order to support its growth strategy. Agree or disagree with Little Sheep Catering Chain Co. awarding 3i the contract. Justify your response.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA.

• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the professor's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Examine competitive dynamics at the industry level in order to formulate effective global strategies.

• Analyze internal capabilities of a firm in order to formulate effective global strategies.

• Use technology and information resources to research issues in global strategy.

• Write clearly and concisely about global strategy using proper writing mechanics.

PART 2 : ONLINE DISCUSSION(NEED ABOUT 200 WORDS)

"Influence of Institution and Cultures" Please respond to the following:

• From the case study, imagine that you are the CEO of Yamakawa Corporation's U.S. subsidiary. You are faced with the dilemma of either cutting salaries or cutting jobs.

Analyze the role that institutions, cultures, and ethics played in this case and determine whether you will cut salaries or jobs. Provide a rationale for your decision.

• Examine the overall manner in which formal and informal institutions combine to influence firm behavior. Provide two (2) examples that depict the effects that formal and informal institutions can have on a firm's strategy.

PART 3 : ONLINE DISCUSSION(NEED ABOUT 250 WORDS)

"Capital Structure and Tax Shields"

Go to Yahoo! Finance's Website, and select a publicly traded company which interests you.

Determine the company's symbol (i.e., Apple = APPL) and navigate to the "SEC Filings" link on the left-hand side of the page under "COMPANY".

Review the debt structure of the company you have chosen by reading the company's latest quarterly report and determining whether it has any convertible bonds or long-term debt.

Recommend two actions that the selected company can take in order to optimize its capital structure. Provide a rationale for your recommendation.

APA format with references.