Choose an organization of interest to you: (APPLE)

Situation Analysis - Brief overview of the company/brand, and external environments (1-2 pages) 1. Introduction / History

2. Mission

3. Vision

4. Values

5. Business Model: Customer Value Proposition and Profit Formula 6. Objectives: Financial Objectives and Strategic Objectives

External Analysis – In-depth external analysis (2-3 pages)

1. Macro Environment: (PESTEL) 2. Five Forces

3. Competitive Analysis

4. Industry Driving Forces

5. Industry Key Success Factors 6. Strategic Group Mapping

Internal Analysis – In-depth internal analysis (2-3 pages)

Analyze the internal environment by using resources that provide internal information for your chosen organization (annual reports, strategic plans, “about us,” etc.). Be sure to present how the factors from the various perspectives are integrated. Internal analysis should include, but is not limited to:

1. Financial Analysis

2. Resource and Capability Analysis and VRIN

3. Value Chain Analysis

4. Benchmarking

5. Is the company competitively strong or weaker than key rivals?

SWOT Analysis/TOWS Matrix – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (TOWS Matrix format: 1 page)

Conduct a complete SWOT analysis incorporating points from all four role perspectives. The SWOT should be substantiated through research which highlights the relevant and critical factors from the Situational, External, and Internal Analyses. Final information, along with strategies, should be presented in a TOWS Matrix.

Organizational Strategy – Provide information to answer each question listed below (3 pages)

1. What are the current Corporate and/or Business Strategies being pursued?

2. Is the Strategy working? Is the strategy a winner using the 3 tests for a winning strategy?

3. Does the company provide a sustainable competitive advantage?

4. Describe how the company is pursuing an offensive or defensive strategy?

5. How does timing (first mover or fast follower) concepts apply to your company?

6. Is the company pursuing any of the following: mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, outsourcing, partnerships, alliances, etc.? How does this impact their strategy now or going forward?

Alternatives Identification/ Recommendation - Directions that the company could pursue to solve the stated problem(s) (2-4 pages)

1. What strategic issues and problems merit front-burner managerial attention? 2. Identification of Alternatives

3. Decision Criteria

4. Identification of Decision/Recommendation