The assignment takes the form of a research analyst's report. The purpose of such a report is to deliver insights to an internal or external client to support strategic planning. You will be expected to comment critically on the relationship between business information systems and strategy, drawing both from the material covered in class and from individual study. The report should be between and 2500 and 3000 words. (excluding Appendices)

This is an individual assignment worth 50% of the grade for the course. It has two deliverables.

written Research Analyst Report on the role of information technology (and the internet in particular) in influencing a firm's business strategy

Instructions

1. Select a realfirm as the focus of your report. This can be a pure-play internet company, or a traditional firm that is engaged in eBusiness activities. Make sure that you can find a substantial amount that has been written about the firm that you select. Let me know which firm you have chosen.
2. Research the firm and its industry environment so that you are familiar with its competitive context. Use independent third party sources, NOT just the firm's website.
3. Put yourself in the position of a research analyst who is writing a report on the role of information technology (and the internet in particular) in influencing the firm's business strategy. Your paper must:
   1. Provide a description of the company, including its products/services, target markets, distribution channels,number of employees, length of time in business, market share, main competitors etc.
   2. Explain what the firm has done in terms of engagement in eBusiness (if appropriate, use a stage model as the basis for this explanation).  Explain the business / revenue model(s) used by the firm, identifying any changes that have been made over time.
   3. Use relevant theory, (citing writers included in required readings) to explain how the Internet has impacted the competitive strategies available to a firm,and analyze how successful (or not) your particular firm has been in meeting the challenges posed by its eBusiness activities. 
   4. Discuss Carr's writings with respect to whether or not information technology and the Internet have given, and can continue to give, competitive advantage in the case of your particular firm.
   5.  Comment on what your research shows you might be the firm's future competitive environment.