Academic Writing

Assessment task: This assignment is based on the same industry you analysed in your first assignment, but you must choose one company from that industry. Task 1: Internal analysis Discuss strategic capabilities (resources and competences) of the chosen company using appropriate strategy tools (use Value chain to discuss company’s activities and identify their core competences) and identify strengths and weaknesses for the firm. Also discuss company’s financial position and their culture. Areas you should pay attention to are as follows: • Value chain and Core competences • Strengths and weaknesses and resources (human and physical) Task 2: New strategies Construct a SWOT matrix (combine Task 1 findings with the findings of the Assignment 1). Use TOWS matrix to recommend a set of strategies for the company from 2015 - 2020 justifying the recommendations made (suggest several strategies then choose two of these to evaluate using SAFe criteria). Areas you should pay attention to are as follows: • TOWS and Strategies • Suitability • Feasibility • Acceptability • Strategies for change management NB. • Refer to Marking Grid. • To be submitted via Turnitin. • An important aspect of this assignment is the application of theory/models – it is essential that your answers contain a rigorous application of these strategic concepts. In addition you need to use that information in order to devise and evaluate strategies. Guidelines for the Final Assignment 1. • Internal analysis  S & W • Emphasize: Distinctive strengths and Critical weaknesses. Show an awareness & selective use of tools (Value chain / resource audit / core competences). Human and physical resources can be discussed in a descriptive way (use data to support your arguments and provide references). Value chain should be used to discuss company’s activities and for identification of core competences. Accounting ratios should be used to discuss the firm’s financial position – use the latest accounts available from the firm’s website and calculate and interpret the following ratios: ROCE, Gearing and Current ratio. Comparisons with key rivals are helpful. 2. The main focus of this question is on RECOMMENDATIONS for the FUTURE – don’t just say what the company has done in the past or is doing now – try to think of NEW strategies but remember they must be realistic (Don’t just summarise the situation – you need to look forward and use your own ideas). Q2 builds on Q1 (link them - USE a TOWS matrix) You should identify several strategies using TOWS, then you should identify two and evaluate these. Justify your points - EVALUATE your strategies using the SAFe criteria. You should suggest new directions (using Ansoff model) and methods of development (organic or otherwise) but you must be specific in your recommendations. Specify exactly what you think the company should do and why (not just broad direction e.g. “Market Development” or methods “Joint Ventures”). 5 years is the appropriate horizon. But be realistic in what can be achieved in this timeframe. Finally, for one evaluated strategy discuss potential implementation issues paying specific attention to Managing Change. Analyse the strategic capability of an organisation using appropriate strategy tools and identify the key strengths and weaknesses of the firm. In particular identify and discuss any core competences that the firm has. Use TOWS matrix to identify/suggest several new strategies for the organisation. Then, choose two strategies and evaluate these using S, F and A criteria. See Appendix B for separate specific EMA brief.