Reference no: EM132656999

Question: The analysis of the external and internal environment of the company; the identification and evaluation of its main strategic options for growth, and recommendation for further development of the company

The purpose of the assignment is to draw out the key strategic issues and challenges encountered in running a company. You would need to carry out additional relevant research to inform your analysis and findings. Please present your analytical frameworks in a table format in order to save enough space for your written discussion and evaluation.

Suggested format

CONTENTS PAGE

The report should be clearly structured and follow a logical format. A contents page should be included which should adequately set out the structure of the report in a systematic way with page no.

INTRODUCTION AND COMPANY BACKGROUND

State clearly what the report is about and the provide a brief overview of the company to set the context for the case.
You need to include:
1) the purpose of the report;
2) What is the core business of the company?
3) What industry does it operate in?
4) What are its geographical markets;
5) What are the Company's mission, vision and value

PART I : External Analysis
This section requires an analysis of the External environment using appropriate strategic models and frameworks discussed during lectures. In particular, the external analysis will require two main parts and corresponding tools:
The Macro-Environmental Analysis through the application of the PESTEL model (table format)
The Industry Analysis through the application of the Porter's Five Forces model (table format)
Finally, deriving from the external analysis, you should then identify the main Opportunities and Threats present in the company's environment.
Evidence of research is required here

PART II : Internal Analysis
This section entails the Internal analysis of the company under investigation using appropriate strategic models and frameworks. In particular, the internal analysis will require two main steps and corresponding tools:
- The Identification of the Resources & Competencies of the company through the application of the Value Chain model (table format)
- The Appraisal of the Resources & Competencies through the application of the VRIO framework (table format)
Finally, deriving from the above, you should then identify the main Strengths and Weaknesses of the company.
Evidence of research is required here. Comparison to competitors is required.
After you completed both the External and Internal analysis, you should summarize your finding in a SWOT analysis (table format)

PART III : Company's Business Strategy and Business Model
Description of the company's Business Strategy in terms of Porter's Generic Strategies model or Bowman's Strategy Clock model.
You also need to provide a brief explanation of the company's Business Model in terms of value creation, value configuration and value capture.
Evidence of research is required here.

PART IV : Issues and Challenges and Strategic Options for Growth
In this section you will need to summarise the main issues and challenges faced by the company. which should logically follow from the previous steps of your analysis.

Based on that you need to generate at least three strategic options that the company could pursue in response to the identified issues and challenges in order to continue to grow. Strategic options should be generated with the use of the Ansoff matrix or the TOWS Matrix models (table format).

PART V : Issues and Challenges Facing the Company Identification and evaluation of the main Strategic Options for Growth
In this section you should provide a specific suggestions to the company based on evaluation of strategic options identified previously through the application of the SAF framework (table format) and select the best one.
Please explain your choice and discuss what resources needed to implement the strategic option chosen effectively.

Conclusion
Provide a brief summary of the major findings arising out of your analyses and leading on to YOUR final strategic recommendations for the company's ongoing health. What problems will the company face in order to sustain a competitive advantage over its rivals?

Logical structure, coherence, linkage to other sections, presentation of data and Reference List (Alphabetical order and Harvard style.

You may include appendices (not more than 5 pages) at the end of your report to provide supporting data/evidence of research, but all essential information should be included in the main body of your work.

Please note evidence of additional researched material mechanical structure and soundness and how well the different sections are linked and integrated within the overall report will be greatly appreciated. A good report emphasises clear, concise writing with focused and solid content. This is crucial since report writing skills are essential to any strategic management exercise.