Guide to Strategic Management Case Analysis

1. Guide to Strategic Management Case Analysis Pearce Textbook: Part Three (G-1) After Page 392

2. Case Assignments • Groups 1, 2 & 3: IBM Global Services • Computer Services Industry • Case #38 • Groups 4 & 5: JP Morgan Chase • The Credit Card Industry • Case #40 • Relevant Chapters: 3, 5 & 6 • Due Date: Thursday, Dec 16

3. The Case Method • Gives you the opportunity to assume the role of a key decision maker in a business organization • Allows you to develop your analytical skills • Helps you to understand the interrelationships of various functional areas of business • Enables you to develop valuable skills in time management, group problem solving, creativity and organization

4. Preparing For Case Discussion • Allow adequate time for case preparation • Read each case twice • Focus on the key strategic issue in each case • Do not overlook exhibits • Adopt the appropriate time frame • Draw on all of your knowledge of business

5. Using The Internet In Case Research • Company Websites • U.S. Government Websites • SEC’s Edgar Database • Search Engines • Yahoo • Investment Research Sites • Hoover’s Online • Online Data Sources • Bloomberg Financial • BusinessWeek Online

6. Written Assignments • Analyze • Use headings or labels • Discuss alternatives • Use topic sentences • Be specific in your recommendations • Do not overlook implementation • Specifically state your assumptions

7. Oral Presentations • DO NOT READ YOUR PAPER! • Use your own words • As a guide, use an outline with bullet points • Rehearse your presentation • Use visual aids • Be prepared to handle questions

8. Working As A Team Member • Try to have an equitable division of labor • Communicate with other team members • Work as a team • Plan and structure team meetings • Let your instructor know if you have a non-participant • Ensure final product is integrated and consistent, with no duplications.

9. Writing a Case Report • Define the central problem: • Distinguish between problems and symptoms of a fundamental problem • In medicine, if a patient who has fever, this is a symptom, infection is the problem • Business examples of symptoms are declining sales, declining market share or defections from your sales force • A problem may not really be a problem but is simply an area of opportunity

10. Writing a Case Report (Cont) • Formulate the alternatives to resolve the problem • Analyze the alternatives • This is a key part of the case report • Emphasis is on the word, “analyze” • Recommend a solution • Specify a plan of action • How will you implement your solution • Prepare contingency plans

11. Common Errors To Avoid • Simply repeating & rehashing data • Concluding there is inadequate data • Failing to deal adequately with numbers • Failing to pursue analysis to a logical conclusion • Failing to adequately organize your report

12. Common Errors To Avoid (cont) • Failure to be decisive • Excessive grammatical and spelling mistakes • Failure to read report over after it is printed • Other things to avoid • Presenting a massive catalog of problems or alternatives • Using slang and repeating slogans • Using colloquialism or informal language

13. Ch. 3: Five Forces Driving Industry Competition (Michael Porter) New Entrants Threat of new entrants Bargaining power of suppliers Bargaining power of buyers Industry Competitors Suppliers Buyers Rivalry Among Existing Firms Threat of substitute products or services Substitutes

14. Ch. 5, Ex. 5-7: The Value Chain General Administration Human Resource Management Margin Support Activities Research, Technology, and Systems Development Procurement Inbound Logistics Operations Outbound Logistics Marketing and Sales Service Margin Primary Activities