Assessment 3
Overview
The vice president of strategy for your selected firm (Ford,
Proctor and Gamble, Virgin Group, Walgreen’s, or another firm you have
selected) has asked you to prepare an objective review of the internal
strengths and weaknesses of the firm. Your leaders are hoping to use this
understanding to plan for the future direction of the organization.
Preparation
Use the Capella University Library, the Internet, or
resources provided in the Firm Research Information document (in the Suggested
Resources) to find at least four current, scholarly, or professional resources
that provide the information you need for this assessment.
Requirements
Prepare a 4–6-page executive briefing report identifying not
only internal strengths and weaknesses, but also a rationale that addresses why
your analysis pointed to a particular strength or a weakness. Also be sure to
focus on strategic elements (capabilities) of the firm and on how the strategic
elements fit into the strategic position of the company.
Use the Executive Briefing Report template available in the
Required Resources. Use headings and subheadings to help organize the key
points of your 4–6-page executive briefing report and include the following:
Evaluate how the selected firm leverages its resources and
capabilities to execute the business strategy. Are the firm’s capabilities
found in its functions or the value chain, or both? Does the strategy give
coherence to decisions about allocation of resources?
Evaluate the effectiveness of the organizational structure
and management system design. Include the firm’s ability to support the key
resources and capabilities that execute the business strategy. Is the organizational
structure suited for the particular tasks and particular business environment
of the firm?
Explain possible ethical dilemmas and governance issues.
These issues may include shareholders and stakeholders, distribution of excess
profits, and top management’s pay.
Use clear headings and subheadings to organize the key
points of your report.
Your report should be clearly written and communicate
effectively to organizational leadership; use correct grammar, spelling and
mechanics as expected of a business professional. Cite and reference all
sources using current APA style.
Additional Requirements
References: Support your executive briefing report with at
least four academic resources from the Capella University Library.
APA Style: Use proper APA style for all citations and
references.
Length: The body of the report must be 4–6 double-spaced,
typed pages, not including the references list.
Written communication: Demonstrate graduate-level writing
skills through accurate communication of thoughts that convey the overall goals
of the analysis and do not detract from the message.
Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.
