Module 1 – Case
The Strategic Management Cycle
Case Assignment
For your case assignment this session the organization you
will be reviewing is Dish. You will be considering how this organization
competes within a very competitive industry.
After reviewing the book section, presentation materials,
and additional readings, consider the organization’s mission/vision/values and
key stakeholders and discuss the organization’s position and niche in the
competitive environment.
Make sure you present the company’s mission, vision, and/or
values (whatever the company makes available to the public along these lines),
and discuss the company’s most important primary stakeholders. Indicate whether
you believe the company’s mission, vision, and/or value statements are in
alignment with stakeholder needs. That is, does the organization treat key
stakeholders in a fashion that is in alignment with its posted
mission/vision/values?
Also, is the organization’s mission/vision/values in
alignment with the volatile environment in which it competes?
Assignment Expectations
Your case assignment should be a minimum of 4 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of three reputable
sources cited and referenced in your paper.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
Module 1 – SLP
The Strategic Management Cycle
Current Event Blog 1
In your SLP for this course you will be considered a
strategic management subject matter expert and will be asked to blog about
important aspects of the strategic management process and to provide examples
to support your key arguments based on current events pulled from recent
articles from reputable sources (such as a major national news source like the
NY Times, Business Week, etc.).
Your main article(s) for each of your blog entries must be
no older than 4 months old. If you use an older article as your primary focal
article, you will be asked to redo the assignment. You may, of course, use
older sources to support your discussion but the current event article serving
as the main focus of your paper must be recent.
For your first SLP discuss why the mission and vision are
important in helping to shape organizational strategy and find two recent
articles (no older than four months old) that provide examples of organizations
that seem to be living up to (or failing at) fulfilling their mission and
vision.
Remember that you are playing the role of a person blogging
about strategic management and the key here is to convey to the public the
importance of the mission and vision statement in a strategic management
context and to provide examples of organizations who do well (or poorly) in
fulfilling their stated missions and visions. Also remember to keep your
discussion focused on strategic management.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your SLP assignment should be a minimum of 3 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of three
reputable sources cited and referenced in your paper.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
Module 2 – Case
Environmental Assessment
Case Assignment
In this assignment you will be asked to once again consider
Dish in responding to the following two requirements:
Why is it best for large organizations like Dish to use both
PEST and Porter’s 5 Forces analysis in helping its leaders to understand their
particular external environment? Make sure you demonstrate understanding of
both analytical processes in your discussion and give clear, Dish-related
examples to support your arguments.
Second, describe how the information obtained from the
organization’s macro-level external analysis might be used by an organization
like Dish in performing their SWOT analysis.
In short, what should an organization like Dish be doing to
analyze the external environment at the macro-level and how does that overlap
with the organization’s micro-level analysis efforts? Make sure you provide
well-reasoned and well supported arguments.
Assignment Expectations
Your case assignment should be a minimum of 4 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of three
reputable sources cited and referenced in your paper.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
Module 2 – SLP
Environmental Assessment
Note: This is a signature assignment that will be graded
using the special rubric below to assess Written Communication.
Current Event Blog 2
For this SLP submission you will be asked to submit your
second blog entry about another important aspect of the strategic management
process and to provide examples based on current events pulled from recent
articles from reputable sources (such as a major regional or national news
source like the NY Times, Business Week, etc.).
Recall that the main article(s) for each of your blog
entries mustbe no older than 4 months old. If you use an older article as your
primary focal article, you will be asked to redo the assignment. You may, of
course, use older sources to support your discussion but the current event
article(s) serving as the main focus of your paper must be recent.
For your second SLP submission, describe why environmental
analysis is important and find two recent articles that demonstrate how one or
two organizations have reacted to a turbulent or competitive environment in a
fashion which indicates they have leveraged their strengths, overcome
weaknesses, taken advantage of opportunities, or successfully faced threats to
maintain a competitive edge. What is/are the lesson(s) to be learned that you
want your blog readers to take away from your analysis?
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your SLP assignment should be a minimum of 3 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of three
reputable sources cited and referenced in your paper.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
Written Communication Rubric – SLP
Criteria
Level 4
Excellent
Level 3
Proficient
Level 2
Developing
Level 1
Emerging
Context and Purpose for Writing
8 points
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience,
and purpose that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements
of the work.
7 points
Demonstrates adequate consideration of context, audience,
and purpose and a clear focus on the assigned task(s) (e.g., the task aligns
with audience, purpose, and context).
6 points
Demonstrates awareness of context, audience, purpose, and to
the assigned tasks(s) (e.g., begins to show awareness of audience’s perceptions
and assumptions).
5 points
Demonstrates minimal attention to context, audience,
purpose, and to the assigned tasks(s) (e.g., expectation of instructor or self
as audience).
Content
6 points
Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to
illustrate mastery of the subject, conveying the writer’s understanding, and
shaping the whole work.
5 points
Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to
explore ideas within the context of the discipline and shape the whole work.
4 points
Uses appropriate and relevant content to develop and explore
ideas through most of the work.
3 points
Uses appropriate and relevant content to develop simple
ideas in some parts of the work.
Adherence to Conventions in Specific Disciplines
6 points
Demonstrates detailed attention to and successful execution
of a wide range of conventions particular to a specific discipline and/or
writing task (s) including organization, content, presentation, formatting, and
stylistic choices
5 points
Demonstrates consistent use of important conventions
particular to a specific discipline and/or writing task(s), including
organization, content, presentation, and stylistic choices
4 points
Follows expectations appropriate to a specific discipline
and/or writing task(s) for basic organization, content, and presentation
3 points
Attempts to use a consistent system for basic organization
and presentation.
Sources and Evidence
3 points
Demonstrates skillful use of high-quality, credible, and
relevant sources to develop ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and
genre of the writing
2 points
Demonstrates consistent use of credible, relevant sources to
support ideas that are situated within the discipline and genre of the writing.
1 point
Demonstrates an attempt to use credible and/or relevant
sources to support ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of
the writing.
0 points
Demonstrates an attempt to use sources to support ideas in
the writing.
Syntax Control and Mechanics
4 points
Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning
to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free.
3 points
Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning
to readers. The language in the portfolio has few errors.
2 points
Uses language that generally conveys meaning to readers with
clarity, although writing may include some errors.
1 point
Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of
errors in usage.
Timeliness
3 points
Assignment was submitted on time or delivered late with
instructor’s approval.
2 points
Assignment was submitted 1-2 days after module due date.
1 point
Assignment was submitted 3-4 days after module due date.
0 points
Assignment submitted 5 or more days late or not
submitted/received.
Overall Score
Level 4
27 or more
Level 3
24 or more
Level 2
21 or more
Level 1
0 or more
Module 3 – Case
Strategic Planning & Strategy Formulation
Case Assignment
In this case assignment, consider some key strategies
recently implemented by Dish in its effort to succeed and compete in its
current competitive environment. Discuss the strategic direction of the company
and whether you believe the organization to be on the right track. Make
recommendations that you believe would help Dish to gain market share (that is,
hypothetically formulate what you think would be useful strategies for Dish to
consider). Also comment regarding whether you believe Dish operates in a socially
responsible manner and whether their CSR record helps or hinders their success.
Assignment Expectations
Your case assignment should be a minimum of 4 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of three
reputable sources cited and referenced in your paper.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
Module 3 – SLP
Strategic Planning & Strategy Formulation
Note: This is a signature assignment that will be graded
using the special rubric below to assess Information Literacy.
Current Event Blog 3
For this SLP submission you will be asked to submit your
third blog entry about another important aspect of the strategic management
process and to provide examples based on current events pulled from recent
articles from reputable sources. (You will need to use at least five
peer-reviewed articles for this assignment.) Peer-reviewed articles can be
located by using the Trident Online Library. Please make sure that you
cite/reference correctly in APA.
For this Signature Assignment, the articles for your blog
entry must be no older than 12 months old.
For your third SLP discuss the importance of the strategy
formulation and planning phase. Identify five recent peer-reviewed articles
that discuss a recent major strategic effort on the part of an organization.
What would you have recommended if you were sitting at the strategy planning
table? Examples of such an effort might include mergers, buy-outs, sell-offs,
introduction of innovative products, strategic marketing campaigns, and the
like.
Discuss to what extent you believe this effort will succeed
given the organization’s external environment. What is the takeaway for your
reading audience? That is, what strategic planning lessons can be learned from
the situation you highlighted in your blog entry?
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your SLP assignment should be a minimum of 3 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of five reputable
sources cited and referenced in your paper.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
Information Literacy Rubrics for SLPs
Criteria
Level 4 – Excellent
Level 3 – Proficient
Level 2 – Developing
Level 1 – Emerging
Determine the Extent of Information Needed
8 points
Effectively defines the scope of the research question or
thesis. Effectively determines key concepts. Types of information (sources)
selected directly relate to concepts or answer research question.
7 points
Defines the scope of the research question or thesis
completely. Can determine key concepts. Types of information (sources) selected
relate to concepts or answer research question.
6 points
Defines the scope of the research question or thesis
incompletely (parts are missing, remains too broad or too narrow, etc.). Can
determine key concepts. Types of information (sources) selected partially
relate to concepts or answer research question.
5 points
Has difficulty defining the scope of the research question
or thesis. Has difficulty determining key concepts. Types of information
(sources) selected do not relate to concepts or answer research question.
Access the Needed Information
6 points
Accesses information using effective, well-designed search
strategies and most appropriate information sources.
5 points
Accesses information using variety of search strategies and
some relevant information sources.
Demonstrates ability to refine search.
4 points
Accesses information using simple search strategies, and
retrieves information from limited and similar sources.
3 points
Accesses information randomly, retrieves information that
lacks relevance and quality.
Evaluate Information and its Sources Critically
6 points
Thoroughly (systematically and methodically) analyzes own
and others’ assumptions and carefully evaluates the relevance of contexts when
presenting a position.
5 points
Identifies own and others’ assumptions and several relevant
contexts when presenting a position.
4 points
Questions some assumptions. Identifies several relevant
contexts when presenting a position. May be more aware of others’ assumptions
than one’s own (or vice versa).
3 points
Shows an emerging awareness of present assumptions
(sometimes labels assertions as assumptions). Begins to identify some contexts
when presenting a position.
Use Information Effectively to Accomplish a Specific Purpose
3 points
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information from
sources to fully achieve a specific purpose, with clarity and depth.
2 points
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information from
sources. Intended purpose is achieved.
1 point
Communicates and organizes information from sources. The
information is not yet synthesized, so the intended purpose is not fully
achieved.
0 points
Communicates information from sources. The information is
fragmented and/or used inappropriately (misquoted, taken out of context, or
incorrectly paraphrased, etc.), so the intended purpose is not achieved.
Access and Use Information Ethically and Legally
4 points
Students use correctly all of the following information use
strategies (use of citations and references; choice of paraphrasing, summary,
or quoting; using information in ways that are true to original context;
distinguishing between common knowledge and ideas requiring attribution) and
demonstrate a full understanding of the
ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential,
and/or proprietary information.
3 points
Students use correctly three of the following information
use strategies (use of citations and references; choice of paraphrasing,
summary, or quoting; using information in ways that are true to original
context; distinguishing between common knowledge and ideas requiring
attribution) and demonstrates a full understanding of the ethical and legal
restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary
information.
2 points
Students use correctly two of the following information use
strategies (use of citations and references; choice of paraphrasing, summary,
or quoting; using information in ways that are true to original context;
distinguishing between common knowledge and ideas requiring attribution) and
demonstrates a full understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on the
use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information.
1 point
Students use correctly one of the following information use
strategies (use of citations and references; choice of paraphrasing, summary,
or quoting; using information in ways that are true to original context;
distinguishing between common knowledge and ideas requiring attribution) and
demonstrates a full understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on the
use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information.
Timeliness
3 points
Assignment was submitted on time or delivered late with
instructor’s approval.
2 points
Assignment was submitted 1-2 days after module due date.
1 point
Assignment was submitted 3-4 days after module due date.
0 points
Assignment submitted 5 or more days late or not submitted/received.
Overall Score
Level 4
27 or more
Level 3
24 or more
Level 2
21 or more
Level 1
0 or more
Module 4 – Case
Strategy Implementation & Evaluation
Case Assignment
Please note that this assignment is unique in that your
written communication skills will be assessed. This assignment also includes a
specialized rubric focused specifically on written communication.
After reviewing the book section, presentation materials,
and additional readings you will be asked to compose an argumentative essay
where you will argue for or against the thesis identified below regarding the
implementation process of a strategic management plan. Here is the thesis
statement you are expected to support or refute using well-reasoned arguments:
The successful implementation of the strategic management
plan in a large corporation like Dish is highly reliant on measurement and
evaluation efforts during and after the implementation phase.
In responding to this assignment you should continue your
review of the information available on Dish. Identifying strategies over the
past couple of years that did not work out so well versus strategies that
succeeded might be helpful in supporting key arguments. Some questions to ask
yourself in formulating your arguments might include: What barriers might have
gotten in the way of any less successful strategies? And what type of strategic
evaluation efforts do you think are necessary to keep an eye on progress in a
large company like Dish? How does measurement of implementation processes help
assure success? How does the evaluation process help to assure future success?
In this assignment, make sure you clearly identify the
position you are taking with respect to the thesis. Your essay should include
an introduction, and well developed arguments in support of your position. You
should wrap up your essay with a conclusion.
Assignment Expectations
Your case assignment should be a minimum of 5 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of three
reputable sources cited and referenced in your paper but more is preferred.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment. Keep in mind that this rubric is a different rubric
from what you are used to as it focuses on the assessment of your writing
skills.
Module 4 – SLP
Strategy Implementation & Evaluation
Current Event Blog 4
For this SLP submission you will be asked to submit your
fourth blog entry about another important aspect of the strategic management
process and to provide examples based on current events pulled from recent
articles from reputable sources (such as a major national news source like the
NY Times, Business Week, etc.).
Recall that the main article(s) for each of your blog
entries must be no older than 4 months old. If you use an older article as your
primary focal article, you will be asked to redo the assignment. You may, of course,
use older sources to support your discussion but the article serving as the
main focus of your paper must be recent.
This final blog entry will be related to your case
assignment in that it will deal with Comcast. For this assignment consider the
short news article related to Verizon by Albanesius (2014) and the Nakashima
(2014) article that discusses a deal made between Disney and the Dish Network.
The articles deal with plans to provide video content on mobile devices and on
home televisions in an a la carte manner. As you know, Cable companies tend to
bundle programming to cause customers to want to buy more premium packages to
accommodate their home entertainment desires. The players in the industry have
been avoiding the a la carte approach to programming in order to cause
customers to pay more through the bundling strategy.
Your assignment will be to present to your blog reading
audience an argument as to whether you believe that Comcast is strategically
poised to compete with upcoming changes in the environment related to providing
an a la carte approach to programming. What should large cable companies like
Comcast be doing now so as not to go the way of Kodak?
Make sure you provide at least two very recent articles to
support your key points (no older than 4 months old).
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your SLP assignment should be a minimum of 4-5 pages in
length.
You are required to use APA formatting and you are required
to cite and reference your sources. There should be a minimum of three reputable
sources cited and referenced in your paper.
Please make sure you review the assignment rubric prior to
writing your assignment.
