Hersheys chocolate in APA format
Using the readings and resources above, other readings from the course, and any outside
research you do on your own, submit an analysis paper 3 to 5 pages in length (doublespaced not including references). The analysis paper should be completed using proper
APA formatting using the 6th edition of the APA Publication Manual. For assistance with
APA formatting, please utilize the following resources:
Introduction (1 – 2 paragraphs)
The introduction should provide an overview of the company’s
situation, its strategy, and the significant issues and challenges that
confront management. This section should demonstrate that you
have a firm grasp of the company’s present situation. Unless
completely necessary to present a strong introduction, do not
simply recall facts and history about the company. You may
assume your instructor has read the readings related to this
assignment and is familiar with the organization.
Strategy Analysis (1 – 2 paragraphs)
This section should address the key question that is central to a
company’s strategy: What business is the company in?
Additionally, this section should address how the company is
choosing to compete in the business they are in and should identify
the company’s competitors. In our modern age of innovation,
sometimes it may be difficult to identify ‘clear cut’ competitors.
But keep in mind these points are critical in forming corporatelevel strategies; therefore, managers must be able to effectively
answer these questions with certainty.
Competitive Analysis (1 – 2 pages)
Based on what you have learned from the assignment’s readings
and other information you have gathered from your own research,
provide a brief SWOT analysis of the company. Additionally, you
should present an analysis of the company’s competitive position
in the industry using Michael Porter’s Five Industry Forces model.
These analyses do not need to be exhaustive but should
demonstrate your understanding of the company’s position.
Finally, this section should identify the company’s positioning
strategies and its adaptive strategies. Integrate facts from this case
as well as concepts from the course readings and resources to
substantiate your analysis.
Organizational Culture Assessment (1 – 2 paragraphs)
The culture of an organization is a critical factor in an
organization’s internal environment and often impacts its strategy
formation and implementation. For this section, refer to the
company’s web site for information on the company and any
outside research you may have done on your own. Describe the
organization’s culture and provide an evaluation of the culture.
Provide insight into how the culture may help or hurt its
competitive position and strategic initiatives.
Conclusion (1 – 2 paragraphs)
For this section, provide an assessment of the company’s strategic
intentions and how well you think the company can compete and
how successful it will be. Determine whether the company has the
necessary resources and competencies to gain and sustain
competitive advantage and what the company could do to
capitalize on them. Determine whether the company’s competitive
position will become weaker or stronger. Also, if you have
recommendations on how the company should best proceed,
certainly include those with specifics. Avoid general statements
such as “The company should be more aggressive” but instead
state exactly how the company should go about
this. Recommendations are not required for this section but
including them is an opportunity to demonstrate your critical
thinking and analysis skills and thus a good opportunity to
increase the number of points you earn.
Remember….
As with case studies, there are no “correct” answers. Instead a case
study analysis is an opportunity to demonstrate your critical
insights and analysis into the management issues of a given
organization or situation. To receive the highest number of points
for the assignment, support your insights and analysis with case
facts and evidence, sound logic and analysis, and integration of
course readings and resources. Additionally, make sure to
demonstrate appropriate use of analytical and strategic concepts,
demonstrate consistency between analysis and conclusions, and
provide sufficient detail to complete the assignment requirements.
Consequently, avoid using phrases such as “I think” or “I believe”
and instead use a phrase such as “My analysis shows….”
