BUS485 Full Course

DISCUSSIONS

 

Module 1 Discussion 1

Pick a publicly traded company. Describe its competitive advantage using the resource-based model of above average returns.

Module 1 Discussion 2

 

What are vision and mission statements? What is their value for the strategic management process? Select an example of strong Vision/Mission (cite your source). What are its positive characteristics?

 

Module 2 Discussion 1

Compare Google with Facebook. In terms of the five forces of competition, do you feel these companies view one another as competitors? Why or why not?

 

 

Module 2 Discussion 2

 

Describe the elements of an organization’s external environment. Why is it important to understand the external environment?

 

Module 3 Discussion 1

Why is it important to conduct a SWOT analysis? What are the weaknesses of a SWOT analysis? Why is that so?

 

Module 3 Discussion 2

 

Why is sustainable competitive advantage a critical strategy-making consideration?

 

Module 4 Discussion 1

How can you determine a core competency?

 

 

Module 4 Discussion 2

What is the relationship between capabilities and core competencies?

 

Module 5 Discussion 1

What are the different levels of diversification firms can pursue by using different corporate level strategies and what are the advantages to diversifying their operations?

Module 5 Discussion 2

What do you think are the criteria a firm should use to evaluate targets for acquisition and how should a company plan and undertake its merger acquisition strategic initiatives?

 

 

Module 6 Discussion 1

An international strategy can take many forms. Explain what a global strategy is and how is it different from a multi-domestic strategy. What are the traditional and emerging reasons/motives that firms expand internationally?

Module 6 Discussion 2
What are some of the special features of competing in foreign markets?

 

 

Module 7 Discussion 1

 

Discuss the role of organizational controls and explain their importance.

 

Module 7 Discussion 2

Why is it necessary to regularly evaluate business strategy?

 

 

Module 8 Discussion 1

What are the most effective leadership styles? Why are they effective? In your opinion, what are the least effective leadership styles? Explain.

 

 

Module 8 Discussion 2

Why are innovation and entrepreneurial spirit important to market entry or market expansion? Give examples.

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS

WEEK 1

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

For your first assignment, draft an overview of your project (approximately 500-750 words). Refer to chapter 1 in the textbook for additional information. Include the following in your draft:

1. Briefly describe the context and your organization.
2. Articulate the vision, mission, and strategy of your organization (or business unit or division).
3. Describe the nature of the business opportunity.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed, refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 2

 

 

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Using the Segments of the General Environment, write the environmental analysis for your organization developed in Module 1 (approximately 500-750 words). Refer to chapters 2 and 8 in the textbook for additional information. Include the following in your draft:

1. Incorporate the Five Forces of Competition to help write the industry analysis for your organization (Chapter 2, Figure 2.2 The Five Forces of Competition Model).
2. Describe your sources of competitive advantage.
3. Using the Modes of Entry and their Characteristics (Chapter 8, Figure 8.5), describe which mode(s) of entry you would use to expand globally and why you selected it (even if expansion is hypothetical at this time). Select one country, such as Canada, and discuss relevant cultural, political, and economic factors, and any language barriers that could impact your entry.
4. Using the Parts of the External Environmental Analysis (Chapter 2, Table 2.2), identify the outlook, forecast, or trends for the type of organization you have selected.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed, refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details:
This is a CLC assignment.

In teams, refer to Chapter 2, “Experiential Exercises – Exercise 2: What Does the Future Look Like?”

Select a trend, technology, entertainment, or design that will significantly impact business in the near future. Your goal is to determine which of the six dimensions of the general environment will be affected by your selection. Create a table, utilizing the attached template, to summarize the impact of your selection.

Consult the resources mentioned at the end of the exercise as a starting point for your research. You may need to consult additional sources as well.

Your table should clearly identify the selected trend, technology, entertainment, or design and provide a brief explanation of its forecasted impact on business in the near future.

The table should also be accompanied by a 250-500-word summary of the significance of your findings and a reference page in APA format that includes a minimum of six reputable sources (e.g., trade magazines, academic journals, professional/government websites) you consulted to locate information for your table.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is/is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed, refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin

 

 

WEEK 3

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Write the Marketing Plan for your organization (750-1,000 words). Use the topic material articles and the textbook to help in completing the assignment.

Address the following:

1. Describe the target market.
2. Identify the size of your potential target market.
3. Include a SWOT analysis (use a two by two table in Word).
4. Describe the 4Ps of marketing in your organization (product/positioning, pricing, promotion, and placement). If you have a service organization, you may consider describing the 4Is (intangibility, inconsistency, inseparability, and inventory).

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

WEEK 4

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Write the Organizational Plan for your organization (750-1,000 words). Refer to chapters 4 and 6 in the textbook for additional information.

1. Describe who will comprise your management team and what talents or skills each of the team members will bring to the organization. Include a simple organizational chart.
2. Outline a McKinsey 7-S Assessment/Model (strategy, structure, systems, shared values, style, staff, skills) as it applies to your business. Review the McKinsey 7-S Resources in the topic materials for additional information on completing this section.
3. Describe your business-level strategy (chapter 4 – cost leadership or differentiated) and explain how it fits with the corporate-level strategy (chapter 6 – low, medium, or high differentiation plus value creating, value neutral, or value reducing) for your organization.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin

 

 

 

 

WEEK 5

Details:

 

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Write the Operational Plan for your organization (500 words). Refer to chapter 3,Figure 3.3 A Model of the Value Chain, Chapter 4, Figure 4.2 Examples of Value-Creating Activities Associated with the Cost Leadership Strategy, and Chapter 4,Figure 4.3 Examples of Value-Creating Activities Associated with the Differentiation Strategy in the textbook for additional information.

Address the following in the plan:

1. Describe the supply chain for your prospective organization. Where does your organization bring value in this supply chain?
2. Identify your main partners and suppliers. What are their locations? What is your contingency plan?
3. Explain how you will optimize operational effectiveness in your organization.
4. Consider your operational plan from a value chain perspective and identify and discuss the primary and support activities (financial, human resources, and information systems management).

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment,

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed, refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

WEEK 6

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Write the Financial Plan for your organization (500 word maximum). Create the accompanying spreadsheet(s) and address the following in your plan:

1. Using Excel, create a three-year Pro Forma income statement for your organization (or product/service). Review the resources in the topic materials for additional information.
2. Calculate your financial break-even point. BEP= Fixed Costs/ (unit price – variable unit costs).
3. Identify possible sources for investment capital if required (friends, family, banks, USSBA, etc.).
4. Explain how you will use financial information to help you craft your business strategy.
5. Identify the key financial ratios you will use to measure the performance of your organization to determine success.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed, refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

 

 

WEEK 7

 

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Create the Milestones Schedule and Critical Risks Assessment for your organization (500 word maximum). Refer to chapter 9 in the textbook and the topic material resources for additional information.

1. Describe the preferred timing and objectives for your business plan. Include an Excel spreadsheet with critical decisions and dates. A Gantt chart, network diagram, or task list format is appropriate. Refer to the resources on charting and diagramming project progress in the topic materials for additional information on creating your Milestone Schedule.
2. Create contingency plans to address major problems or setbacks as they occur.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is/is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed, refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 8

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Executive Summary

Revise the Overview written in Module 1 into the Executive Summary for your strategic business plan. Describe each section of the plan in a few sentences so the reader can understand what will follow in the detailed sections in your document.

Final Strategic Business Plan

Integrate the components developed in each Module into a finalized strategic business plan. Incorporate any feedback from your instructor into the final document as well. The document should include appropriate headings for each section. Review the “Capstone Project Template” in the Course Materials for a formatting sample. You should cite and reference 7-10 secondary sources in your final draft. Your final document should be between 4,250-5,250 words.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is/is not required.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

 

Details:

Students will create a strategic business plan for their culminating project in BUS-485. The structure of this assignment is comprehensive and integrative. It requires synthesis and evaluation of information, skills, and knowledge developed throughout the BS program at COB.

You will be required to submit a specific section of the capstone in each Module of the course as indicated in the assignment directions. Each section will be due by the end of the Module in which it is assigned. Review the Capstone Project Assignment Directions for additional information.

Create a visually engaging, professionally designed PowerPoint presentation (10-15 slides) to deliver the findings of your Capstone project. Your presentation will be evaluated based on the following:

1. Organization
2. Content
3. Delivery
4. Professional appeal
5. Slide design

Include a reference slide with a minimum of six reputable sources (e.g., trade magazines, academic journals, professional/government websites) you consulted to locate information for your presentation (these may be resources utilized for your Capstone). Include the speaking notes you would utilize if you were actually going to deliver your presentation.

APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed, refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.