Purpose:
The purpose of this analysis is to allow students to select a topic (company / industry) according to their personal interests, and analyse its business strategy aspects. The students of TBUS 501 and 502 will select a case study – a recent example (not more than 2 years old) that reflects a company’s business strategy decision(s), changes in product orientation, entry to new markets, an international expansion or any other similar issue(s). The students are obliged to report the topic (company, industry) to the lecturer, to confirm if the topic is available or eligible for this type of assignment.
Description:
The students will select a case study (company) that will be analysed, issues identified, and linked to the theory. The issues should be clearly outlined and justified (with supporting arguments from academic or industry sources) within the context of the company’s business strategy and environment in which the company operates.
Each student will individually analyse the case and submit a written report (via Turnitin) by a due date, detailing his/her details on the cover page (student name, number, study program (TBUS 501 or 502), company name and industry type). The body of the report should include an executive summary, introduction, analysis of a company’s background (history, organisation’s structure, available resources, product portfolio, market share, etc.), issues (reasons) why it was selected as a good business strategy case, what were the outcomes of the introduced strategic changes, what were the consequences for the organisation or industry in which the company operates. This paper should provide a set of clearly outlined business strategy issues that should be justified by using the academic literature, industry reports or research findings.
Topics to be covered: Unit content delivered in weeks 1-5The word limit for this report is 1500 words (excluding executive summary, references list [Harvard style], bibliography, and exhibits [e.g. figures; tables; charts]) and will be worth 30% of total course marks.
Reports that exceed the word limit will receive a 10% mark reduction.
Criteria to grade quality:The following criteria will be used to assess this assignment:
1. Demonstrated discipline knowledge – understanding of theories, concepts and frameworks
2. Research depth and quality of data
3. Scope and depth of analysis and strong links to theory
4. Critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of knowledge – clearly outlined business strategy issues
5. Structure, writing style and discipline specific vocabulary
6. Referencing – accurate style, mainly academic and industry sources appropriate number of references (for a higher mark over 10 references)
For marking purposes the following form will be used: Assessment Criterial and Performance Standards for Case Studies.
