Doc Show Lesscapella Corporate Strategy

By /

Doc Show Lesscapella Corporate Strategy

  • Overview

    Write a 4–6-page business analysis of your key research findings regarding your selected firm’s level of diversification (product scope), geographical and vertical scope, and the overall fit with the business strategy or strategies.Note: The assessments in this course are sequenced in such a way as to help you build specific skills that you will use throughout your program. Complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.SHOW LESSAs a business professional, you will need to understand corporate strategy—the product, geographical and vertical scope of the firm, its overall corporate structure and management systems and the strategic fit between the business and corporate strategies. This assessment allows you to practice analyzing the corporate strategy of a specific firm.By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

    • Competency 1: Apply strategic theories, models, and best practices to understand and explain an organization’s strategy.
      • Analyze the corporate strategy of the selected firm, including product, geographical, and vertical scope.
    • Competency 2: Analyze the fit of the internal elements (resources, capabilities, goals, structures, systems, and values) with the organizational strategy.
      • Analyze the firm’s overall corporate structure and key management systems.
    • Competency 3: Analyze an organization’s strategic fit with the external environment and primary industry in which it competes.
      • Analyze the strategic fit between the business and corporate strategies of the selected firm.
    • Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is professional and consistent with expectations for members of the business professions.
      • Write coherently to support a central idea (in appropriate APA format) with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a business professional.
    Competency Map

    CHECK YOUR PROGRESSUse this online tool to track your performance and progress through your course.

  • Toggle Drawer

    Context

    You have identified how the firm makes money (business model) and how it competes (business strategy). Now you will focus on key elements of corporate strategy including diversification, vertical integration, and issues of scale and scope.

  • Toggle Drawer

    Questions to Consider

    As you prepare to complete this assessment, you may want to think about other related issues to deepen your understanding or broaden your viewpoint. You are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of your professional community. Note that these questions are for your own development and exploration and do not need to be completed or submitted as part of your assessment.

  • Toggle Drawer

    Resources

    Suggested Resources

    The resources provided here are optional. You may use other resources of your choice to prepare for this assessment; however, you will need to ensure that they are appropriate, credible, and valid. The MBA-FP6024 – Organizational Strategy Library Guide can help direct your research, and the Supplemental Resources and Research Resources, both linked from the left navigation menu in your courseroom, provide additional resources to help support you.

    Capella Resources

    Click the link provided for more background on your selected firm:

    SHOW LESS

    Capella University Library Resources
    Harvard Business Review Articles

    The following readings are available from the Harvard Business Review. Search for the article by following the instructions in the Library Guide:

    • Capron, L., & Mitchell, W. (2010). Finding the right path. Harvard Business Review, 88(7/8), 102–107.
    • Drucker, P. F. (1994). The theory of the business. Harvard Business Review, 72(5), 95–104.
    • Ghemawat, P. (2007). Managing differences: The central challenge of global strategy. Harvard Business Review, 85(3), 58-68.
    • Hamel, G., & Prahalad, C. K. (2005). Strategic intent. Harvard Business Review, 83(7/8), 148–161.
    • Hargadon, A., & Sutton, R. I. (2000). Building an innovation factory. Harvard Business Review, 78(3), 157–166.
    • Johnson, M. W., Christensen, C. M., & Kagermann, H. (2008). Reinventing your business model. Harvard Business Review, 86(12), 50–59.
    • Kiechel III, W. (2012). The management century. Harvard Business Review, 90(11), 62–75.
    • Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. (2004). Blue ocean strategy. Harvard Business Review, 82(10), 76–84.
    • Lafley, A. G., Martin, R. L., Rivkin, J. W., & Siggelkow, N. (2012). Bringing science to the art of strategy. Harvard Business Review, 90(9), 56–66.
    • Martin, R. (2002). The virtue matrix: Calculating the return on corporate responsibility. Harvard Business Review, 80(3), 68–75.
    • Porter, M. E. (1987). From competitive advantage to corporate strategy. Harvard Business Review, 65(3), 43.
    • Porter, M. E. (1990). The competitive advantage of nations. Harvard Business Review, 68(2), 73–93.
    • Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1/2), 62–77.
    • Prahalad, C. K., & Hamel, G. (1990). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79–91.
    Bookstore Resources

    The following resource is available for purchase from the Capella University Bookstore.

    • Grant, R. M., & Jordan, J. (2012). Foundations of strategy. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley and Sons.
      • Chapter 3, “Resources and Capabilities.”
      • Chapter 7, “Corporate Strategy,”

  • Assessment Instructions

    Note: The assessments in this course are sequenced in such a way as to help you build specific skills that you will use throughout your program. Complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.

    Overview

    The vice president of corporate strategy at the headquarters of your selected firm (Ford, Proctor and Gamble, Virgin Group, or another firm you have selected) has requested that you provide her with a business analysis of your key findings regarding the firm’s level of diversification (product scope), geographical and vertical scope, and the overall fit with the business strategy or strategies (identified in Assessment 1 of the course).

    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 to complete this assessment.

    Requirements

    In 4–6 pages, provide a business analysis of the firm you selected. Your analysis should do all of the following:

    • Analyze the corporate strategy of the selected firm, including product, geographical, and vertical scope in which it operates. Has the firm expanded from its initial product line or field of operation? Does the firm own vertically related activities along the value chain for its products?
    • Analyze the firm’s overall corporate structure and key management systems. Does the firm employ any of the following three elements of corporate strategy: diversification, vertical integration, or globalization? Are global alliances an overall part of the corporate strategy?
    • Analyze the strategic fit between the business and corporate strategies of the selected firm.

    Use clear headings and subheadings to organize the key points of your analysis.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 business analysis with at least four academic resources from the Capella University Library.
    • APA Style: Use proper APA style for all citations and references.
    • Length: 4–6 double-spaced, typed pages, not including the references list or title page.
    • 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.

    Note: Faculty may also use the Writing Feedback Tool to provide feedback on your writing. In the tool, click the linked resources for helpful writing information.