Your Individual Strategy assignment (e-portfolio 2) is a case study analysis of 1150 to 1500 words. You must analyse the Browns Sports Footwear case (case study is on Weblearn and is 4 pages long) by applying appropriate strategy models from the core module text book, ‘Exploring Strategy’ (e.g. PESTLE, Five Forces, Strategic Grouping, Value Chain or Seven S, Porter’s generic strategies or Bowman’s strategy clock). You must summarise the strategic position of Browns using SWOT analysis and then make recommendations for the future direction of the company using your analysis and the Ansoff matrix.
You should use tables or diagrams when you apply strategy models and populate them with data from the case. However, it is not sufficient to just apply models and produce diagrams or tables; you must discuss the key findings from each model (there are lots of marks available for the quality of your discussion). The information in tables or diagrams or in the end reference section will not be included in the word count. Your report should use full sentences and not bullet points (except in diagrams or tables).
You should reference your work using the Harvard system and use relevant academic reading to develop and support your work (at least three different academic sources). You do not need to read beyond the case for information about Browns or the sports footwear industry. You should stick to the case and limit your reading to strategy text books and academic journal articles. You do not need to describe the models in detail e.g. you don’t need to explain what Porter means by ‘buyer power’; it will be clear from your analysis that you understand this.
Report structure
Introduction: Brief introduction to the assignment (50 to 100 words)
Main body: Models, e.g. PESTLE, Five Forces, Strategic Grouping, McKinsey Seven S or Value Chain, Porter’s generic strategies or Bowman’s strategy clock and SWOT, populated with your analysis from the case. Discussion (synthesis & key insights) after applying each of the models. This should end with a discussion of your SWOT analysis. (1000 to 1350 word plus diagrams or tables)
Recommendations: Recommendations for future strategic direction based on discussion in the main body and insights from your Ansoff matrix (100 to 200 words plus Ansoff matrix)
Reference section: in Harvard format. Only cite sources that are included in your assignment. There must be at least 3 different academic sources including the core text book. These should be cited in the main body as in-text references and in your end reference list. Wikipedia and BusinessBalls.com are not academic sources.
| Assessment Criteria: Individual Strategy assignment |
| · Demonstrates understanding of a wide range of strategy models and ability to appropriately apply them using the information from the case study. |
| · Demonstrates understanding of the case study organisation and depth of insight and synthesis from the analysis of each model and analysis of the overall strategic position (synthesis of SWOT analysis). |
| · Recommendations are based on the earlier analysis and demonstrate good understanding of Ansoff and the case. |
| · Good evidence of academic reading. Good use of Harvard referencing. |
| · Report is well structured and presented; arguments are coherent, logical and persuasive. |
