Advanced Business Strategy

Prepare MINI CASE on Pearson PLC

2. MINI CASE STUDY WRITTEN ANALYSIS
4. For the mini case studies (Pearson PLC ), each student must prepare write-ups to answer the material covered by the slides as described in the FORMAT FOR PRACTICE CASE STUDY below.  The analysis must not repeat existing material from the text/ case nor will numbers be allowed to be presented.  The analysis must be your original interpretation of the case data and include updated data from outside research you conducted.  The answers must be at least 3 typed pages in length in total. This is Not a power-point paper but a written essay form of analysis which explains your thoughts in sentence and paragraph structure. 

6. FORMAT FOR PRACTICE CASE STUDY

    

   The perspective for this presentation must be as an outside consultant presenting to the Board of Directors OF THE COMPANY IN THE CASE. Note: Do not regurgitate existing/known data the Board would already be aware of. This is not a report of interesting facts or historical data! Comments have to be interpretative not a reiteration of details noted in the case.  
   

    

   1.      Key Industry Dynamics from External Audit 

   Highlight the most salient external trends, threats, observations, implications, conclusions, impacting issues, etc. relating to the historical development, current situation AND future forecasts for the industry the company primarily competes that could impact future performance of the company. Make all points relevant to the industry the firm competes.  Note: there should not be any numbers/figures on this slide.  The material comes from the data you generated from your EXTERNAL AUDIT/ANALYSIS of the firm.

   2.      Key Company Dynamics from Internal Audit 

    

7. Highlight the most salient internal important issues, etc. relating to current situation for the company in the case study that will impact its future financial performance or success.  Note: there should not be any numbers/figures on this slide.  The material comes from the data you generated in the INTERNAL AUDIT/ANALYSIS of the firm.

8.  

   3.      SWOT Analysis 

   Identify key strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats for the company

    

   •       Strengths

   List 2-4 major, relevant strengths for company

   •       Weaknesses

   List 2-4  major, relevant weaknesses for company

   •       Opportunities

   List 2-4 , relevant opportunities for company

   •       Threats

   List 2-4 major, relevant threats for company

    

   4.      Key Strategic Implications 

   List only those MOST IMPORTANT implications (aka conclusions) from a strategic (top management) viewpoint identified from the data you generated in 1-3 above.

   5.      Key Strategic Issue 

    

   Identify the one (1) major, key strategic issue in case w/supporting rationale.

    

   6.      Strategic Recommendation 

   List the specific recommendation to solve the key strategic issue w/supporting rationale.