MGT499 Entire course (Module 1-5 case and SLP) 19542

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Module1

Harley-Davidson: A Unique, Loyal Stakeholder Base

In this course we are going to be looking at Harley-Davidson Motor Company from a strategic management perspective. This organization is quite unique in that it has worked very hard through the years to build its brand and has acquired a loyal following. This loyal customer following has actually been quite a phenomonen and many have even identified it as "cultlike." That is to say, H-D is unique, particularly from a stakeholder perspective.

The corporation is now reaching to other countries in an attempt to expand its niche across borders and oversees. There is a lot of competition in the motorcycle market. Some competitors include Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Indian, Victory, BMW and Triumph motorcycles.

And although H-D dominated the heavy-weight motorcycle market in America for many years, in recent decades many of the above mentioned competitors have developed cruisers and touring bikes of their own, emulating H-D’s bikes to include a V-twin engine design.

Case Assignment

For this assignment, you are to read the information in the background material, spend some time getting a feel for H-Ds history, strategy and key stakeholders, and then write a 3- to 4-page report for your professor and the executives of Harley-Davidson by addressing the following assignment requirements:

i. Discuss to what degree you believe Harley-Davidson is currently proceeding towards its mission, vision, and values.

ii. Identify two or three of H-D’s most important stakeholders and discuss whether Harley-Davidson’s current strategic direction is aligned with the needs of the corporation’s stakeholders? Please explain your reasoning.

iii. Based on your analysis and findings, what would you recommend to the executives of Harley-Davidson? Why? Please explain your reasoning.

Notes:

i. Please note that this is an advanced level course so you must show and demonstrate your ability to provide a well reasoned response.

ii. Also please note that your report/assignment will not be accepted without proper citations and references. You must use the sources from the background material together with the sources you find your own.

Assignment Expectations

This paper should include:

An introduction stating the thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper.

A main body discussing:

1. Your interpretation of H-D's mission and vision.

2. Your assessment of the stakeholders and their needs/goals.

3. Your critical assessment as to whether H-D's mission and vision takes their stakeholders into account.

4. Your recommendations to H-D executives.

A conclusion concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you reached.

Be sure to document your sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information you are using in your papers!

The following criteria will also be used to assess your paper:

1. Precision: Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?

2. Breadth: Is the full breadth of the subject (i.e., all the keys to the assignment) addressed?

3. Depth: Does the paper/report address all elements of the topic in sufficient depth? Does it include and apply the background readings and other background resources? Are they included as references?

4. Critical thinking: Are the concepts of this module applied accurately, logically, and relevantly?

5. Organization: Is the paper organized in a coherent and systematic manner? Are headings included in all papers longer than 2 pages

6. Clarity: Is the writing clear and are the concepts articulated properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of response to the questions, or are thoughts conveyed through excessive use of quotations?

 

Module 1 - SLP

Company Mission, Vision, and Stakeholders

Strategic management starts with vision and mission. It consists of the analysis, decisions, and actions an organization undertakes in order to create and sustain competitive advantages.

For the SLP project, please pick a company (other than Harley-Davidson), preferably your own, and over the course of the next five modules, work to understand the strategy behind it.

If you are in the military it is perfectly acceptable to adapt the questions to the strategies, vision, and missions of your unit. However, you may need to be a little creative in how you apply various theories and concepts as much of the strategic management literature is based on competition between corporations.

OR

You can pick a company that interests you, one that has a lot of information on the web about their practices, and stick with that (You can pick another motorcycle company if you’d like, but again, make sure it’s a company other than H-D). Either way, the point of the SLP is for you to take the topic of the module and apply it to your life, be it to your company or a company that particularly interests you.

Please write a 1- to 2-page report for your professor. In Module 1 SLP, you do not need to write a detailed research report (save that for the Case).

Begin by identifying the organization which you will be studying. Explain how you will get the information you will use and why you picked this company.

Then identify the major mission and vision of the company, the goals and objectives and tell me if it is in line with the needs of the major stakeholders involved, e.g., the customers, the employees, and such.

Note:Please note that your report/assignment will not be accepted without proper citations and references. You must use the sources from the background material together with the sources you find your own.

 

 

Module 2 - Case

Assignment Overview

External Analysis of the Motorcycle Industry

You are going to cover quite a bit of ground in this Case Assignment because you are tasked with considering what might be included in a PEST and Porter’s 5 forces analysis of Harley-Davidson’s external environment.

Before you start to write (though you might want to take some notes), spend some time considering what might go into such a PEST analysis and also consider what a strategic manager at H-D might include in a Porters 5 forces analysis in considering this organization's external environment.

Some of the more interesting things happening in H-D’s world right now from a competition perspective includes the introduction/re-introduction of two competing motorcycle companies in past years that can also make the claim of being “American Made”. These include “Victory” and “Indian” motorcycles. In addition, most of the foreign competition has entered into the heavy-weight motorcycle market. There are also some concerns nowadays regarding the world economy, and the heafty price-tag that typically accompanies an H-D motorcycle. Though H-D tends to rely heavily on a socially based mystique regarding their product line. They have also invested significantly from a technological perspective in relation to logistics and production management efforts. There are also a lot of potential ‘substitute’ products that one might consider as an alternative to riding a motorcycle (depending on the reason for purchasing the motorcycle be it gas economy, or something exhilarating to do on a warm, sunny weekend).

Based on this information and your background readings, discuss whether you think PEST analysis and Porter’s 5 Forces analysis would be useful tools for H-D executives to help them make wise strategic choices. Give examples to support your arguments and above all, demonstrate that you have a strong grasp of how these analytical tools are used and applied in the strategic management process. Your paper should be 4–5 pages in length.

Pay special attention to the following case study related to H-D's efforts to expand their operations and sales overseas. This effort obviously ties into the discussion on the external environment:

McBee, R. D. (2011). Harley-Davidson's Future (Abroad). International Journal Of Motorcycle Studies, 7(2), 1-8 (access via Trident’s library through EBSCO database)

Assignment Expectations

Your paper should include an introduction stating the thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper, a main body focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you reached.

Be sure to document your sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information you are using in your papers!

 

Module 2 – SLP

External Analysis of your Chosen Organization's Environment

In 2–3 pages, perform either a PEST analysis or a Porter’s 5 Forces analysis of your organization (Which ever you think to be most relevant. You may do both if you’d prefer). If you chose a public organization such as a military unit, keep in mind that competition between military units for funding can be a very real aspect of strategic planning. Resources are not always abundant. Budgets and allocations are not always plentiful.

SLP Assignment Expectations

Follow the instructions above and then upload your paper at the end of this module.

Your paper should include an introduction stating the thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper, a main body focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you reached.

Be sure to document your sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information you are using in your papers!

 

 

Module 3 - Case

External Analysis of the Motorcycle Industry

Like other companies, H-D operates in a complex global industry. In order to develop and execute a successful strategy, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company must take into account the global automotive environment. In this Case Assignment you are going to be asked to discuss H-D from a strategic perspective.

Please read the information in the background material, look for more information, and then write a 4- to 5-page report for your professor and the executives of Toyota corporation by answering the following questions:

i. What are H-D's Opportunities for moving forward in the competitive motorcycle manufacturing and sales environment?

ii. What threats does the company face?

iii. Consider the Lehman Trikes case study below. To what extend do you think the alliance between H-D and Lehman Trikes presented an opportunity for H-D? To what exent do you think this was an opportunity for Lehman? Make sure you support your arguments.

Here is the Lehman Trikes article:

Looney, D. C., & Ryerson, A. (2011). Lehman Trikes: A story within a story. Journal Of The International Academy For Case Studies17(7), 45-58. (Available via the Library by way of the EBSCO database).

Note: Please note that your report/assignment will not be accepted without proper citations and references. You must use the sources from the background material together with the sources you find your own.

Module 3 - SLP

An external analysis is very important for the success and survivability of a company. For the second part of the SLP project, I want you to look outside the company.

i. What are the major threats to the organization's ability to compete and succeed?

ii. What are the major opportunities available to improve the organization's ability to compete and succeed?

Write 2–3 pages on this issue and try to think creatively. I am more interested in you really thinking this through than I am with research and facts.

You do not need to disclose any private information. But it should be fun to play the role of an organizational strategist for the moment and analyze what the major external threats and outside opportunities are at play.

Note:Please note that your report/assignment will not be accepted without proper citations and references. You must use the sources from the background material together with the sources you find your own.

SLP Assignment Expectations

This paper should include:

An introduction stating the thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper, a main body focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you reached.

Be sure to document your sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information you are using in your papers!

Module 4 - Case

In Module 4 Case Assignment, we will be looking inside of Harley-Davidson in order to identify its strengths and weaknesses. It is important to consider how these factors will either help the company overcome the threats (or make it more vulnerable), or put it in a position where it can take advantage of opportunities (or will have to let them pass by because they do not have the internal resources to act).

To complete Module 3 Case Assignment, please read the information in the background material, look for more information (from previous modules and library resources), and then write a 4- to 5-page report answering the following questions:

i. What are H-D’s top two or three strengths for moving forward in the competitive motorcycle manufacturing and sales environment?

ii. Describe what you consider to be two or three of the weaknesses that are likely to have the greatest impact, and what H-D is doing (or should be doing) to overcome these weaknesses?

iii. Wrap up by overviewing the more salient points of your entire SWOT analysis (from your Mod 3 and 4 Case Assignment) and give your impressions in relation to whether you think the corporation will continue to be competitive and be able to continue to meet its mission.

Note:Please note that your report/assignment will not be accepted without proper citations and references. You must use the sources from the background material together with the sources you find your own.

Assignment Expectations

This paper should include:

An introduction stating the thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper, a main body discussing focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you reached.

Be sure to document your sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information you are using in your papers!

Module 4 - SLP

Internal Analysis of the Company

It is important to conduct an internal analysis to find the strengths and weaknesses of the company. Therefore, for part 3 of the SLP project, we will look inside your chosen organization.

Please read the information in the background material, look for more information, and then write a 2- to 3-page report for your professor by answering the following questions:

i. What are the two or three biggest strengths the organization has that allow it to make the company's vision come to fruition?

ii. What are its main competitive advantages? Keep in mind that if you are reporting on a military unit you may have to be a bit creative here. But chances are your unit, or even branch of the military does compete for funding and resources with other units. Every organization wants to rank among the best of their peers.

iii. What internal weaknesses can you find?

 

 

Module 5 - Case

Case Assignment

Strategic Choices at Harley-Davidson Motor Company

To complete Module 5 Case Assignment, please read the information in the background material, look for more information and review some of your previous readings for this class, and then write a 4- to 5-page report for your professor and the executives of HD corporation by answering the following questions:

i. What strategy (or combination of strategies) did Harley-Davidson use to become such a successful organization?

ii. To what extent has Harley-Davidson’s strategy (or combination of strategies) changed over the years, or been constant?

iii. How does Harley-Davidson’s strategy (or combination of strategies) "fit" with the environment of the motorcycle industry?

iv. How does Harley-Davidson’s strategy (or combination of strategies) “fit” with the internal resources and competencies of the firm?

v. Based on your analysis and findings, what would you recommend to the executives of Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Corporation?

Module 5 - SLP

Business Applications, Analytical Decision Making and Problem Solving

In this assignment we take a little turn from what we've been working on so far this session in that it is necessary to take a look back at MGT301—5 SLP as the present course is conceptually linked to MGT301. You should recall attention given to building business analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving skills in MGT301.

Your capstone course BUS499, which will be taken during your final session, will also be conceptually linked to this course as well. In short, this strategic management course is a second in a series specically developed to assess your analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Your writing and essay delivery skills will also be assessed.

Assignment:In this assignment you are asked to prepare a final paper to prospective investors based on the work you have done to date in this course. In this course you have identified the major mission, vision and goals, you know the stakeholders, you looked at the organization from a SWOT perspective, and you know what challenges the company faces. What do investors need to know based on your analysis?

Also, please keep in mind that this SLP submission is the second in a series of three SLP submissions (which are administered in Module 5 of three core courses) and designed to assess your analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving skills. In order to assist you in understanding what is required in the present assignment, the following rubric has been developed. This rubric was developed to measure student success in meeting the BUS499 SLP 5 expectations related to business analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving. Note that your writing and delivery skills are also assessed. Rubrics for the other two courses are included in their respective written assignments.

 

Assignment Expectation

Weak

Marginal

Adequate

Strong

Organization

Demonstrates the ability to organize content logically, concisely, and in a manner appropriate to a paper given to investors.

There is no logical sequence of information. Paper is rambling and unfocused

Paper does not follow a logical sequence (jumps around in the paper).

Paper follows a logical sequence. There are some minor problems with topic transitions. Introduction and/or conclusion are not clear.

Paper follows a logical sequence with an effective introduction and conclusion. Each segment relates to others in a carefully planned framework.

Demonstrates the ability to support a central point or viewpoint throughout the paper—persuading investors that recommendations you present are vital to this organization’s future success.

Insufficient elaboration and/or support (e.g., summaries, listings) in the paper.

Limited elaboration and/or support in the paper.

Support with some specific details and elaboration in the paper.

Support through both specific details and elaboration apparent in the paper.

Content

Demonstrate the ability to address an identifiable purpose in the paper—the fact that these business recommendations are vital to this organization’s future success.

The purpose is not identified, is unclear, or inappropriate in the paper.

Purpose is occasionally unclear in the paper.

Clear purpose, but not consistently sustained throughout the paper.

Clear purpose sustained throughout the paper.

Demonstrates the ability to gather and sort information on a particular subject matter or topic.

Author does not have a grasp of information. Topic is poorly developed. Supporting materials are absent or vague. Trite ideas and/or unclear wording reflect a lack of understanding of topic.

Author seems uncomfortable with information. Topic is evident but with little or no elaboration.

Author seems comfortable with the information. Topic is evident with some supporting details.

A demonstrates full knowledge of the topic with explanation and elaboration. The topic is well developed, effectively supported, and appropriate for the assignment. Critical thinking is clearly and creatively expressed.

Adaption to Audience

Demonstrate the ability to present information to varying audiences in such a way that the information is meaningful to that group.

Doesn’t respond to the needs of the audience.

Limited sense of the needs of the audience.

Addresses the needs of the audience.

Effectively addresses the needs of the audience.

Delivery

Demonstrate the Ability to use data and graphs effectively in the paper.

Data and graphs are poorly prepared or used inappropriately. Too much material is included or unimportant information is highlighted.

Data and graphs could be improved. There are no significant errors, but adds little to the paper.

Data and graphs are articulated clearly, but not engaging.

Data and graphs are easy to read, attractive, informative and error free. Communication aids greatly enhance the paper. Excellent integration of communication aids.

Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate word choice and grammar in paper.

There are many sentences with grammatical errors. Some sentences are incomplete/halting, and/or vocabulary is somewhat limited or inappropriate. Presenter mumbles and mispronounces several terms.

There are a few sentences that are complete and grammatical. Word choice is not always appropriate for paper. Presenter mispronounces some terms.

Sentences are generally complete and grammatical, and they flow together easily. With a few exceptions, words are chosen for their precise meaning. Presenter pronounces most terms correctly.

All sentences are complete and grammatical, and they flow together easily. Words are chosen for their precise meaning. Word choice illustrates grasp of content and enhances paper. All terms are pronounced correctly and precisely.

Demonstrates the ability to make an effective paper that is free from bias (e.g. sexism, racism, ageism, heterosexism, etc).

Written language is inappropriate and exhibits bias. Uses clichés, slang, jargon, racist, or sexist language. Some listeners may be offended.

Written language is free from bias with one or two minor exceptions.

Written language has no apparent bias. There is some inappropriate language.

Written language is completely free from bias.

For guidance on writing papers, citing sources, proper referencing, and so forth, visit Trident'sStudent Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper.

SLP Assignment Expectations

In this paper, your ability to think critically and provide insightful analysis is the key. You do not want to just "rubber stamp" the organization and say they are doing great, but you want to identify specific areas where they fall short as well as where they do very well. Remember to organize your paper for clarity and document any outside resources.

This paper should include:

An introduction stating the thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper, a main body discussing focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you reached.

Be sure to document your sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information you are using in your papers!

The following criteria will also be used to assess your paper:

1. Precision: Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?

2. Breadth: Is the full breadth of the subject (i.e., all the keys to the assignment) addressed?

3. Depth: Does the paper/report address all elements of the topic in sufficient depth? Does it include and apply the background readings and other background resources? Are they included as references?

4. Critical thinking: Are the concepts of this module applied accurately, logically, and relevantly?

5. Organization: Is the paper organized in a coherent and systematic manner? Are headings included in all papers longer than 2 pages?

6. Clarity: Is the writing clear and are the concepts articulated properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of response to the questions, or are thoughts conveyed through excessive use of quotations?

    • 8 years ago