strategy

Assignment #3: Strategy Case - Due Tuesday, March 16th (upload into Courses and we will review online)

Each student will have to complete a Strategy case during the semester. Students will conduct their own individual research and will write analytical reports on the internal and external analysis of an enterprise as assigned by the Professor and based on a set of criteria as shown in Appendix A. Please review the sample in Appendix A. The details of this assignment will be discussed in the class.

Sample Strategy Case Summary  

To:     

From: 

Re:      Polaroid Case 

Date:  

Critical Issues: 

Polaroid is a company in crisis.  Earnings and employment are at an all-time low.  There is excessive inventory and unused plant capacity.  Reorganization of the company is imminent.  R & D expenditures at $100 million per year are not justifiable and Polavision was a costly mistake.  Finally, there is extreme competition from Kodak, Fuji and 35 mm cameras.  Land’s successors need better grooming. 

Recommended Strategy: 

Because Polaroid is in a mature market, it should use its ability to increase long term and invest in other technologies either by acquisition or R & D.  Recognize the need for more formal organization structure and executive training.  Utilize Edwin Land's creative legacy by establishing a new R & D lab and identify successors for a smooth transition to growth.

Justification: 

An audit of Polaroid's current situation, using a Four Factor Analysis, WOTS-UP analysis and Company Capability Profile, clearly points up the critical nature of its status.  There has been a loss of $70 million on Polavision, extensive layoffs, closing of facilities with the distinct possibility of a take-over because of its vulnerable position.  Effective immediate action is needed.

Implementation Plan: 

Prepare an re-organizational plan that is consistent with the recommended strategy (show specifics!)  Give dealers an incentive to close out their inventory.  Expand R & D into new technologies, e.g., batteries.  Obtain new credit lines and expand long term debt to begin acquisitions.  Appoint a marketing & research task force to reexamine all products and product lines (specify products!). Please show specific actionable items.  

 

References:  List of references used….