Follow the requirements to write a 6 pages single space essay
Final Term Project Requirements
For this project you will conduct research on and analyze a specific C Suite leader and a
major business decision that was made by that leader. To begin you need to select
your topic with the following steps:
1. Select a C Suite leader to profile. Pick someone who is visible in the public eye.
The CEO of a public American company can be a good choice. Part of your
research will be to read press and news reports on this person so it is a good
idea to check on their public visibility before finalizing your
selection. CNBC.com, YouTube, Fortune.com and WSJ.com are all good
sources for interviews and videos on business leaders.
2. Identify a major strategic marketing decision the company made while that
person was in their C- Suite role. Common strategic marketing decisions are
launching a new product, acquiring a business/entering a new market,
rebranding a product, launching a major marketing campaign. Example: Elon
Musk CEO of Tesla oversees the decision to launch a self driving car.
For the project you will conduct research on the executive, the company and the
business decision and use your findings to write a report in which you:
1. Describe the leadership background and leadership style of the executive (what
is their leadership experience, what style of leadership do they demonstrate,
what are previous successes/failures)
2. Analyze the strategic business situation relevant to this decision: What forces
were driving the company to take this action? What problems do you think they
were trying to solve with this decision? Use data as much as possible.
3. Take the role of a member of the Board of Directors for the company and
identify three risks that the company should address in making a commitment to
this course of action (e.g. risk that culture of acquisition will not fit into company,
risk that leader is repeating a decision from the past that did not turn out well,
etc).
Course Concepts:
1. Daniel Goleman - a leading authority on emotional intelligence – has identified
six effective leadership styles:
a) Pacesetting: “Do it my way”.
b) Commanding: “Do it because I say so”.
c) Visionary: “Let’s remind ourselves of the larger purpose”.
d) Affiliative: “People first, task second”.
e) Democratic: “Let’s work it out together”.
f) Coaching: “Let me help you develop”
2. Who are the stakeholders for his company in this case? Can the relationships
with any of these groups be improved? What actions should be taken by
leaders?
3. How this case situation required the leaders to use IQ/RQ/EQ skills.
4. Considering the way in which C Suite executives make decisions, and the
factors that drive good/bad decision making.
5. We have examined the use of data in making decisions, and read about how
Gap uses data to make some marketing decisions.
6. Perils and Pitfalls of Leading Change
7. What kind of leader was him? Start with the last name of the person you are
commenting on (e.g. Musk: This is a dynamic leader).
8. Now that we have studied many aspects of leadership we will spend our time
looking at the very real situations we will face on the job. Each of you will be
asked to work on teams, and many of you will work with colleagues around the
world. As you think about what you have learned in our class, what will be
your personal priority as a team member? as a member of a global team?
9. What challenges do the leaders face in managing a complex global
organization? What do you think the biggest leadership challenges are for the
this C Suite team? What are the benefits of reorganize? Any risks?
Deliverable: Word document due May 2nd 5pm via NYU Classes,
6 pages, single space.
Grading: 35 Points. Submissions will be evaluated on several criteria:
1. Thoroughness: Are all topics addressed completely and with rigor?
2. Supporting data and research: Is there evidence of research and data to support
the key points? Are there at least 2 references to specific examples of this leader
in action (interview quotes, video quotes, etc)
3. Are there references to relevant course concepts? Try to link some course
concepts to your observations to support your interpretations.
4. Synthesis: Are research findings, data and course concepts used to create a
clear point of view?
5. Professional document and presentation: Is the document clear, and concise
with minimal errors of grammar and vocabulary ?Is the document easy to follow
and persuasive?
You can use business formatting (bullets, graphics etc) to help tell your story.