Homework assignment

Written Assignments - The assignment should be a single-spaced Word document in 10 point type. Do not send me Excel files – embed what you need into a single document. Note that end appendices, exhibits, or citations (don’t forget about them…) are not included in the page limit. Most strong work assignments use appendices/exhibits for detail (hint…). Put the strategy tools in the exhibits (versus the body of the memo). Use the following format for the filename: “Last Name, First Name, Assignment Name” for example: “Kingsley, Tom, Tesla A”. For each assignment, answer the case questions only, which will be assigned.

Going over the page limit will drop the assignment by a grade. Note that appendices, exhibits or citings are not included in the page limit. Do not include a cover page.

Answer the case questions only in the assignment description. All assignments except the first (Tesla A) must be written as a “memo” reflecting your role as described in the assignment details below. Each assignment has a point of view from which to analyze and write the case. Please include an Executive Summary (not an introduction).

In evaluating your written assignments, I will look for the following:

1. Critical thinking: You should demonstrate “critical thinking.” Have you added value? Have you gone deeper than an obvious or superficial understanding of the issues (or question)?

Critical Thinking: Effective business decision-makers who critically analyze an economic or financial issue and develop a clearly supportable position/recommendation on the issue.

2. Synthesis. Have you used case, article, and/or class information to analyze and draw conclusions? Specifically, can I see examples of material from the text or articles? Have you used data from the case? Have you analyzed the financials and drawn conclusions? Have you extracted relevant information from the exhibits?

3. Business analysis. Is your logic conveyed in a crisp and concise manner? In a manner consistent with concise business communication?

o Use frameworks, tools and bulleted points to sharpen your analysis.

o Have you summarized the analysis to clarify your conclusions or recommendations?

o Have you prioritized what is important?

4. Other advice:

o Although most case assignments are individual assignments, it is OK to consult with other students or

have study groups. Group study can enhance your learning experience.

o There is often no “right” answer. Ground your logic with data to build a stronger case. Use

“back-of-the-napkin“ analysis (a rough estimate) to gain a deeper understanding.

o Project yourself as providing strategic input to key decision-makers who value your input.

o Limit the background information in your write-ups. I’ve read the class materials too ☺

TESLA CASE ASSIGNMENTS

Point of view for assignments: You were hired as an analyst reporting to the CFO at Tesla, who reports directly to the CEO. The CEO has tasked the CFO with leading the company’s strategic planning to define the company strategies for the coming year. In turn, the CFO - impressed with your work to date - has delegated the task of doing the analytical and creative work to create the set of strategies the department will propose. If done well, they have told you that your analysis and concluding strategies will be presented by them to the company’s top management. They have also told you the final product must be in the form of a document that is a concise, executive report summarizing the key analysis results, the strategies recommended, and the justification of them. The report will be distributed to the C suite followed by a presentation given by you in person to a larger group of the company’s management teams followed by a discussion led by the CFO.

These four assignments will lead you through the strategic planning process of situational analysis and generation of strategies. They will use tools described in the text, readings, class slides, and taught in class. Each assignment will build on and incorporate the results of the prior assignment. At each stage, the results of the previous assignments will form the basis for the new assignment. Those prior results will be re-prioritized edited based on new information and insights uncovered in the new assignment. If done well, the final report is crafted, evolves, and is perfected from the strategic planning steps taken and tools used in each new assignment.

Note on writing style: The assignments should be written as if you are an employee of Tesla reporting directly to the CFO who is making the case for the strategies the company needs to take to be successful. Use effective business communication to persuade the CFO and the rest of the company. Maintain a clear-eyed, unbiased, and objective point of view with criticism and praise applied where due. References to Tesla should use first-person as in “I”, “me” “we”, “us”, and “our”. You can use “Tesla” if it is clearly first-person and does not give the impression of being a detached, dispassionate analyst. This is NOT an independent, dispassionate, arm’s-length analysis and set of recommendations. This is your best effort to honestly and accurately determine the real situation and the best strategies to implement.

TESLA A (Business Model)

Case questions – Tesla (submit as an individual assignment, 1 page)

This first assignment will demonstrate to the CFO that you understand Tesla’s core purpose and how and why the company creates value for customers and for itself. Use “Reinventing Your Business Model” and chapters 1 and 2 of the textbook (Mastering Strategic Management Version 2.1.1, by Dave Ketchen and Jeremy Short).

(Remember to prioritize.)

1. What is Tesla’s “Customer Value Proposition”?

2. What is Tesla’s “Profit Formula”?

3. What are Tesla’s “Key Resources”?

4. What are Tesla’s “Key Processes”?

5. What is the root of Tesla’s competitive advantage (if you think they have one)? Why?