final paper

*** Prof Olk will be updating this doc tomorrow - I’ll put the new one in the folder for us to look at then -CB

Recommended Outline for Group Project Write-up

Management 3000

Sections 3&4

Winter 2021

The following is a recommended outline for a write-up for the Group Project Write-up. This should be combined with the information described in the Assignment and in the Grading Rubric.

1. Introduction – 1-2 paragraphs

a. Define the situation for Merck

b. Identify alternative actions that Merck could take

c. State which analyses are needed to understand the situation and the conclusions from these analyses

d. State your preferred action plan in a clear thesis statement

2. Analyses – 4-6 pages

a. For each of the specific analyses (e.g., capabilities, position within the industry, corporate strategy, including strategic alliance), the discussion should follow a similar pattern of:

i. Provide the key takeaways from the analysis

1. This can be presented as follows “As one can see in Appendix X, the [NAME] analysis reveals that …”.

2. Appendix X will provide the detailed analysis and any diagrams.

ii. This section should also describe the implications from the analysis for the choice of alternatives described in the introduction.

b. After repeating the summary of each analysis, there should be a paragraph or two that integrates the analyses into a coherent description of the situation.

3. Recommended Actions – 2-4 pages

a. Elaborate upon how your preferred short- and long-term recommendations are the best course of actions for the company – versus alternatives -- and how they will address the issues that became apparent from the analyses.

b. If room, it is helpful to discuss any challenges or limitations with the best option and how the managers can be overcome these challenges/limitations during implementation.

4. Discussion – one paragraph

a. Summarize the situation and your recommendation

5. References (including data sources)

6. Appendix

a. Appendix 1: Summary of first analysis discussed

b. Appendix 2: Summary of second analysis discussed

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c. Appendix X: Summary of last analysis discussed