3000 words MBA paper

University of Chester

MBA

Strategic Management (BU 7755)

2013-2014 (cohort: 8)

Assessment no: 2

Max marks : 100

Assessment weighting 75 %

Submission date : 7 May 2014

For this assignment you are required to present an essay in which you conduct

an environmental analysis for either

a) the automobile sector

or

b) any sector of your choice

After having conducted the environmental analysis and examined the market structure, and dominant competitive position , if any, for any player, you are required to

comment on the attractiveness of the sector for business expansion for a new entrant to this sector

and

recommend a strategy that should be adopted

Clearly justify your recommendation

Guidance

To successfully complete this assignment you are expected to have done an appropriate environment analysis (i.e. both external and internal analysis of the environment of your chosen sector through the use of models and frameworks such as PESTLE , SWOT , Porter’s 5 Forces framework , BCG matrix , Ansoff’s growth vector matrix etc.). Please note that the models and frameworks are mentioned simply to give you an indication of the nature of analysis required . Having done this analysis you are then expected to apply the findings to the context of the strategies available to the chosen context. (You may, if you consider applicable, refer to Porter’s three generic strategies) .

Once you have presented your various options, you are expected to evaluate them and finally recommend your choice ( for e.g. testing for suitability acceptability and feasibility.

Referencing : Please ensure all references are cited following appropriate APA Referencing style

NOTE : You may provide a brief description of your chosen sector as a preface at the start of your paper , to help set the context of your essay . This should be a maximum two A4 sides, which will not be included in the final word count.

Mark allocation (guidance)

Clarity and style of presentation 10%

Environment analysis /audit 30%

Discussion on strategic options 25%

Strategy evaluation 20%

Recommendations and justifications 15%