Preparation

For the assessments in this course, select one of the companies from the list below to be your focus:

• Ford: Ford is a complex multinational organizationthat has recently focused on strategic initiatives to addressproduction capacity, supply chain reliability, sustainability, andtechnological innovation in order to remain competitive in the rapidlychanging automotive industry.
• Procter and Gamble: This is a huge multinationalfirm with products you probably buy every day. This business isinteresting because the company is focusing on science and technology tohelp it revise many of its business strategies and contribute tooverall company goals for sustainability and corporate socialresponsibility.
• Virgin Group: This company is an interesting onebecause of its high profile owner, Sir Richard Branson, and the manywidely diversified companies that are part of the Virgin Group.
• Build Your Own Case: Create a strategic case onthe company of your choice. The company must be publicly traded, havemultiple strategic business units (a corporation), and be approved byfaculty.

Review the resources available in the Company Research Informationdocument (in the Suggested Resources) for understanding theorganization, and begin researching the firm's business strategy andbusiness model. Use additional resources from the Capella UniversityLibrary or your own research as needed. Find at least four current,scholarly, or professional resources for this assessment.

Overview

The vice president of corporate strategy at the headquarters of yourselected firm—Ford, Procter and Gamble, Virgin Group, or a firm of yourchoice—has requested that you provide her with a business analysis ofyour key findings regarding the firm's business strategy:

• An overview of the generic strategy that seems to best describe the company's strategic approach.
• A discussion of key elements in the overall business strategy.
• A review of the most important components of the company's business model.

Requirements

In 4–6 pages, provide a business analysis of the firm you selected. Your analysis should do all of the following:

• Explain the generic business strategies, including cost,differentiation, and focus or hybrid information, for the selected firm.
• Analyze what business strategies the firm is using in theirmarketplace approach. Provide examples of how they use the strategy toposition itself in a competitive environment.
• Analyze the firm's business model.
  • What are their core products?
  • How does the firm make money?
  • What is the customer value proposition?
  • What is the profit proposition?

Use clear headings and subheadings to organize the key points of your analysis.

Your report should be clearly written and communicate effectively toorganizational leadership; use correct grammar, spelling and mechanicsas expected of a business professional. Cite and reference all sourcesusing current APA style.

Additional Requirements

• References: Support your business analysis with at least four academic resources from the Capella University Library.
• APA Style: Use proper APA style for all citations and references.
• Length: The body of the business analysis must be 4–6 double-spaced, typed pages, not including the references list.
• Written communication: Demonstrate graduate-levelwriting skills through accurate communication of thoughts that conveythe overall goals of the analysis and do not detract from the message.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.