Detailed Instructions for Preparing your Situation Analysis Paper

Open the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) sample paper in APA style, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20090212013008_560.pdf

The sample paper not only shows the proper formatting but it also describes each style element. This should help you in learning and remembering the style.

Guidelines for using the sample paper as a reference:
1. A cover page is required. You do not have to include an author note. The cover page in the sample paper explains the “running head” and how it is used. On the cover, the phrase “Running head” precedes the name of your paper, which is in all caps. On the second and remaining pages only the name of your paper is required in the header. (You may want to contact the Writing Lab for instructions on how to do this formatting.)
2. The first-level headings are centered and bolded. Your first heading following the title of your paper will be “Introduction.” First-level headings separate main sections of the paper. Second- through fifth-level headings organize the detail in each main section. This structure is similar to creating an outline for your paper. This link will open the APA heading format page on the Purdue OWL site: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/16/
3. Notice that the page number is in the upper right corner of each page, including the cover. (The number on each page should be aligned with the page 1 placement.)

Structure of your Situation Analysis Paper
Cover page formatted per page 1 of the sample paper. Enter the date you are handing in your paper under “Metro State University”. Your paper does not require an Author Note.
Page 2 formatted per Page 3 in the sample paper as follows:
RUNNING HEAD

The title of your paper: Situation Analysis of <the company you are writing about> (centered)

Introduction (heading centered)

Sections of the paper
Introduction (no more than one-half page)
Company Description APA format Level 1 headings
Strategic Focus and Plan
Mission
Level 2 headings Goals
Core Competency (What does this company do better than its competitors?) and Sustainable Competitive Advantage (How can they remain competitive?)
Situation Analysis Level 1
SWOT Analysis (including table)
Industry Analysis
Competitor Analysis Level 2
Company Analysis
Customer Analysis
Recommendations
Level 1 Recommendations
Summary – no more than one-half page.
References – separate page (see page 9 of the Purdue sample paper for proper formatting of the References page).