Identify a news article available on the web that can be analysed using specific ideas from ONE of the following readings in Huff et al, Strategic Management (Logic and Action):
Chapter 1 – Defining Strategy,
Chapter 2 – Developing Resources
Chapter 3 – Serving Customers.
Write a memo to your classmates that 1) summarises a few important concepts from the chapter you chose and 2) uses them to describe and analyse the situation described in your article. 3) Conclude with at least one strategic suggestion for an involved actor.
You may organise the report as you wish. For example, you might begin with the ideas that you choose from the text and then summarize and analyse the situation in your article. Or, you might begin by describing the example in the article and then link it to chapter concepts. These and other decisions should be made on the basis of what you feel will interest your classmates. The memo should be written in an organisational (not school or academic) style. See examples posted on Loop, though note that these were written in response to other assignments.
Formatting guidelines:
Label (File Name): Your full first and last name then student number, the words Memo 1,’ and the chapter from which you draw concepts. [example: ArwaAliami17234567Memo1Chapter3]
Subject Heading of the memo itself: Should include the url address for the article you describe (please also provide a copy of the article as an appendix to your submission)
Layout: Headings, sub-headings, short paragraphs with strong topic sentences, bullets, underlining, text boxes, and other devices for highlighting major points are expected in this kind of business writing.
Referencing: All sources should be footnoted at the bottom of the relevant page for easy reference and summarized at the end of report, using Harvard Style referencing.
Length: Approximately 1,500 words (roughly 4-5 pages, 11-point font, single spaced on A4 paper.
Submission Online:
File Type: Microsoft word document, not pdf
Where: Turn-it-in Link on DCU Loop
When: on 2 October
Loop will automatically reduce the mark received by 10% per day or partial day late and marks will also be lost for submitting in the wrong format. My suggestion is that you submit at least 24 hours early so you are sure you understand this system
Evaluation:
Based on an assessment of:
Following all directions in the assignment (not doing so can lead to a reduction in your mark)
Communication effectiveness (30%)
• Professional appearance
• Tone and content suitable for audience (your classmates)
• Ease of identifying major points made and conclusions reached
• Engaging writing and examples
Analysis (70%)
• Logic of your analysis
• Useful detail (given short length of report)
• Evidence of understanding key ideas of strategic analysis
• Footnoted citations to information found in public sources
• Critical thinking about complex effect of innovations