This assignment is designed to elevate your business research and communication skills, simulating the work of a strategy consultant. You are expected to use the university library’s resources and other research tools discussed in class to conduct an in-depth analysis of a chosen company and present your findings in a visually compelling report that mirrors industry standards.
Your report should be between 1000 and 1500 words (equivalent to 3 to 5 pages single-spaced in the traditional homework style format).
The Challenge
Choose Your Business
Select any existing company. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
Public vs. Private: Publicly traded companies generally have more readily available financial and operational information. Privately held companies might require more in-depth research and creative sourcing of information.
Consumer-facing vs. B2B/Commodities: Companies that primarily serve other businesses or operate in commodity markets tend to have more transparent operations and publicly available industry data. Consumer-facing companies often have complex marketing strategies and brand images that can be challenging to analyze.
Size & Complexity: Larger, well-established companies might have a wealth of information available, but their complex operations can be daunting to analyze. Smaller companies might be easier to understand but may have limited public information.
Example: Tyson Foods, Inc., a major player in the meat processing industry, would likely be easier to research than Chick-fil-A, a privately held fast-food chain known for its strong brand and unique business model.
Research & Analyze
Dive deep into the company’s operations, market positioning, and industry dynamics. Your report should include:
Company OverviewNAICS code(s): Identify the primary industry classification(s) for the company, providing insights into its core activities.
Mission and Vision: Articulate the company’s purpose and long-term aspirations. What does the company aim to achieve, and how does it envision its future?
Ownership Structure: Describe the company’s legal structure (e.g., C corporation, LLC, partnership).
Competitive LandscapePrimary competitors: Identify the company’s main rivals, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning.
Key suppliers: Analyze the company’s reliance on suppliers. Are there any dependencies or vulnerabilities?
Major customers: Identify the primary customer segments and assess their importance to the company’s revenue.
External EnvironmentRelevant regulatory agencies:Identify the key government bodies and regulatory agencies that oversee the company’s operations.
Research and outline the major laws and statutes that directly impact the company’s activities.
Consider both federal and state regulations.
Major push (supply) and pull (demand) factors:Analyze the key forces influencing the company’s supply chain and customer demand. Consider economic, technological, social, and political factors.
Current industry landscape and future outlook:Provide an overview of the industry’s current state and its projected trajectory. Consider factors like market size, growth potential, and competitive intensity.
Example: If analyzing a pharmaceutical company, relevant agencies could include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the federal level and state health departments. Key laws might include the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Controlled Substances Act, and state-specific regulations on drug distribution and marketing.
Emerging Trends & ImpactIdentify and analyze: Research and highlight at least one significant emerging trend in the industry.
Assess the potential impact: Evaluate how this trend could affect the company, both positively and negatively. Consider strategic implications and potential opportunities or threats.
Methodology
Research ToolsLeverage the databases and research tools showcased in class by Sarah Steiner. Your sources should be of the caliber expected in professional management consulting.
I’d recommend expecting around 5-7 high-quality references.
Depth of Research: This assignment demands more than surface-level understanding. Utilize a variety of credible sources to gather diverse perspectives and data, ensuring a thorough and insightful analysis.
Credibility: Your report’s credibility hinges on the quality of your sources. Incorporate a mix of reputable sources such as industry reports, company filings, news articles, and academic publications to support your findings.
Avoiding Blind Spots & Gaining a Fuller Picture:Consulting a diverse range of sources helps you identify potential biases, uncover hidden connections, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the company and its industry.
Report Presentation
Think “Consultant”: Use desktop publishing tools to create a polished, business-style report that emulates the work of firms like Deloitte or McKinsey & Company.
This is NOT a traditional homework assignment; avoid numbered responses and focus on visual communication and storytelling.
Organization and Clarity: Structure your report logically, guiding the reader through your analysis. Ensure coherence and clarity throughout.
Citations
Use footnotes for references and citations discussed in class, as is common practice in professional business writing.
Do not use the more academic style of in-text citations.
Footnotes should provide enough information for your reader to easily locate the source you’re referencing, without relying on hyperlinks.
Prioritize clarity and accessibility over perfect adherence to Chicago-style formatting.Focus on providing the essential elements:Author name first, followed by the reference title (e.g., Smith, John. “Market Analysis Report.”)
If an individual author is not available, use the organizational name (e.g., Walmart. “About Us.”).
Evaluation Criteria
Depth of Analysis: Demonstrate insightful research and critical thinking. Go beyond surface-level observations.
Clarity of Communication: Present complex information in a way that is easy to understand and engaging.
Research Skills: Demonstrate effective use of the library’s resources.
Visual Communication: Use desktop publishing tools to create a professional and visually appealing report.
Citation Accuracy: Adhere to Chicago-style citation guidelines, showcasing your attention to detail.
Length
Your report should be between 1000 and 1500 words.
This is roughly equivalent to 3 to 5 pages single-spaced in a traditional homework format, but the word count is the primary requirement.
Focus on providing a thorough and insightful analysis within this word limit.
Submission
Submit your report as a PDF file.