Paper , Order, or Assignment Requirements

Strategic Profile:
That profile should include the following:
The critical facts that have affected the firm’s historical strategic direction and performance.
What is the company’s vision and mission? If they exist, do they match the company’s actions?
What is the company’s main product/service?
Who are their main competitors?
Where are they located?
Who are the main stakeholders in the company? What is their role?
How is the company organized?
Do they have the necessary fiscal and strategic controls in place?
Are there things you believe the company could be doing that they are not?

There is no length designated to the Profile, however it should be long enough to address each of the above questions. It should be done in Word and double spaced.

External Analysis:
Part of conducting a case analysis involves a review of those factors in the company’s external environment that impact company operations.
Using Avon, each student should conduct an external analysis. Students may want to review how the following may impact the company.
What demographic trends may impact the company?
What economic trends may impact the company?
What political/legal trends may impact the company?
What sociocultural trends may impact the company?
What technological trends may impact the company?
What environmental trends may impact the company?
Using the Five Forces Model, which of the forces are significant in this companies industry? How could they impact the company?

Students should list the 8 factors, external to the company, which you believe will have the most impact. Those eight factors should be apparent after a review of the 7 items listed above. In defining those 8 factors, students should:
State whether the factor poses an opportunity or a threat. (should have some of each.) Opportunities are those trends that a company may be able to take advantage of. Threats are those trends that may endanger the company’s success. Note that both are important in focusing on the company’s future plans.
Define each factor as specifically as possible. Use percentages, ratios, and comparative numbers whenever possible.
State why you believe the factor is one that is important to consider.
State why you believe the factor is an opportunity or a threat. Make sure that you cite information supporting your opinion.

Internal Analysis:
Part of conducting a case analysis involves a review of those factors in the company’s internal environment that impact the company’s continued success.

Using Avon, each student should identify the following.
What are the company’s core competencies and capabilities? Think about the following.
Is Management effective? Are people organized to accomplish the goals of the organization efficiently? Do employees like working for the company?
How is the company fulfilling the basic marketing functions? Is it meeting customer expectations? Is the product/service priced appropriately? How is the product distributed?
How does the company control inventory? Are resources readily available and of a good quality? Are facilities located appropriately?
What are the company’s competitive advantages? What does it do well?
How is the company doing financially? Look at the following ratios.
Net Profit Margin (Net Profit/Sales)
Return on Assets (Net Profit/Total Assets)
Return on Stockholder’s Equity (Net Profit/Total Stockholder’s Equity)
Asset Turnover (Sales/Total Assets)
Debt to Assets (Total Debt/Total Assets)
Debt to Equity (Total Debt/Total Stockholder’s Equity)
Current Ratio (Current Assets/Current Liabilities)
4. How is the company positioned in relation to its Value Chain?

Students should list the 8 factors, internal to the company, which you believe will have the most impact. Those eight factors should be apparent after a review of the 4 categories listed above. In defining those 8 factors, students should:
State whether the factor poses Strength or a Weakness. Strengths are those things that the company does well. Weaknesses are those things at which the company could improve. Note that both are important in focusing on the company’s future plans.
Define each factor as specifically as possible. Use percentages, ratios, and comparative numbers whenever possible.
State why you believe the factor is one that is important to consider.
State why you believe the factor is strength or a weakness. Make sure that you cite information supporting your opinion.

SWOT Exercise:
Part of conducting a case analysis involves a review of a company’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). The SWOT is then used to develop potential strategies for the firm. In preparing for this exercise, students should watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVRKxQrDOfU, and view one of the SWOT Power Point presentations. While some of terms are slightly different from those used in the class, the video will discuss how to prepare a SWOT Analysis, as will the Power Point.