STR/580 wk5 Apply Signature Assignment: Strategic Analysis

Wk 5 – Apply: Signature Assignment: Strategic Analysis [due Mon]         

Assignment Content

1.     In Week 2, you completed a SWOT analysis on a successful company that demonstrated a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. Now you will shift your focus to look at a company that is failing or experiencing challenges in the area of financial performance.

   Select and research a company that is having financial difficulties or is on the brink of bankruptcy.

   Review “Where Can I Find a Company’s Annual Report and Its SEC Filings?” from Investopedia.

   You can also access specific information about a variety of businesses in the University Library by searching the following databases:

   • University Library > Databases > B > Business Source Complete
   • University Library > Databases > E > EDGAR
   • University Library > Databases > P > Plunkett Research Online
   • Conduct a strategic analysis of the company’s current financial operations. Determine strategies for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace and increasing financial performance.

     Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word analysis. When writing your analysis, complete the following:

   • Evaluate the company’s current financial plan,including charts and/or graphs showing financial data from the struggling company and make recommendations for improvement.
   • Determine strategies for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace and increasing financial performance.
   • Create a plan to implement the strategies you selected.
   • Include APA-formatted in-text citations and a reference page with at least 3 sources.