Reference no: EM132347019 , Length: word count:3000

For this final course project, the Amazon, 2016 Harvard Case Study will provide you with another opportunity to apply the knowledge that you gained in other business courses at GVU and the knowledge that you gained during this term to analyze strategic decisions faced by the top management of a major, Fortune 500 company. In making strategic recommendations to the top management of Amazon, you should analyze the case by following the outline below. The material from the case must substantiate the "responses" to each of the items listed below, theoretical frameworks that you learned throughout the semester, and with research from external sources. This is very similar to what you did in the two case studies, although in a bit more depth

Brief overview (summary) of the case - no more than a 1 - 2 pages in length. You need to "hit" the main points only. Be through but remember this is not the bulk of this paper. Also, this is where support is needed for definitive information and facts. Make sure you use the case and other peer-reviewed sources to cite support the information you present here. If not, then this will impact point allocation in the paper.

Analysis Components - use each area title as an APA 6th formatted subheading:

History
Briefly describe Amazon history including the major milestones and including more recent developments in the company's operations since the case was written. Cite support the case as needed to support definitive items. If not, then this will impact point allocation in the paper.

Environmental/External/PEST Analysis
Describe the environmental forces that have or might have an impact on Amazon operations. These forces might include economic, political, cultural, technological and other environmental forces. Don't ignore global and international issues. It is recommended that you utilize information from outside resources to conduct your SWOT analysis. Cite support as needed to support definitive items. If not, then this will impact point allocation in the paper.

Industry Analysis
Using Porter's Five Force Model, provide a detailed analysis of the technology industry where Amazon partially competes. Cite support as needed to support definitive items. If not, then this will impact point allocation in the paper. The articles on Porter are you best sources.

Competitor Analysis
Provide a somewhat detailed analysis of Amazon's main competitors. Be sure to discuss how these competitors are positioned in the industry and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Cite support as needed to support definitive items. If not, then this will impact point allocation in the paper. NACIS/SIC is a good source.

Internal Company Analysis
In analyzing this section you should utilize the analysis and elements of Amazon's value chain. Also, please remember to utilize elements from the course including the following sequence: resources, capabilities, core competencies, and competitive advantages. This analysis should include the majority of the functional aspects of the company. Cite support as needed to support definitive items. If not, then this will impact point allocation in the paper. The case is probably your main source.

Financial Analysis
Using exhibits from the case and outside research you should present the major financial indicators (total revenue, net income, stock price, etc.) and calculate some of the major financial ratios for the last two years and explain whether the company is improving its performance. Also, what about their main competitors? (This will require you to do some research.) Try to do as many as you can to gain a solid snapshot of their financial position, as you have had financial management here and I also had you do something like this in a previous DQ. The best way to do this is to create a spreadsheet in Excel and then post the spreadsheet in the appendices. Discuss the results in this part of the paper with reference to Appendix XX.

SWOT and Recommendations
Based on your analysis, what does the December 31st (2016) SWOT look like? In addition, what recommendations would you advance to Amazon's CEO regarding the course of action or actions they should pursue for 2016 onward. Finally, what long-term grand (corporate strategy) should they pursue for years 2016 - 2021 and why? Please be specific in your analysis and recommendations. This one is to be creative. No cheating to look them up

Conclusion - a short conclusion about the case (maybe a paragraph or two)