Reference no: EM132846152
This assignment utilizes a case depicting a real-life situation of which you will conduct a detailed case analysis. This will involve reading the provided case, researching the company, identifying a problem/challenge and compiling three to five potential alternatives that could solve the problem. Finally, you will conduct additional research in order to determine which of the alternatives you will recommend, including your rationale and supporting research.
First, read the following case that will be the basis of this case study: "IBM at the Crossroads." You will use the Case Analysis Template to complete this assignment. This analysis should include the use of the CSU Online Library to provide supporting documentation as well as the financial statements of the organization.
It is expected that a minimum of three managerial tools be used including (but not exclusively) political, economic, sociocultural, technological, ecological, and legal (PESTEL), strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), Porter's Five Forces, balanced scorecard, gap analysis, root cause analysis and/or McKinsey 7-S Model. These tools are explained within the Unit I and Unit II lessons of this course and could be presented within the analysis in table format.
Our completed case study must be at least five pages in length, and you must use at least five peer-reviewed academic sources that are no more than 5 years old. Follow APA Style when constructing this assignment, including in-text citations and references for all sources that are used. Please note that no abstract is needed. Utilization of the provided template will guide you through the case analysis process.
Case Analysis
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the subheadings as provided below. Be sure to remove the bullet points and write your case study in paragraph form.
Introduction
- Provide a brief introduction of the case.
Organizational Background
- Provide information about the company, product, and industry.
Situation Analysis
- What are the details of the situation?Make sure to include who, what, why, when, how.
- What are current or future organizational issues at IBM?
- Perform a competitive analysis identifying a minimum of three competitors and comparing each of a list of attributes. Explain how IBMs leaders drive competitive advantage. How does this impact their business strategies?
- Perform an industry analysis demonstrating the health of the industry (research and supporting quantitative information required).
- The use of analysis tools such as PESTEL, SWOT, or Porter's Five Forces would be appropriate here.
Problem
- Identify and provide a thorough explanation of the perceived and underlying problems as well as the potential long-term effects.
Alternatives
- What are several potential solutions or business strategies to solving these organizational issues at IBM? Include a minimum of three alternatives with multipleadvantages/disadvantages of each applying the strengths and weaknesses within the company (Alternative 1, Alternative 2... using bullet points is fine)
- Discuss common considerations. What are the decision options?Are some stronger than others?What is at stake with each of these considerations?
- What is the role of innovation at IBM with respect to compiling an effective strategic plan?
- Are there ethical ramifications within any of these potential solutions?
Recommendation and Implementation
- Choose which of the alternatives would provide the best solution to the problem and provide thorough rationale. Use of decision-making tools would be appropriate here.
- Explain how would you implement within the company?
Conclusion
- Simply summarize your case in 1-2 paragraphs.
Attachment:- Case Analysis Template.rar