FAQ
Question 4 - Recommendation & Support
Note that these responses are not official additions to the theory, only explanations for the cases based on the specific questions received.
A. I am proposing that the company pursue "x" by implementing several strategies. Is this OK?
You must have ONE and only one recommended strategy. Putting 3 or 4 strategies in some kind of package and calling it one package doesn't change the fact that there is more than one strategy.
Because the questions on the case are interrelated, if you have more than one strategy in question 4.A.1., all the rest of the paper is of little meaning. You cannot create support nor any type of real analysis. This is the most costly mistake you can make on a strategy paper in terms of points, as it invalidates almost everything after that point.
My strategy is to pursue product development by continuing three different company initiatives. Is this ok?
No. First, product development is a generic theory, not a strategy and is never acceptable as an answer. Second, three initiatives are probably three different strategies, which is also unacceptable. See the question above.
I have a question concerning the last question, where we have to discuss our strategy. When we select a strategy. For example we are moving our company to another city. "hypothetical" Would we have to tell you the financials, dates of the move, how we would make the move, Would we keep the same staff, etc. How in depth does this question have to be, 2 pages, 3, 4, etc.
No, you do not need to explain implementation. However, you can't just say move to another city. You would need to specify the city and why it is better, etc. Implementation is not the issue, but you must have a specific strategy and COMPLETELY support why this specific strategy (e.g. move from Chicago to Atlanta) and why this is the ONE best strategy for this company at this time. This usually takes several pages. Actual length depends on your writing. For the required outline and what is required under each heading see: Sample Outline Question 4A for BUS 704
A. & B. I am a bit confused as to what exactly you are asking for the paper, the handout you gave us to answer question 4 doesn't seem to match what you are asking on case questions?
The handout on "Question 4" covers, generically, the last question of every case. In the index, this is called Sample Answer With Headers For Question 4 for BUS 704
The part B answers given are not the same theories as for this company. You must answer Part B in terms of the specific Part B for each case. There are sample Part B answers on the web for most of the theories. See the Tools for Cases page for the easiest to find links to those.
B. My question is regarding # 4B. You mention that we need to relate/justify our recommendation from numbers 1,2 &3, although from my understanding # 3 is the only one where we have been asked to make any recommendations. Please clarify.
#4B must be related to each of the analysis theories assigned for the case.
See the individual theory FAQs for more specific information on answering this question for each theory.
- Last revised 08/22/2004 -