Research Proposal on "Rival Products Case Analysis"

Quoted Instructions for "Rival Products Case Analysis" Assignment:

Basic instructions: PAPER SHOULD NOT EXCEED 5 PAGES WHEN PRINTED (citation pages not included in count)

1.This paper should represent your own analysis and conclusions based on a clearly delineated set of

issues derived from the assigned text chapter materials (I will provide you with my electronic text)

2.The typical term paper consisting of quotations and reference materials strung together to make your points will not be acceptable for this assignment.

3.Format your paper as a *****single-spaced***** document, with a minimum of 1***** margins all around.

General Case Description:

Using a product or brand chosen from the product portfolio of the Rival products company as your example,

research and document your best analysis of the ways in which this company has clearly managed to fuse

strategic planning and an acute awareness of its environment into its Corporate, Business Level, and Marketing

strategies. Then extend that analysis into how they have used their corporate scope and objectives to create a

*****sustainable competitive advantage***** in their markets. What type(s) of growth strategies have they employed

(annotate your examples). Finally, show how the strategies you have discovered fit into a coherent pattern.

What errors in strategic planning may have led to some recent changes in this company*****s fortunes?

Discuss this in the context of decisions the company is probably making today.

Structure of the paper:

This paper has more specific focus than the first one you completed for this class. This assignment will require you to first set up an outline of the topics you expect to cover, then research the details and fit them into your analysis. The typical term paper consisting of quotations and reference materials strung together to make your points will not be acceptable for this assignment. The company history is commonly known, and has no point value in the retelling.

The best way to achieve top quality in the final product will be to start with a focused outline, and proceed through several drafts, condensing and

clarifying as you revise the paper. A useful way to come up with your outline is to follow the outline of the chapters closely, and try to find information on the various strategic issues covered therein. The *****Strategic Issue***** notes in the margins can give you a rudimentary checklist from which to begin your analysis. Chapter 4, for example, has 15 such notes embedded in the left margin of the text. Obviously, not all 15 points are directly pertinent to this case analysis. The choice of strategic issues is up to you. From chapter 4, Exhibits 4.7, 4.8, 4.13, may provide useful organizing frameworks for your initial discussion. Once you have *****set up***** the strategic fit issues using the materials of Chapter 4, the major analytical task of the paper will be to integrate supporting details using the frameworks of Chapters 6 and 7. How is this company different from their principal competitors?

I am looking for in the paper is a mature and sophisticated use of the relevant concepts that are covered in the assigned text chapters (1 through 8, with the major emphasis on the last 4 chapters). The paper should be divided into proper outline style with headings and paragraph structure appropriate for a professional business presentation.

I will provide you with more detailed instructions in the email. *****