GROUP PAPER ASSIGNMENT : Include each of the following points in the guidelines below.

Effective writing using the bullet-style is concise and efficient but may be difficult. If you choose to use bullet-style, please regard the bullets as your conclusions. Explain how you arrived at the conclusion with the next few sentences. Papers should be error-free, paginated (pg#s), double-spaced, and include references. AGAIN, THIS AN ACADEMIC PAPER, SO BE SURE TO CITE YOUR SOURCES. Exhibits should be in at the end of each individual paper. When dividing the work among your group members, make a fair sharing of effort, given your groups size. Each Paper builds on the Papers preceding it, so get your work done in a timely fashion so as not to delay other authors. Each group must do the same number of papers as there are members in the group. A suggestion: Parts I and II may be combined into one persons work. Suggestion for all groups: Part V and VI should debated by the entire group while one person may write up the results. Parts III, IV, and VII are large pieces of work possibly requiring a two-person team. Making preliminary assignments and then meeting again to reconsider the first division might be advisable.

IT IS YOUR GROUPS RESPONSIBILITY TO DIVIDE THIS WORK FAIRLY.

The final paper is due on Apr. 25, 2011 and must include a Table of Contents that identifies the primary author and any other contributors who worked on each Paper. Submit the papers to the appropriate group drop box and also bring a hard copy of the compiled paper to class on Apr. 25.

STRATEGIC AUDIT
Paper 1: CURRENT SITUATION
A. Current Performance B. Strategic Posture i. Mission ii. Objectives iii. Strategies STRATEGIC MANAGERS A. Board of Directors B. Top Management

Paper 2: EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

A. Natural Physical Environment: Sustainability Issues

B. PESTEL Analysis (Economic, Technological, Political-Legal, Socio-cultural) C. Task Environment (industry characteristics, Porters six competitive forces) D. Scenario Analysis (Given your analyses, describe the most likely future scenario and its probable consequences for the firm)

Paper 3: INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

A. Corporate Structure B. Corporate Culture C. Corporate Resources (Resources unique to firm (patents, etc.), Marketing, Finance (with pro formas), R & D, Operations, Human Resources, Information Systems) D. VRINE Analysis

Paper 4: ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIC FACTORS

A. Situational Analysis (SWOT, Competitive Advantages, Specific Competitor Analysis vs. your firm, etc.) B. Review of Current Mission and Objectives

Paper 5: STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES AND RECOMMENDED STRATEG(IES) GROUP

A. Present and discuss Three Strategy Alternatives ( Use Strategy Diamond for each) B. Describe expected outcomes for each strategy. Prioritize Strategies (preferred strategy and then second to third as contingent options)

Paper 6: IMPLEMENTATION
A. Needed Programs to implement chosen strategy (e.g., restructuring, TQM, etc.) B. Are the Programs financially feasible? (demonstrate this with pro formas) C. New Standard Operating Procedures Needed?

Paper 7: EVALUATION AND CONTROL A. Is the current information system capable of providing sufficient feedback on implementation activities and performance? Can it measure strategic factors? B. Are adequate control measures kin place to ensure conformance with the recommended strategic plan?