BUS 499 Business Administration Capstone

(Prerequisite: To be taken as last or next to last course)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is the capstone course for the Bachelor of Business Administration program. It examines the processes by which organizations formulate strategy, implement policy, and evaluate outcomes in the highly competitive and dynamic global environment. The ethical implications of strategic choices are a central concern of this course. Analytic, integrative, and decision-making skills will be exercised through the use of case analysis and decision making.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2011). Strategic management: Competitiveness and globalization, concepts and cases: 2011 custom edition (9th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Supplemental Resources Angwin, D., Paroutis, S., & Mitson, S. (2009). Connecting up strategy: Are senior strategy directors a missing link? California Management Review, 51(3), 74-94. Derfus, P. J., Maggitti, P. G., Grimm, C. M., & Smith, K. G. (2008). The red queen effect: Competitive actions and firm performance. Academy of Management Journal, 51(1), 61-80. Franken, A., Ewards, C., & Lambert, R. (2009). Executing strategic change: Understanding the critical management elements that lead to success. California Management Review, 51(3), 49-73.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Identify the vision, mission, and stakeholders of a firm. Identify how the six segments of the general environment affect an industry and its firms. Identify the five forces of competition. Analyze the external environment for opportunities and threats that impact the firm. Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths and weaknesses that impact the firms competitiveness. Identify various levels and types of strategy in a firm. Describe how corporate governance affects strategic decisions. Describe the relationship between strategy and organizational structure. Analyze strategic leadership, strategic entrepreneurship, and corporate entrepreneurship. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration. Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

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BUS 499 Business Administration Capstone

WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode. Week 1 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 1: Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Activities Discussions Evaluation 2 None Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 2: The External Environment: Opportunities, Threats, Industry Competition, and Competitive Analysis o Case Study 3: Barclays: Matt Barretts Journey Winning Hearts and Minds Activities Discussions Evaluation 3 Assignment 1: Great Lakes: Great Decisions 240 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 3: The Internal Organization: Resources, Capabilities, Core Competencies, and Competitive Advantage o Case Study 3: Barclays: Matt Barretts Journey Winning Hearts and Minds Activities Discussions Evaluation 4 None Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 4: Business-Level Strategy o Chapter 5: Competitive Rivalry and Competitive Dynamics o Case Study 2: Baidu: Beating Google at Its Own Game Activities Discussions Evaluation Assignment 2: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business 20 280 20 20 Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation Points

20

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BUS 499 Business Administration Capstone

while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV 5 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 6: Corporate-Level Strategy o Case Study 27: Tesco versus Sainburys: Growth Strategies and Corporate Competitiveness Activities Discussions Evaluation 6 None Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 7: Merger and Acquisition Strategies o Case Study 6: CEMEX: Building a Global Latina Activities Discussions Evaluation Assignment 3: Motorola, Inc. 7 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 8: International Strategy o Case Study 12: Blue Ocean Strategy at Henkel Activities Discussions Evaluation 8 None Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 9: Cooperative Strategy o Case Study 10: eBay Inc.: Bidding for the Future Activities Discussions Evaluation 9 Assignment 4: A Horror Show at the Cinemaplex Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 10: Corporate Governance o Chapter 11: Organizational Structure and Controls o Case Study 4: Accounting at Biovail o Case Study 8: From Low Cost to Global Leadership: Computime (Hong Kong) Leads through Innovation Activities 20 280 20 280

20

20

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BUS 499 Business Administration Capstone

Discussions Evaluation None 10 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 12: Strategic Leadership o Chapter 13: Strategic Entrepreneurship Activities Discussions Evaluation 11 Capstone Project Preparation Case Study 1: Alibaba.com Activities Discussions Evaluation None GRADING SCALE UNDERGRADUATE Assignment Assignment 1: Great Lakes: Great Decisions Assignment 2: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Assignment 3: Motorola, Inc. Assignment 4: A Horror Show at the Cinemaplex Capstone Project Participation (22 discussions worth 10 points apiece) Totals Total Points 240 280 280 280 460 220 1,760 % of Grade 14% 16% 16% 16% 26% 12% 100% 20

20 460

20

Points 1,584 1,760 1,408 1,583 1,232 1,407 1,056 1,231 Below 1,056

Percentage 90% 100% 80% 89% 70% 79% 60% 69% Below 60%

Grade A B C D F

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BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 1: Great Lakes: Great Decisions Due Week 2 and worth 240 points Review the Great Lakes: Great Decisions case study and write a 4-10 page paper in which you: 1. Perform an analysis of the social / demographic, technological, economic, environmental / geographic, and political / legal / governmental segments to understand the general environment facing Great Lakes. Describe how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors. 2. Analyze the lead additives industry in the U.S. using the Five Forces of Competition Model. Describe the impact of each of the five (5) forces on the industry and based on this analysis, determine if the industry is attractive or unattractive. 3. Describe who Great Lakes immediate, impending, and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors. 4. Describe the main capabilities of Great Lakes. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the students name, the professors name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Identify how the six segments of the general environment affect an industry and its firms. Identify the five forces of competition. Analyze the external environment for opportunities and threats that impact the firm. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration. Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 240 Assignment 1: Great Lakes: Great Decisions Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D
Insufficiently performed an analysis of the social / demographic, technological, economic, environmental / geographic, and political / legal /

Criteria

Unacceptable Below 60% F

Did not submit or incompletely performed an analysis of the social / demographic, technological, economic, environmental / geographic, and political / legal /

Fair 70-79% C
Partially performed an analysis of the social / demographic, technological, economic, environmental / geographic, and political / legal /

Proficient 80-89% B
Satisfactorily performed an analysis of the social / demographic, technological, economic, environmental / geographic, and political / legal /

Exemplary 90-100% A
Thoroughly performed an analysis of the social / demographic, technological, economic, environmental / geographic, and political / legal /

1. Perform an analysis of the social / demographic, technological, economic, environmental / geographic, and political / legal / governmental segments to understand the general

2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 499 Student Version 1122 (1001 11-14-2011) Final Page 5 of 17

BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

environment facing Great Lakes. Describe how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors. Weight: 30% governmental segments to understand the general environment facing Great Lakes, and described how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors. Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the lead additives industry in the U.S. using the Five Forces of Competition Model, described the impact of each of the five (5) forces on the industry and based on this analysis, and determined if the industry is attractive or unattractive. Did not submit or incompletely described who Great Lakes immediate, impending, and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors. Did not submit or incompletely described the main capabilities of Great Lakes. More than 8 errors present governmental segments to understand the general environment facing Great Lakes, and described how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors. Insufficiently analyzed the lead additives industry in the U.S. using the Five Forces of Competition Model, described the impact of each of the five (5) forces on the industry and based on this analysis, and determined if the industry is attractive or unattractive. Insufficiently described who Great Lakes immediate, impending, and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors. Insufficiently described the main capabilities of Great Lakes. 7-8 errors present governmental segments to understand the general environment facing Great Lakes, and described how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors. Partially analyzed the lead additives industry in the U.S. using the Five Forces of Competition Model, described the impact of each of the five (5) forces on the industry and based on this analysis, and determined if the industry is attractive or unattractive. Partially described who Great Lakes immediate, impending, and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors. Partially described the main capabilities of Great Lakes. 5-6 errors present governmental segments to understand the general environment facing Great Lakes, and described how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors. Satisfactorily analyzed the lead additives industry in the U.S. using the Five Forces of Competition Model, described the impact of each of the five (5) forces on the industry and based on this analysis, and determined if the industry is attractive or unattractive. Satisfactorily described who Great Lakes immediate, impending, and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors. Satisfactorily described the main capabilities of Great Lakes. 3-4 errors present governmental segments to understand the general environment facing Great Lakes, and described how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors. Thoroughly analyzed the lead additives industry in the U.S. using the Five Forces of Competition Model, described the impact of each of the five (5) forces on the industry and based on this analysis, and determined if the industry is attractive or unattractive. Thoroughly described who Great Lakes immediate, impending, and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors. Thoroughly described the main capabilities of Great Lakes. 0-2 errors present

2. Analyze the lead additives industry in the U.S. using the Five Forces of Competition Model. Describe the impact of each of the five (5) forces on the industry and based on this analysis, determine if the industry is attractive or unattractive. Weight: 25%

3. Describe who Great Lakes immediate, impending, and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors. Weight: 20%

4. Describe the main capabilities of Great Lakes. Weight: 15% 6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10%

2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 499 Student Version 1122 (1001 11-14-2011) Final Page 6 of 17

BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 2: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Due Week 4 and worth 280 points Review the Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV case study and write a 4-10 page paper in which you: 1. Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. 2. Describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. 3. Describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. 4. Describe how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. 5. Describe the recommendations you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the students name, the professors name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths and weaknesses that impact the firms competitiveness. Identify various levels and types of strategy in a firm. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration. Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 280 Assignment 2: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D
Insufficiently described the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer.

Criteria

Unacceptable Below 60% F

Did not submit or incompletely described the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. Did not submit or incompletely

Fair 70-79% C
Partially described the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. Partially described the

Proficient 80-89% B
Satisfactorily described the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer.

Exemplary 90-100% A
Thoroughly described the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer.

1. Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. Weight: 15% 2. Describe the dimensions

Insufficiently described the

Satisfactorily described the

Thoroughly described the

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BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

along which company success can be measured. Weight: 15% 3. Describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. Weight: 20% 4. Describe how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. Weight: 20% 5. Describe the recommendations you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. Weight: 20% 6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10% described the dimensions along which company success can be measured. Did not submit or incompletely described the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. Did not submit or incompletely described how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. Did not submit or incompletely described the recommendatio ns you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. More than 8 errors present dimensions along which company success can be measured. dimensions along which company success can be measured. Partially described the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. Partially described how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. Partially described the recommendation s you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. 5-6 errors present dimensions along which company success can be measured. dimensions along which company success can be measured.

Insufficiently described the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. Insufficiently described how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. Insufficiently described the recommendation s you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results.

Satisfactorily described the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. Satisfactorily described how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry.

Thoroughly described the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. Thoroughly described how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry.

Satisfactorily described the recommendation s you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results.

Thoroughly described the recommendation s you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results.

7-8 errors present

3-4 errors present

0-2 errors present

2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 499 Student Version 1122 (1001 11-14-2011) Final Page 8 of 17

BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 3: Motorola, Inc Due Week 6 and worth 280 points Review the Motorola, Inc. case study and write a 4-10 page paper in which you: 1. Describe the salient opportunities and threats that exist in Motorola's external environment. 2. Describe the company's most prominent strengths and weaknesses. 3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of Motorola's strategic options. 4. Describe how the corporation's strategy and organizational structure can be designed to solve the company's strategic issues. 5. Explain how Motorola should proceed. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the students name, the professors name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Analyze the external environment for opportunities and threats that impact the firm. Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths and weaknesses that impact the firms competitiveness. Identify various levels and types of strategy in a firm. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration. Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 280 Assignment 3: Motorola, Inc Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D
Insufficiently described the salient opportunities and threats that exist in Motorola's external environment. Insufficiently described the company's

Criteria

Unacceptable Below 60% F

Did not submit or incompletely described the salient opportunities and threats that exist in Motorola's external environment. Did not submit or incompletely described the

Fair 70-79% C
Partially described the salient opportunities and threats that exist in Motorola's external environment. Partially described the company's

Proficient 80-89% B
Satisfactorily described the salient opportunities and threats that exist in Motorola's external environment. Satisfactorily described the company's

Exemplary 90-100% A
Thoroughly described the salient opportunities and threats that exist in Motorola's external environment. Thoroughly described the company's

1. Describe the salient opportunities and threats that exist in Motorola's external environment. Weight: 20%

2. Describe the company's most prominent strengths

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BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

and weaknesses. Weight: 15% company's most prominent strengths and weaknesses. Did not submit or incompletely described the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of Motorola's strategic options. Did not submit or incompletely described how the corporation's strategy and organizational structure can be designed to solve the company's strategic issues. most prominent strengths and weaknesses. Insufficiently described the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of Motorola's strategic options. Insufficiently described how the corporation's strategy and organizational structure can be designed to solve the company's strategic issues. Insufficiently explained how Motorola should proceed. 7-8 errors present most prominent strengths and weaknesses. Partially described the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of Motorola's strategic options. Partially described how the corporation's strategy and organizational structure can be designed to solve the company's strategic issues. Partially explained how Motorola should proceed. 5-6 errors present most prominent strengths and weaknesses. Satisfactorily described the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of Motorola's strategic options. Satisfactorily described how the corporation's strategy and organizational structure can be designed to solve the company's strategic issues. Satisfactorily explained how Motorola should proceed. 3-4 errors present most prominent strengths and weaknesses. Thoroughly described the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of Motorola's strategic options. Thoroughly described how the corporation's strategy and organizational structure can be designed to solve the company's strategic issues. Thoroughly explained how Motorola should proceed. 0-2 errors present

3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of Motorola's strategic options. Weight: 20%

4. Describe how the corporation's strategy and organizational structure can be designed to solve the company's strategic issues. Weight: 20%

5. Explain how Motorola should proceed. Weight: 15% 6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely explained how Motorola should proceed. More than 8 errors present

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BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

Assignment 4: A Horror Show at the Cinemaplex Due Week 8 and worth 280 points Review the Horror Show at the Cinemaplex case study and write a 4-10 page paper in which you: 1. Perform a comprehensive analysis of the five (5) competitive forces. Discuss what level of competition can be anticipated amongst industry rivals. 2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of the top four (4) competitors' situations and strategic approaches. 3. Describe the financial considerations that affect the profitability of major movie theater businesses. 4. Describe what strategic options are feasible given the situation facing industry participants. 5. Describe what recommendations you would make to improve their likelihood of future success. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the students name, the professors name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Identify the five forces of competition. Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths and weaknesses that impact the firms competitiveness. Identify various levels and types of strategy in a firm. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration. Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 280 Assignment 4: A Horror Show at the Cinemaplex Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D
Insufficiently performed a comprehensive analysis of the five (5) competitive forces and discussed what level of competition can

Criteria

Unacceptable Below 60% F

Fair 70-79% C
Partially performed a comprehensive analysis of the five (5) competitive forces and discussed what level of competition can

Proficient 80-89% B
Satisfactorily performed a comprehensive analysis of the five (5) competitive forces and discussed what level of competition can

Exemplary 90-100% A
Thoroughly performed a comprehensive analysis of the five (5) competitive forces and discussed what level of competition can

1. Perform a comprehensive analysis of the five (5) competitive forces. Discuss what level of competition can be anticipated amongst industry rivals.

Did not submit or incompletely performed a comprehensive analysis of the five (5) competitive forces and discussed what level of

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BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

Weight: 20% competition can be anticipated amongst industry rivals. Did not submit or incompletely described the advantages and disadvantages of each of the top four (4) competitors' situations and strategic approaches. Did not submit or incompletely described the financial considerations that affect the profitability of major movie theater businesses. Did not submit or incompletely described what strategic options are feasible given the situation facing industry participants. Did not submit or incompletely described what recommendations you would make to improve their likelihood of future success. More than 8 errors present be anticipated amongst industry rivals. Insufficiently described the advantages and disadvantages of each of the top four (4) competitors' situations and strategic approaches. Insufficiently described the financial considerations that affect the profitability of major movie theater businesses. Insufficiently described what strategic options are feasible given the situation facing industry participants. Insufficiently described what recommendations you would make to improve their likelihood of future success. 7-8 errors present be anticipated amongst industry rivals. Partially described the advantages and disadvantages of each of the top four (4) competitors' situations and strategic approaches. Partially described the financial considerations that affect the profitability of major movie theater businesses. Partially described what strategic options are feasible given the situation facing industry participants. Partially described what recommendations you would make to improve their likelihood of future success. 5-6 errors present be anticipated amongst industry rivals. Satisfactorily described the advantages and disadvantages of each of the top four (4) competitors' situations and strategic approaches. Satisfactorily described the financial considerations that affect the profitability of major movie theater businesses. Satisfactorily described what strategic options are feasible given the situation facing industry participants. Satisfactorily described what recommendations you would make to improve their likelihood of future success. 3-4 errors present be anticipated amongst industry rivals. Thoroughly described the advantages and disadvantages of each of the top four (4) competitors' situations and strategic approaches. Thoroughly described the financial considerations that affect the profitability of major movie theater businesses. Thoroughly described what strategic options are feasible given the situation facing industry participants. Thoroughly described what recommendations you would make to improve their likelihood of future success. 0-2 errors present

2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of the top four (4) competitors' situations and strategic approaches. Weight: 15% 3. Describe the financial considerations that affect the profitability of major movie theater businesses. Weight: 15% 4. Describe what strategic options are feasible given the situation facing industry participants. Weight: 20% 5. Describe what recommendations you would make to improve their likelihood of future success. Weight: 20%

6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10%

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BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

Capstone Project Due Week 10 and worth 460 points Select a publicly-traded company by searching the Strayer Databases or the Internet. Download the annual report for the most recent year reported for use in this assignment. Based on your review and analysis of the annual report, prepare a 6-8 paper in which you: 1. Identify the companys mission, vision, and primary stakeholders. 2. Identify the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. 3. Create a SWOT analysis for the company identifying the major strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. 4. Based on the SWOT analysis, recommend how the company may capitalize on its strengths and opportunities, and minimize its weaknesses and threats. 5. Discuss the various levels and types of strategies the firm may use to maximize its competitiveness and profitability. 6. Determine the recent corporate governance issues that are currently affecting the company's decisions and report how the company is or should be handling the issues. 7. Use 4-5 external sources as part of your assignment. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the students name, the professors name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Identify the vision, mission, and stakeholders of a firm. Identify how the six segments of the general environment affect an industry and its firms. Identify the five forces of competition. Analyze the external environment for opportunities and threats that impact the firm. Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths and weaknesses that impact the firms competitiveness. Identify various levels and types of strategy in a firm. Describe how corporate governance affects strategic decisions. Describe the relationship between strategy and organizational structure. Analyze strategic leadership, strategic entrepreneurship, and corporate entrepreneurship. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration. Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 499 Student Version 1122 (1001 11-14-2011) Final Page 13 of 17

BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

Points: 460 Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D
Insufficiently identified the companys mission, vision, and primary stakeholders. Insufficiently identified the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. Insufficiently created a SWOT analysis for the company identifying the major strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Insufficiently recommended how the company may capitalize on its strengths and opportunities, and minimize its weaknesses and threats. Insufficiently discussed the various levels and types of strategies the firm may use to maximize its competitiveness and profitability. Insufficiently determined the recent

Capstone Project

Criteria

Unacceptable Below 60% F

Fair 70-79% C
Partially identified the companys mission, vision, and primary stakeholders. Partially identified the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. Partially created a SWOT analysis for the company identifying the major strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Partially recommended how the company may capitalize on its strengths and opportunities, and minimize its weaknesses and threats. Partially discussed the various levels and types of strategies the firm may use to maximize its competitiveness and profitability. Partially determined the recent

Proficient 80-89% B
Satisfactorily identified the companys mission, vision, and primary stakeholders. Satisfactorily identified the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. Satisfactorily created a SWOT analysis for the company identifying the major strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Satisfactorily recommended how the company may capitalize on its strengths and opportunities, and minimize its weaknesses and threats. Satisfactorily discussed the various levels and types of strategies the firm may use to maximize its competitiveness and profitability. Satisfactorily determined the recent

Exemplary 90-100% A
Thoroughly identified the companys mission, vision, and primary stakeholders. Thoroughly identified the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. Thoroughly created a SWOT analysis for the company identifying the major strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Thoroughly recommended how the company may capitalize on its strengths and opportunities, and minimize its weaknesses and threats. Thoroughly discussed the various levels and types of strategies the firm may use to maximize its competitiveness and profitability. Thoroughly determined the recent

1. Identify the companys mission, vision, and primary stakeholders. Weight: 5%

Did not submit or incompletely identified the companys mission, vision, and primary stakeholders. Did not submit or incompletely identified the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. Did not submit or incompletely created a SWOT analysis for the company identifying the major strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Did not submit or incompletely recommended how the company may capitalize on its strengths and opportunities, and minimize its weaknesses and threats. Did not submit or incompletely discussed the various levels and types of strategies the firm may use to maximize its competitiveness and profitability. Did not submit or incompletely determine the

2. Identify the five (5) forces of competition and how it impacts the company. Weight: 10%

3. Create a SWOT analysis for the company identifying the major strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Weight: 20%

4. Based on the SWOT analysis, recommend how the company may capitalize on its strengths and opportunities, and minimize its weaknesses and threats. Weight: 20% 5. Discuss the various levels and types of strategies the firm may use to maximize its competitiveness and profitability. Weight: 15%

6. Determine the recent corporate governance issues

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BUS 499 Assignments and Rubrics

that are currently affecting the company's decisions and report how the company is or should be handling the issues. Weight: 15% recent corporate governance issues that are currently affecting the company's decisions and report how the company is or should be handling the issues. No references provided. 7. 4-5 References Weight: 5% corporate governance issues that are currently affecting the company's decisions and report how the company is or should be handling the issues. Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices. 7-8 errors present corporate governance issues that are currently affecting the company's decisions and report how the company is or should be handling the issues. Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices. 5-6 errors present corporate governance issues that are currently affecting the company's decisions and report how the company is or should be handling the issues. Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. corporate governance issues that are currently affecting the company's decisions and report how the company is or should be handling the issues. Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 0-2 errors present

8. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10%

More than 8 errors present

3-4 errors present

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BUS 499 Student Notes

Weekly Course Schedule
The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance, the required preparation, activities, and evaluation components of your course. For more information about your course, whether on-ground or online, access your online course shell. The expectations for a 4.5 credit hour course are for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of the delivery mode.

Instructional Materials
In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required textbooks and other instructional materials prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer University provides a link to the first three (3) chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your online course shell for availability. Review the online course shell or check with your professor to determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are used in this course. Instructional materials are obtained through the universitys virtual bookstore and can be accessed through iCampus: http:bookstore.mbsdirect.net/strayer.htm. Courses with Internet-based assignments and activities on publisher sites may require the purchase of onetime access codes. When purchasing used textbooks, a separate access code purchase will be necessary.

Discussions
Students taking this course online are required to post their discussions to a weekly thread in the online course shell. Respond to at least two (2) other students posts to earn full credit for each discussion. As it is always possible that you could lose your work due to unforeseen circumstances, you should routinely save your work in a separate file before posting in the course discussion area. Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground students. Check with your professor if any additional discussion participation is required in the online course shell outside of class hours.

Assignments
A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your professor will use to evaluate your written assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments that have grading rubrics associated with them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on the rubric. Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group grading; however, working in groups in the online or on-ground classroom is acceptable. Assignments for online students are always submitted through the online course shell. On-ground professors will inform students on how to submit assignments, whether in paper format or through the online course shell.

Resources
The Resource Center navigation button in the online course shell contains helpful links. Strayer University Library Resources are available here as well as other important information. You should review this area to find resources and answers to common questions. Technical support is available for the following:

For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online Technical Support by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under Student Center, then Submit Help Ticket. If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999.

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BUS 499 Student Notes

For concerns with your class, please access the Solution Center by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under Student Center, then Submit Help Ticket. If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact the IT Help Desk at (866) 610-8123 or at mailto:IThelpdesk@Strayer.edu.

TurnItIn.com is an optional online tool to assess the originality of student written work. Check with your professor for access and use instructions. The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online course shell contains academic policies. It is important that students be aware of these policies.

2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. BUS 499 Student Version 1122 (1001 11-14-2011) Final Page 17 of 17