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**## Assignment_2_Template_1234.docx**
**TO:** _Insert name of CEO of selected Company_
**FROM:** _Your name_
**DATE:** _Today’s date_
**RE:** How to Win: Strategic Options Assessment and Recommendation
**(Student to update all sections color-coded in RED and change color to BLACK)**
**1.**
****Introduction** _Include a brief opening paragraph that summarizes the purpose and key content of this executive brief._**
**2.**
****Suggested Ranked Moves: The three Game-Winning Moves I considered are in rank order:****
**·**
**_Top-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize the best move from Week 6 lecture notes with a few details to explain. For example, if you chose acquisition, who might you buy? If you chose geographic expansion, where would you expand? If you chose discontinuous innovation, what would the innovation be?]_**
**·**
**_Second-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize your second-best winning move as described above]_**
**·**
**_Third-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize your third-best winning move as described above]_**
**3.**
****Recommended Move** _Expand on your top ranked move from the list here. Provide your rationale on why you think it will generate financially attractive growth (including both incremental revenue growth and commensurate incremental profit growth)._**
**4.**
****Alignment** _Describe how your top-ranked move aligns (or conflicts) with your key strength/weakness identified in your Playing Field template?_**
**5.**
****Required Investments** _Most moves require investments of resources and money. What are some significant investments that would be required to implement this move? Note, we are not looking for dollar figures; instead, we are looking for the_**
**_key categories of investments (like hiring people, investing in new capabilities, or building new manufacturing plants, etc.)_**
**6.**
****Risks and Risk Mitigation****
**_Most moves have risks that need to be considered. What are the most significant risks and what is your recommended risk mitigation plan? How do you think the competition will react to your move?_**
**7.**
****Competitive Response****
**_Explain how you think the competition will react to your Move. What counter moves might they make? How much, if any, uncontested space will your move create and for how long?_**
**8.**
****Conclusion****
**_Provide an effective persuasive concluding paragraph that is “fit for use” for a CEO. This summary should assert the recommended Move while simultaneously providing reasonable and fair balance on investments and risks. If this conclusion is excised from the executive brief, it could effectively be used as the elevator pitch for the Move._**
**9.**
****References****
**_Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the brief._**
**## Assignment_2_1244.pdf**
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 1 of 6
Assignment 2: How to Win: Strategic Options Assessment and Recommendation
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 9 (Weight: 25%)
Introduction
“Strategy means making clear-cut choices about how to compete. You cannot be everything to
everybody, no matter what the size of your business or how deep its pockets.”
– Jack Welch –
Congratulations! In your first executive brief, you generated some great insights about the playing field
and competitors and how your own organization stacks up. Now you will transition from looking back to
looking ahead. You will develop your “How to Win” strategy that will feature your game-winning move!
Your CEO has clarified that you need to think expansively and recommend a move that is transformative
rather than incremental. To help with this, you have decided to consider each of the seven common
winning moves outlined in the Week 6 Lecture Notes and pick one of them as your preferred game-
winning move.
You know that your game-winning move will be a decisive choice for the company. But in choosing this
move (as is the case with any strategic initiative), the company will risk money and resources. If your
move is the right one, you will grow sales and profits and beat your competitors. If your move is the
wrong one, you risk disappointing your investors and letting your competitors gain competitive advantage.
Given the importance of this decision, you will evaluate each of the seven common winning moves and
then do a deep dive into the attractiveness, feasibility and risks of your chosen strategy.
Your CEO is expecting your second executive brief in Week 8 to summarize your analysis of the strategy
you believe offers the most potential and your recommendation for the game-winning move that you will
be presenting in Week 10.
Instructions for Assignment 2
Your objective is to create a game-winning move, not just evaluate other people’s moves. For this
assignment, do NOT recommend a move that is identical or very similar to a real-life move made by your
company. For example, don’t recommend that Tesla/Apple/Google/Uber/etc. invest in self-driving car
technology or recommend that CVS acquire Aetna as those are all in the public domain. Instead,
recommend a move that is novel and innovative for your company.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 2 of 6
Craft your second executive brief to include the following:
1. An opening paragraph summarizing the purpose and content of the brief.
2. Rank Order Your Three Top Moves: Review the applicability and attractiveness of each of the 7
common winning moves (from the Week 6 Lecture Notes) for your organization and your
competitive situation in your chosen playing field. List your top three most attractive moves in
order from most attractive to least attractive.
3. Detail your Recommended Move: For your most attractive move, provide details about what
you would recommend as a part this move. For example, if you chose acquisition, who might you
buy? If you chose geographic expansion, where would you expand? If you chose discontinuous
innovation, what would the innovation be? Explain why you think it will generate financially
attractive growth (which includes both incremental revenue growth and commensurate
incremental profit growth).
4. Alignment of the Move to Organizational Strength and Weakness. How does this move
address your key strength/weakness identified in your playing field assessment from Assignment
1?
5. Required Investments. Most strategic initiatives require an investment of resources and money.
What are some significant investments that would be necessary to implement this move? Note,
we are not looking for dollar figures; instead, we are looking for the key categories of investments
such as hiring people, investing in new capabilities, building new manufacturing plants, etc.
6. Risks and Risk Mitigation. Most game-changing moves are bold initiatives and have risks that
need to be considered. What are the most significant risks and what is your recommended risk-
mitigation plan?
7. Competitive Response: How do you think the competition will react to your move?
8. Concluding statement. Conclude with a brief a summary of your game-winning move and
conclusions on the above topics. Consider how the move effectively balances investments and
risks. How will the move position your company against the competition?
9. References: Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding
reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the
brief.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 3 of 6
Formatting and Submission Requirements
• The executive brief submission should be 2 to 3 pages (not including the cover page or
appendixes/references page).
• Typed, single-spaced, professional font (size 10 – 12) with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the
course title and date.
• Include a references page at the end documenting sources and citations used. You must cite
three or more current sources.
• Use headings to identify main topics and subtopics.
• You are welcome to include charts, tables, and graphs in-text or in an appendix.
• Develop and support your research with facts and in-text citations, appendixes, and references.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 4 of 6
RUBRIC: Assignment 2
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Describe and
rank three the
top potential
game winning
moves and
recommend a
preferred
game-
winning
move.
Weight: 30%
The 3 moves are
exceptionally well
described.
Recommended
move is
innovative and
presented in a
clear and
unambiguous
way.
Excellent
rationale for how
the move will
generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
The move is
clear logical and
feasible
The 3 moves are
well described
and clearly
ranked.
Recommended
move has well-
articulated
specificity to
provide a clear
understanding of
how the move
will generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
The move is
reasonably clear,
logical and
feasible
The 3 moves are
ranked and
satisfactorily
described.
Recommended
move is identified
and how it will
generate
financially
attractive growth
is satisfactorily
explained;
however, there is
a lack of detail in
one of the three
areas: clarity,
feasibility or
logic.
Does not include
a move ranking
and/or is missing
a ranked option.
Partially
describes
recommended
move.
A basic
explanation for
how the move
might generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company
is provided;
however, the
move lacks
sufficient detail
that impacts two
of the three
areas: clarity,
feasibility, or
logic.
Does not provide
any ranking
and/or
unsatisfactorily
describes a
recommended
move and how it
might generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
2. Explain the
alignment of
recommend-
ed move to a
core
company
strength and
weakness
and identify
necessary
Investments
Weight: 20%
Clearly and
concisely
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Demonstrates
excellent logic,
reasoning and
foresight about
the most
significant
investments that
will be required.
Clearly and
concisely
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Demonstrates
sound logic and
reasoning
regarding most of
the significant
investments that
will be required.
Satisfactorily
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Provides
satisfactory
description of
some of the
significant
investments that
will be required
but may be
missing at least
one important
investment
category.
Partially explains
how the move
relates to the
company’s
strength and
weakness.
May include a
basic description
of investment but
lacks more than
one important
investment
category.
Does not include
or unsatisfactorily
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness or
does not identify
significant
investments that
will be required.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 5 of 6
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
3. Identify risks
and
anticipated
competitive
response
Weight: 20%
Clearly and
logically explains
the most
significant risks of
the move.
Provides cogent
and novel risk-
mitigation plans
to address each
identified risk.
Competitive
response
predictions
demonstrate
exemplary logic
and reasoning
and are clearly
explained.
Clearly and
logically explains
most of the
significant risks of
the move.
Provides cogent
and novel risk
mitigation plans
for most of the
identified risks.
Competitive
response
predictions
demonstrate
sound logic and
are clearly
explained.
Clearly explains
at least two risks
of the move.
Provides logical
risk mitigation
plans for at least
one of the
identified risks.
Competitive
response
predictions are
reasonable and
include an
acceptable
amount of detail.
Explains at least
one risk
associated with
the move but
these risks may
be lacking in
detail or logic.
Risk mitigation
plans may not be
complete, logical,
or aligned with
the risks. .
Competitive
response
predictions
partially address
the likely
outcomes but are
overly vague.
Does not include,
or unsatisfactorily
demonstrates
anticipation of the
most significant
risks of the move
or
Does not include
risk mitigation
plans for the
identified move.
Unsatisfactorily
anticipates
competitive
response.
4. Provide an
effective and
persuasive
conclusion
that is “fit for
use” for a
CEO.
Weight: 15%
Conclusion is
extremely well
crafted and
provides a clear
and succinct
synopsis of the
move.
Persuasively
asserts the
recommended
move while
providing a
reasonable, fair,
and balanced
position on
investments and
risks.
Excised from the
brief, the
conclusion could
effectively be
used as the
elevator pitch for
the move.
Conclusion
presents a
complete and
succinct synopsis
of the move and
persuasively
asserts the
recommended
move while
simultaneously
providing a
reasonable, fair
and balanced
position on
investments and
risks.
Conclusion is a
satisfactory
synopsis of the
key elements of
the move and
satisfactorily
asserts the
recommended
move while
simultaneously
providing some
perspective on
risks and/or
investments.
Conclusion
partially
summarizes the
move and
partially
addresses other
factors of risks
and investments.
Conclusion is
missing or
presents an
unsatisfactory
summary of the
move, risks, and
investments.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 6 of 6
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
5. Present
information
professionally
within the
three-page
limit, and
support
recommend-
ation,
assertions,
and facts with
in-text
citations,
appendixes,
and
references.
Weight: 15%
Brief is succinct
and exceptionally
well-written and
professional in
appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
There are no
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors.
All recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
exemplarily
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is succinct
and well-written
and professional
in appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
Grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, if
any, are minor
and have no
impact on the
flow.
The majority of
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is well-
written and
generally
professional in
appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
There may be a
few grammatical
and mechanical
usage errors, but
they do not have
a major impact on
the flow.
Most of the
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is partially
well-written and
professional in
appearance.
Has several
grammatical and
mechanical
usage or spelling
errors that make
parts of the text
difficult for the
reader to
understand.
Some
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is missing
significant content
or is generally
unprofessional in
appearance due
to multiple
grammatical and
mechanical
usage or spelling
errors.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are not
supported with in-
text citations or
references.
– Formatting and Submission Requirements
**Week6Lecture.pdf**
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**Week6Lecture.pdf**
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**## Assignment_2_Template_1234.docx**
**TO:** _Insert name of CEO of selected Company_
**FROM:** _Your name_
**DATE:** _Today’s date_
**RE:** How to Win: Strategic Options Assessment and Recommendation
**(Student to update all sections color-coded in RED and change color to BLACK)**
**1.**
****Introduction** _Include a brief opening paragraph that summarizes the purpose and key content of this executive brief._**
**2.**
****Suggested Ranked Moves: The three Game-Winning Moves I considered are in rank order:****
**·**
**_Top-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize the best move from Week 6 lecture notes with a few details to explain. For example, if you chose acquisition, who might you buy? If you chose geographic expansion, where would you expand? If you chose discontinuous innovation, what would the innovation be?]_**
**·**
**_Second-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize your second-best winning move as described above]_**
**·**
**_Third-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize your third-best winning move as described above]_**
**3.**
****Recommended Move** _Expand on your top ranked move from the list here. Provide your rationale on why you think it will generate financially attractive growth (including both incremental revenue growth and commensurate incremental profit growth)._**
**4.**
****Alignment** _Describe how your top-ranked move aligns (or conflicts) with your key strength/weakness identified in your Playing Field template?_**
**5.**
****Required Investments** _Most moves require investments of resources and money. What are some significant investments that would be required to implement this move? Note, we are not looking for dollar figures; instead, we are looking for the_**
**_key categories of investments (like hiring people, investing in new capabilities, or building new manufacturing plants, etc.)_**
**6.**
****Risks and Risk Mitigation****
**_Most moves have risks that need to be considered. What are the most significant risks and what is your recommended risk mitigation plan? How do you think the competition will react to your move?_**
**7.**
****Competitive Response****
**_Explain how you think the competition will react to your Move. What counter moves might they make? How much, if any, uncontested space will your move create and for how long?_**
**8.**
****Conclusion****
**_Provide an effective persuasive concluding paragraph that is “fit for use” for a CEO. This summary should assert the recommended Move while simultaneously providing reasonable and fair balance on investments and risks. If this conclusion is excised from the executive brief, it could effectively be used as the elevator pitch for the Move._**
**9.**
****References****
**_Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the brief._**
**## Assignment_2_1244.pdf**
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 1 of 6
Assignment 2: How to Win: Strategic Options Assessment and Recommendation
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 9 (Weight: 25%)
Introduction
“Strategy means making clear-cut choices about how to compete. You cannot be everything to
everybody, no matter what the size of your business or how deep its pockets.”
– Jack Welch –
Congratulations! In your first executive brief, you generated some great insights about the playing field
and competitors and how your own organization stacks up. Now you will transition from looking back to
looking ahead. You will develop your “How to Win” strategy that will feature your game-winning move!
Your CEO has clarified that you need to think expansively and recommend a move that is transformative
rather than incremental. To help with this, you have decided to consider each of the seven common
winning moves outlined in the Week 6 Lecture Notes and pick one of them as your preferred game-
winning move.
You know that your game-winning move will be a decisive choice for the company. But in choosing this
move (as is the case with any strategic initiative), the company will risk money and resources. If your
move is the right one, you will grow sales and profits and beat your competitors. If your move is the
wrong one, you risk disappointing your investors and letting your competitors gain competitive advantage.
Given the importance of this decision, you will evaluate each of the seven common winning moves and
then do a deep dive into the attractiveness, feasibility and risks of your chosen strategy.
Your CEO is expecting your second executive brief in Week 8 to summarize your analysis of the strategy
you believe offers the most potential and your recommendation for the game-winning move that you will
be presenting in Week 10.
Instructions for Assignment 2
Your objective is to create a game-winning move, not just evaluate other people’s moves. For this
assignment, do NOT recommend a move that is identical or very similar to a real-life move made by your
company. For example, don’t recommend that Tesla/Apple/Google/Uber/etc. invest in self-driving car
technology or recommend that CVS acquire Aetna as those are all in the public domain. Instead,
recommend a move that is novel and innovative for your company.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 2 of 6
Craft your second executive brief to include the following:
1. An opening paragraph summarizing the purpose and content of the brief.
2. Rank Order Your Three Top Moves: Review the applicability and attractiveness of each of the 7
common winning moves (from the Week 6 Lecture Notes) for your organization and your
competitive situation in your chosen playing field. List your top three most attractive moves in
order from most attractive to least attractive.
3. Detail your Recommended Move: For your most attractive move, provide details about what
you would recommend as a part this move. For example, if you chose acquisition, who might you
buy? If you chose geographic expansion, where would you expand? If you chose discontinuous
innovation, what would the innovation be? Explain why you think it will generate financially
attractive growth (which includes both incremental revenue growth and commensurate
incremental profit growth).
4. Alignment of the Move to Organizational Strength and Weakness. How does this move
address your key strength/weakness identified in your playing field assessment from Assignment
1?
5. Required Investments. Most strategic initiatives require an investment of resources and money.
What are some significant investments that would be necessary to implement this move? Note,
we are not looking for dollar figures; instead, we are looking for the key categories of investments
such as hiring people, investing in new capabilities, building new manufacturing plants, etc.
6. Risks and Risk Mitigation. Most game-changing moves are bold initiatives and have risks that
need to be considered. What are the most significant risks and what is your recommended risk-
mitigation plan?
7. Competitive Response: How do you think the competition will react to your move?
8. Concluding statement. Conclude with a brief a summary of your game-winning move and
conclusions on the above topics. Consider how the move effectively balances investments and
risks. How will the move position your company against the competition?
9. References: Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding
reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the
brief.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 3 of 6
Formatting and Submission Requirements
• The executive brief submission should be 2 to 3 pages (not including the cover page or
appendixes/references page).
• Typed, single-spaced, professional font (size 10 – 12) with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the
course title and date.
• Include a references page at the end documenting sources and citations used. You must cite
three or more current sources.
• Use headings to identify main topics and subtopics.
• You are welcome to include charts, tables, and graphs in-text or in an appendix.
• Develop and support your research with facts and in-text citations, appendixes, and references.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 4 of 6
RUBRIC: Assignment 2
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Describe and
rank three the
top potential
game winning
moves and
recommend a
preferred
game-
winning
move.
Weight: 30%
The 3 moves are
exceptionally well
described.
Recommended
move is
innovative and
presented in a
clear and
unambiguous
way.
Excellent
rationale for how
the move will
generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
The move is
clear logical and
feasible
The 3 moves are
well described
and clearly
ranked.
Recommended
move has well-
articulated
specificity to
provide a clear
understanding of
how the move
will generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
The move is
reasonably clear,
logical and
feasible
The 3 moves are
ranked and
satisfactorily
described.
Recommended
move is identified
and how it will
generate
financially
attractive growth
is satisfactorily
explained;
however, there is
a lack of detail in
one of the three
areas: clarity,
feasibility or
logic.
Does not include
a move ranking
and/or is missing
a ranked option.
Partially
describes
recommended
move.
A basic
explanation for
how the move
might generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company
is provided;
however, the
move lacks
sufficient detail
that impacts two
of the three
areas: clarity,
feasibility, or
logic.
Does not provide
any ranking
and/or
unsatisfactorily
describes a
recommended
move and how it
might generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
2. Explain the
alignment of
recommend-
ed move to a
core
company
strength and
weakness
and identify
necessary
Investments
Weight: 20%
Clearly and
concisely
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Demonstrates
excellent logic,
reasoning and
foresight about
the most
significant
investments that
will be required.
Clearly and
concisely
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Demonstrates
sound logic and
reasoning
regarding most of
the significant
investments that
will be required.
Satisfactorily
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Provides
satisfactory
description of
some of the
significant
investments that
will be required
but may be
missing at least
one important
investment
category.
Partially explains
how the move
relates to the
company’s
strength and
weakness.
May include a
basic description
of investment but
lacks more than
one important
investment
category.
Does not include
or unsatisfactorily
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness or
does not identify
significant
investments that
will be required.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 5 of 6
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
3. Identify risks
and
anticipated
competitive
response
Weight: 20%
Clearly and
logically explains
the most
significant risks of
the move.
Provides cogent
and novel risk-
mitigation plans
to address each
identified risk.
Competitive
response
predictions
demonstrate
exemplary logic
and reasoning
and are clearly
explained.
Clearly and
logically explains
most of the
significant risks of
the move.
Provides cogent
and novel risk
mitigation plans
for most of the
identified risks.
Competitive
response
predictions
demonstrate
sound logic and
are clearly
explained.
Clearly explains
at least two risks
of the move.
Provides logical
risk mitigation
plans for at least
one of the
identified risks.
Competitive
response
predictions are
reasonable and
include an
acceptable
amount of detail.
Explains at least
one risk
associated with
the move but
these risks may
be lacking in
detail or logic.
Risk mitigation
plans may not be
complete, logical,
or aligned with
the risks. .
Competitive
response
predictions
partially address
the likely
outcomes but are
overly vague.
Does not include,
or unsatisfactorily
demonstrates
anticipation of the
most significant
risks of the move
or
Does not include
risk mitigation
plans for the
identified move.
Unsatisfactorily
anticipates
competitive
response.
4. Provide an
effective and
persuasive
conclusion
that is “fit for
use” for a
CEO.
Weight: 15%
Conclusion is
extremely well
crafted and
provides a clear
and succinct
synopsis of the
move.
Persuasively
asserts the
recommended
move while
providing a
reasonable, fair,
and balanced
position on
investments and
risks.
Excised from the
brief, the
conclusion could
effectively be
used as the
elevator pitch for
the move.
Conclusion
presents a
complete and
succinct synopsis
of the move and
persuasively
asserts the
recommended
move while
simultaneously
providing a
reasonable, fair
and balanced
position on
investments and
risks.
Conclusion is a
satisfactory
synopsis of the
key elements of
the move and
satisfactorily
asserts the
recommended
move while
simultaneously
providing some
perspective on
risks and/or
investments.
Conclusion
partially
summarizes the
move and
partially
addresses other
factors of risks
and investments.
Conclusion is
missing or
presents an
unsatisfactory
summary of the
move, risks, and
investments.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 6 of 6
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
5. Present
information
professionally
within the
three-page
limit, and
support
recommend-
ation,
assertions,
and facts with
in-text
citations,
appendixes,
and
references.
Weight: 15%
Brief is succinct
and exceptionally
well-written and
professional in
appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
There are no
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors.
All recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
exemplarily
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is succinct
and well-written
and professional
in appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
Grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, if
any, are minor
and have no
impact on the
flow.
The majority of
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is well-
written and
generally
professional in
appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
There may be a
few grammatical
and mechanical
usage errors, but
they do not have
a major impact on
the flow.
Most of the
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is partially
well-written and
professional in
appearance.
Has several
grammatical and
mechanical
usage or spelling
errors that make
parts of the text
difficult for the
reader to
understand.
Some
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is missing
significant content
or is generally
unprofessional in
appearance due
to multiple
grammatical and
mechanical
usage or spelling
errors.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are not
supported with in-
text citations or
references.
– Formatting and Submission Requirements
**Week6Lecture.pdf**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/week6lecture-pdf-10207125)
**## Assignment_2_Template_1234.docx**
**TO:** _Insert name of CEO of selected Company_
**FROM:** _Your name_
**DATE:** _Today’s date_
**RE:** How to Win: Strategic Options Assessment and Recommendation
**(Student to update all sections color-coded in RED and change color to BLACK)**
**1.**
****Introduction** _Include a brief opening paragraph that summarizes the purpose and key content of this executive brief._**
**2.**
****Suggested Ranked Moves: The three Game-Winning Moves I considered are in rank order:****
**·**
**_Top-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize the best move from Week 6 lecture notes with a few details to explain. For example, if you chose acquisition, who might you buy? If you chose geographic expansion, where would you expand? If you chose discontinuous innovation, what would the innovation be?]_**
**·**
**_Second-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize your second-best winning move as described above]_**
**·**
**_Third-ranked move [_**
**_Summarize your third-best winning move as described above]_**
**3.**
****Recommended Move** _Expand on your top ranked move from the list here. Provide your rationale on why you think it will generate financially attractive growth (including both incremental revenue growth and commensurate incremental profit growth)._**
**4.**
****Alignment** _Describe how your top-ranked move aligns (or conflicts) with your key strength/weakness identified in your Playing Field template?_**
**5.**
****Required Investments** _Most moves require investments of resources and money. What are some significant investments that would be required to implement this move? Note, we are not looking for dollar figures; instead, we are looking for the_**
**_key categories of investments (like hiring people, investing in new capabilities, or building new manufacturing plants, etc.)_**
**6.**
****Risks and Risk Mitigation****
**_Most moves have risks that need to be considered. What are the most significant risks and what is your recommended risk mitigation plan? How do you think the competition will react to your move?_**
**7.**
****Competitive Response****
**_Explain how you think the competition will react to your Move. What counter moves might they make? How much, if any, uncontested space will your move create and for how long?_**
**8.**
****Conclusion****
**_Provide an effective persuasive concluding paragraph that is “fit for use” for a CEO. This summary should assert the recommended Move while simultaneously providing reasonable and fair balance on investments and risks. If this conclusion is excised from the executive brief, it could effectively be used as the elevator pitch for the Move._**
**9.**
****References****
**_Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the brief._**
**## Assignment_2_1244.pdf**
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 1 of 6
Assignment 2: How to Win: Strategic Options Assessment and Recommendation
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 9 (Weight: 25%)
Introduction
“Strategy means making clear-cut choices about how to compete. You cannot be everything to
everybody, no matter what the size of your business or how deep its pockets.”
– Jack Welch –
Congratulations! In your first executive brief, you generated some great insights about the playing field
and competitors and how your own organization stacks up. Now you will transition from looking back to
looking ahead. You will develop your “How to Win” strategy that will feature your game-winning move!
Your CEO has clarified that you need to think expansively and recommend a move that is transformative
rather than incremental. To help with this, you have decided to consider each of the seven common
winning moves outlined in the Week 6 Lecture Notes and pick one of them as your preferred game-
winning move.
You know that your game-winning move will be a decisive choice for the company. But in choosing this
move (as is the case with any strategic initiative), the company will risk money and resources. If your
move is the right one, you will grow sales and profits and beat your competitors. If your move is the
wrong one, you risk disappointing your investors and letting your competitors gain competitive advantage.
Given the importance of this decision, you will evaluate each of the seven common winning moves and
then do a deep dive into the attractiveness, feasibility and risks of your chosen strategy.
Your CEO is expecting your second executive brief in Week 8 to summarize your analysis of the strategy
you believe offers the most potential and your recommendation for the game-winning move that you will
be presenting in Week 10.
Instructions for Assignment 2
Your objective is to create a game-winning move, not just evaluate other people’s moves. For this
assignment, do NOT recommend a move that is identical or very similar to a real-life move made by your
company. For example, don’t recommend that Tesla/Apple/Google/Uber/etc. invest in self-driving car
technology or recommend that CVS acquire Aetna as those are all in the public domain. Instead,
recommend a move that is novel and innovative for your company.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 2 of 6
Craft your second executive brief to include the following:
1. An opening paragraph summarizing the purpose and content of the brief.
2. Rank Order Your Three Top Moves: Review the applicability and attractiveness of each of the 7
common winning moves (from the Week 6 Lecture Notes) for your organization and your
competitive situation in your chosen playing field. List your top three most attractive moves in
order from most attractive to least attractive.
3. Detail your Recommended Move: For your most attractive move, provide details about what
you would recommend as a part this move. For example, if you chose acquisition, who might you
buy? If you chose geographic expansion, where would you expand? If you chose discontinuous
innovation, what would the innovation be? Explain why you think it will generate financially
attractive growth (which includes both incremental revenue growth and commensurate
incremental profit growth).
4. Alignment of the Move to Organizational Strength and Weakness. How does this move
address your key strength/weakness identified in your playing field assessment from Assignment
1?
5. Required Investments. Most strategic initiatives require an investment of resources and money.
What are some significant investments that would be necessary to implement this move? Note,
we are not looking for dollar figures; instead, we are looking for the key categories of investments
such as hiring people, investing in new capabilities, building new manufacturing plants, etc.
6. Risks and Risk Mitigation. Most game-changing moves are bold initiatives and have risks that
need to be considered. What are the most significant risks and what is your recommended risk-
mitigation plan?
7. Competitive Response: How do you think the competition will react to your move?
8. Concluding statement. Conclude with a brief a summary of your game-winning move and
conclusions on the above topics. Consider how the move effectively balances investments and
risks. How will the move position your company against the competition?
9. References: Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding
reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the
brief.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 3 of 6
Formatting and Submission Requirements
• The executive brief submission should be 2 to 3 pages (not including the cover page or
appendixes/references page).
• Typed, single-spaced, professional font (size 10 – 12) with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the
course title and date.
• Include a references page at the end documenting sources and citations used. You must cite
three or more current sources.
• Use headings to identify main topics and subtopics.
• You are welcome to include charts, tables, and graphs in-text or in an appendix.
• Develop and support your research with facts and in-text citations, appendixes, and references.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 4 of 6
RUBRIC: Assignment 2
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Describe and
rank three the
top potential
game winning
moves and
recommend a
preferred
game-
winning
move.
Weight: 30%
The 3 moves are
exceptionally well
described.
Recommended
move is
innovative and
presented in a
clear and
unambiguous
way.
Excellent
rationale for how
the move will
generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
The move is
clear logical and
feasible
The 3 moves are
well described
and clearly
ranked.
Recommended
move has well-
articulated
specificity to
provide a clear
understanding of
how the move
will generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
The move is
reasonably clear,
logical and
feasible
The 3 moves are
ranked and
satisfactorily
described.
Recommended
move is identified
and how it will
generate
financially
attractive growth
is satisfactorily
explained;
however, there is
a lack of detail in
one of the three
areas: clarity,
feasibility or
logic.
Does not include
a move ranking
and/or is missing
a ranked option.
Partially
describes
recommended
move.
A basic
explanation for
how the move
might generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company
is provided;
however, the
move lacks
sufficient detail
that impacts two
of the three
areas: clarity,
feasibility, or
logic.
Does not provide
any ranking
and/or
unsatisfactorily
describes a
recommended
move and how it
might generate
financially
attractive growth
for the company.
2. Explain the
alignment of
recommend-
ed move to a
core
company
strength and
weakness
and identify
necessary
Investments
Weight: 20%
Clearly and
concisely
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Demonstrates
excellent logic,
reasoning and
foresight about
the most
significant
investments that
will be required.
Clearly and
concisely
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Demonstrates
sound logic and
reasoning
regarding most of
the significant
investments that
will be required.
Satisfactorily
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness.
Provides
satisfactory
description of
some of the
significant
investments that
will be required
but may be
missing at least
one important
investment
category.
Partially explains
how the move
relates to the
company’s
strength and
weakness.
May include a
basic description
of investment but
lacks more than
one important
investment
category.
Does not include
or unsatisfactorily
explains how the
move relates to
the company’s
strength and
weakness or
does not identify
significant
investments that
will be required.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 5 of 6
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
3. Identify risks
and
anticipated
competitive
response
Weight: 20%
Clearly and
logically explains
the most
significant risks of
the move.
Provides cogent
and novel risk-
mitigation plans
to address each
identified risk.
Competitive
response
predictions
demonstrate
exemplary logic
and reasoning
and are clearly
explained.
Clearly and
logically explains
most of the
significant risks of
the move.
Provides cogent
and novel risk
mitigation plans
for most of the
identified risks.
Competitive
response
predictions
demonstrate
sound logic and
are clearly
explained.
Clearly explains
at least two risks
of the move.
Provides logical
risk mitigation
plans for at least
one of the
identified risks.
Competitive
response
predictions are
reasonable and
include an
acceptable
amount of detail.
Explains at least
one risk
associated with
the move but
these risks may
be lacking in
detail or logic.
Risk mitigation
plans may not be
complete, logical,
or aligned with
the risks. .
Competitive
response
predictions
partially address
the likely
outcomes but are
overly vague.
Does not include,
or unsatisfactorily
demonstrates
anticipation of the
most significant
risks of the move
or
Does not include
risk mitigation
plans for the
identified move.
Unsatisfactorily
anticipates
competitive
response.
4. Provide an
effective and
persuasive
conclusion
that is “fit for
use” for a
CEO.
Weight: 15%
Conclusion is
extremely well
crafted and
provides a clear
and succinct
synopsis of the
move.
Persuasively
asserts the
recommended
move while
providing a
reasonable, fair,
and balanced
position on
investments and
risks.
Excised from the
brief, the
conclusion could
effectively be
used as the
elevator pitch for
the move.
Conclusion
presents a
complete and
succinct synopsis
of the move and
persuasively
asserts the
recommended
move while
simultaneously
providing a
reasonable, fair
and balanced
position on
investments and
risks.
Conclusion is a
satisfactory
synopsis of the
key elements of
the move and
satisfactorily
asserts the
recommended
move while
simultaneously
providing some
perspective on
risks and/or
investments.
Conclusion
partially
summarizes the
move and
partially
addresses other
factors of risks
and investments.
Conclusion is
missing or
presents an
unsatisfactory
summary of the
move, risks, and
investments.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 2
© 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.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 2 (1244) Page 6 of 6
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
5. Present
information
professionally
within the
three-page
limit, and
support
recommend-
ation,
assertions,
and facts with
in-text
citations,
appendixes,
and
references.
Weight: 15%
Brief is succinct
and exceptionally
well-written and
professional in
appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
There are no
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors.
All recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
exemplarily
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is succinct
and well-written
and professional
in appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
Grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, if
any, are minor
and have no
impact on the
flow.
The majority of
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is well-
written and
generally
professional in
appearance.
Conforms to
page-limit and
formatting
requirements
There may be a
few grammatical
and mechanical
usage errors, but
they do not have
a major impact on
the flow.
Most of the
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is partially
well-written and
professional in
appearance.
Has several
grammatical and
mechanical
usage or spelling
errors that make
parts of the text
difficult for the
reader to
understand.
Some
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with in-
text citations and
references.
Brief is missing
significant content
or is generally
unprofessional in
appearance due
to multiple
grammatical and
mechanical
usage or spelling
errors.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are not
supported with in-
text citations or
references.
– Formatting and Submission Requirements
**Week6Lecture.pdf**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/week6lecture-pdf-10207125)