Appendix B: Writing Assignment Requirements

Format and Content Instructions:
1. Individually write a 1 page (3/4 to 1 page) single-spaced “company analysis” (plus
cover page, references, and appendices) in Microsoft Word (see below for example of
a cover page).
2. Use legitimate sources (published articles, company web site, and recognized print
and on-line news organizations); there should be at least 3 cites (not including
the textbook). Theories from the textbook can be incorporated as an additional
source.
3. Research one of the following companies and determine the current state of the
organization: Walgreens, CVS, Amazon, Wal-mart, Facebook, Starbucks, Intel,
Marriott, Chick-Filet, or Buffalo Wild Wings. Specifically, identify and thoroughly
discuss the key issues facing the organization (based on your analysis) and provide
specific recommendations for top management to address these issues.
o Research: After analyzing the company (reviewing the company’s web site
and reading articles about the company) and performing the SWOT analysis,
identify the top issues facing the company you have chosen (these may be
problems and/or opportunities).
 Review and use the material in chapter 6 (particularly creating a
competitive advantage in an industry).
 Conduct a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats) (see section 5.9b and Exhibit 5.8), as the basis for your
analysis. The main SWOT analysis can be included as an appendix, but is
only one tool for understanding the current state of the organization.
That is, the report should incorporate the results from your SWOT
analysis, but should include additional analysis as well.
 For each issue, discuss the relevant causes and impacts, and provide
sound reasoning to support your views.
o Recommendations: Provide your recommendations for the organization’s
leadership. In other words, what specific actions should management take to
efficiently and effectively address the issues you have identified? Again, it is
critical that you provide sound reasoning to support your positions.
Style Instructions:
1. The assignment will be graded based on content and presentation.
2. The report should be professional and have no apparent grammar, punctuation or
spelling errors.
3. Word choice is extremely important. Students are expected to use relevant business
terminology in this report.
4. Submit the assignment as a single Microsoft Word document (1 file only).
5. Use the Grading Rubric for Assignments (see appendix C) for further guidance.

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Report Outline:
1. Cover page (Cover page (see Getting Started Module)
2. Body of report (suggested outline) will likely be 4-6 paragraphs, but kept to 1 single-
spaced page:
o Introduction: briefly explain the purpose of the report (why is this important),
definitions and descriptions of topic/issues, and outline of paper (1 short
paragraph).
o Research: based on information from legitimate publications and includes
some of your conclusions from your SWOT analysis (2-3 paragraphs);
however, the full SWOT analysis should be included in the appendix as
supplemental material. Please refer the reader to the appendix (e.g., see
appendix) for additional details.
o Conclusion: summary of key findings and implications for the organization
and provide any recommendations or actions managers should take to
improve the organization (1-2 paragraphs).
3. References (separate page)
4. Appendices (separate pages)
Assignment Grading
The report will be graded based on the following (review the Report Writing Guidelines
handout posted on the Getting Started page):
1. Grammar/punctuation/word choice, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure,
using active voice, avoiding pronouns (I, me, you), being direct and concise, and
overall writing.
2. Presentation (does it look professional): follow APA (margins (1”), page numbers,
etc.), include a cover page, and references (should be in APA format)—see web links
for a list of web sites for help; the only exceptions are that I want it single-spaced
and don’t require a running head for a 1 page report.
3. Correctness of the assignment (did student follow directions).
4. Content (depth and thoroughness) and clarity of writing.
5. Final report (submitted through Canvas Assignment Turnitin link).
6. For specific details of grading criteria see the Grading Rubric for Assignments
(appendix C)