Case Study: Matrices Assignment Instructions

Overview

Complete a case study of ABC Corporation (your instructor will assign the specific company for the case study at the beginning of Module 2: Week 2) . You will find the case in the case section of the text.

A formal, in-depth case study analysis requires you to utilize the entire strategic management process. Assume you are a consultant asked by the ABC Corporation to analyze its external/internal environment and make strategic recommendations. You must include exhibits to support your analysis and recommendations.

Instructions

The completed case study must include these components with portions to be submitted over Modules: Weeks 5 & 6, and a final compilation in Module 8: Week 8.

· Cover page (must include the company name, your name, the date of submission, and a references page; the document must follow current APA guidelines)

· A total of 12 – 15 pages (for all three parts, combined) of narrative text, this does not include the financial statements, reference pages, or matrices

· Reference page (follow current APA guidelines)

· Historical Financial Statements, Projected Financial Statements, NPV Calculations and a Cost Sheet for the strategy in an Excel document

· Matrices, which must be exhibits/attachments in the appendix and not part of the body of the analysis (The Strategy Club has excellent templates/examples for exhibits and matrices).

Your paper must include:

1. Existing mission, objectives, and strategies.

2. A new mission statement (include the number of the component in parenthesis before addressing that component). Great mission statements address these 9 components:

· Customers: Who are the firm’s customers?

· Products or services: What are the firm’s major products or services?

· Markets: Geographically, where does the firm compete?

· Technology: Is the firm technologically current?

· Concern for survival, growth, and profitability: Is the firm committed to growth and financial soundness?

· Philosophy: What are the basic beliefs, values, aspirations, and ethical priorities of the firm?

· Self-concept: What is the firm’s distinctive competence or major competitive advantage?

· Concern for public image: Is the firm responsive to social, community, and environmental concerns?

· Concern for employees: Are employees a valuable asset of the firm?

3. Analysis of the firm’s existing business model.

4. SWOT Matrix and Analysis (comes from researching the firm, industry, and competitors). It is important to know the difference between causes and effects in the SWOT analysis. Causes are important, not effects. Focus on internal and external analysis when completing this matrix. This matrix should be based on research and contain quantifiable metrics. There should be 8-10 items in each quadrant, with research support for each item.

5. Once the SWOT Matrix and Analysis is created, construct the TOWS also known as the Bivariate Strategy Matrix.

6. Group Map – create this based on the firm as a whole or a specific SBU, clearly identify which method you chose and why.

7. Competitive forces analysis, use PESTLE and Porter’s Five Forces as the foundation for this analysis. Clearly identify the factors that are impacting the firm, research is required to support the position taken in your narrative.

Place the results of the Case Study: Matrices Assignment in a single document and post it to the Case Study: Matrices Assignment submission link.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Completing a full case study analysis with matrices can seem overwhelming, but breaking it into structured steps will simplify the process:

Step 1: Understand the Assignment

Carefully read the case study provided by your instructor.
Identify key deliverables: SWOT, TOWS, group map, PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and financial analysis.
Highlight APA formatting requirements and submission deadlines.

Step 2: Research the Company and Industry

Gather information on ABC Corporation: history, financials, competitors, products/services, markets.
Use credible sources: company website, annual reports, industry reports, and scholarly articles.
Take detailed notes on both internal factors (strengths, weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities, threats).

Step 3: Draft the Mission and Objectives

Existing Mission & Objectives: Summarize the current mission and strategic goals.
New Mission Statement: Address all nine components:
1. Customers
2. Products/Services
3. Markets
4. Technology
5. Growth/Profitability
6. Philosophy
7. Self-concept
8. Public image
9. Employees
Ensure your mission statement is concise, clear, and research-based.

Step 4: Analyze the Business Model

Examine how ABC Corporation generates value, including revenue streams, target markets, cost structures, and value propositions.
Include narrative analysis supported with data.

Step 5: Create the SWOT Matrix

List internal strengths and weaknesses (resources, capabilities, processes).
List external opportunities and threats (market trends, competitors, regulations).
Include 8–10 research-supported items per quadrant.
Focus on causes, not just effects.

Step 6: Construct the TOWS Matrix

Match internal strengths/weaknesses with external opportunities/threats to identify strategic actions.
Include actionable strategies (SO, ST, WO, WT).

Step 7: Develop the Group Map

Choose a method (e.g., Strategic Business Unit or company-wide).
Clearly justify your choice and visually illustrate strategic positioning.

Step 8: Conduct Competitive Forces Analysis

Use PESTLE to analyze macro-environmental factors: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental.
Use Porter’s Five Forces: Threat of new entrants, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of customers, threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry.
Provide research evidence to support each factor.

Step 9: Financial Analysis

Include historical and projected financial statements.
Perform NPV calculations and prepare a cost sheet for proposed strategies in Excel.
Reference all financial assumptions.

Step 10: Compile and Format the Paper

Combine narrative text, exhibits, and matrices into one cohesive document.
Place matrices and exhibits in the appendix.
Include cover page and references formatted in APA style.
Proofread for clarity, grammar, and APA compliance.

Step 11: Submit

Submit your final document via the Case Study: Matrices Assignment link by the due date.

Helpful Resources

APA Style Official Site – For citation guidelines.
The Strategy Club – Matrix Templates – Examples of SWOT, TOWS, and Group Maps.
Investopedia – SWOT Analysis – Guidance for internal/external factors.
MindTools – Porter’s Five Forces – Step-by-step instructions for competitive analysis.
Corporate Finance Institute – NPV & Financial Modeling – Tools for financial calculations.

Case Study: Matrices Assignment – ABC Corporation