ASSESSMENTSStrategy Assignment 1- StrategicReport taskIndividual Report Hand in date 19th DecemberStrategic analysis of a company and its competitive environmentThis is an Individual reportand should be 2000 words. Only this submission will be gradedThe task is to produce a report that assesses the analysis the external and internal environment of an organization (selected from the list given).You should consider the current strategic issues facing the industryandthe firm and report on the key trends that will affect the industry in the foreseeable future.Background work(not graded)

You should form groups (3-4 is ideal) and work on analyzing the firm and its operating environment. This background work is your analysis and it is essential that it is done well failure to do so will almost certainly lead to a poor individual report.The group analysis is known as the Portfolio and itMUSTbe handed in via a separate submission link. Please note that the portfolio isNOT GRADEDbut the tutor will be looking for a link between the analysis research conducted in the portfolio and the individual submission.Failure to base your individual work on the Portfolio will result in an assignment fail. Please provide one copy with the names and student numbers of all students listed clearly.The portfolio need not be formally written up or structured and can be in detailed note form and can contain cuttings and copies of research. It should also include notes of your discussions about the analysis and any notes about options etc. Hand written notes (as long as they are clear) are acceptable but these must be scanned into an electronic version of the document for submission.Note you may choose to work individual and willnotbe penalized if you do. Please note however that this is more difficult as you may well miss out on research and ideas. You must still provide a portfolio.A guideline for the analysis is given below:1.An analysis of the business environment of the firm. You should consider the main competitors and their competitive position; market details (value; share etc.); current trends in the market; future trends in the market. Evidence should be provided to support claims and information contained in the report.2.You should provide an internal analysis of the firm giving details of its current strategic position and tactics. You should also consider the resources and capabilities of the firm and how they impact upon the success or otherwise of the firm.You are strongly advised to make appropriate use of carefully selected tools and frameworks to help you to conduct and structure your analysis

Strategy Assignment 2 (15%)You must produce a 1000 word report outlining a strategic choice for the company that you studied in Assignment 1. You must be show why it is the best option for the company. You should do this with reference to the internal and external analysis that you carried out and against specific criteria for evaluation.Individual Report (this submission only is graded)You must choose a strategy for the firm that you analysed in assignment 1 and justify its choice. This requires you to assess the choice against other options. The key to this is to demonstrate how this option makes sense in view of the firms operating environment and whether it suits the capabilities of the firm.This report must explain why this is the most suitable strategy for the firm compared with the other options and in the light of the analysis that you conducted.You do not have to choose the same strategic option as your group members. More details will be provided later.In the same way as Assignment 1,you should form groups (3-4 is ideal) and work on designing potential options and making choice. These must be based on the analysis from Assignment 1. The guidelines for the portfolio are the same as for Assignment 1 except that it should be focused on linking the analysis to designing and choosing options. I have repeated the guidelines below:The group analysis is known as the Portfolio and itMUSTbe handed in via a separate submission link. Please note that the portfolio isNOT GRADEDbut the tutor will be looking for a link between the analysis research conducted in the portfolio and the individual submission.Failure to base your individual work on the Portfolio will result in an assignment fail.The portfolio need not be formally written up or structured and can be in detailed note form and can contain cuttings and copies of research. It should also include notes of your discussions about the analysis and generation of options etc. Hand written notes (as long as they are clear) are acceptable but these must be scanned into an electronic version of the document for submission.Important NoteIt is vital that you hand a copy of your working notes for assignment 1 (known as the portfolio) and keep a copy to help you with assignment 2 (every group member should have a copy). You will not be able to do Assignment 2 until later on in the unit as you will not have covered the techniques for designing options and making strategic choice in sufficient detail.When marking assignments 1 and 2, staff will be referring to you portfolios to check authenticity and strategic logic.

Company ListChoose one of the following. You must use the same company for both assignments one and two:Marks and Spencer:British clothing and food retail company. It is a public company that has a strong international presence. It has many significant competitors in both the clothing and food area.WaterstonesA British high street book retailer with nearly 300 stores. It has gone through a number of changes of ownership. It faces aggressive competition form other high street retailers and online competition and alternative book formats.Lego.Legendary Danish toy manufacturer. It has interests in many countries and partnerships with a number of businesses. It is increasing its online business, it also has many theme parks. Faces competition from both traditional and digital toy manufacturers.Intelligent EnergySpecialises in low carbon fuel cell systems for major partners in the automotive, consumer electronics and stationary power sectors. To study this company you will need to register to receive annual reports and news items. Registration is free but may take a few days.dotDigital Group.Provides software technology for online marketing businesses. It also provides e-mail consultancy for companies seeking rapid growth. It has experienced rapid growth. The website contains links to investor information.Clinton CardsHigh Street and online retailer of cards and gifts. Went into administration in 2012 and has closed a number of stores. There are many news items about this company. It faces stiff competition from online and other retailers (especially supermarkets and chains such as WH Smith).

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