SWOT ANALYSIS

Writing expectations include competency in the following:

Sentence Structure

Verb Tense and Agreement Pronoun Use

Possessive Use

Punctuation

Spelling

Focus and Organization

Thesis Statement & Conclusion

This paper will be a 5 -8 page paper. Consider yourself a Strategic Management consultant who was selected by the CEO for your subject matter expertise. You know the first thing to do is conduct a SWOT analysis. You will have to find out as much as you can about the organization you selected, and compare it to others like it in the industry. You should base your comparison on all the topics discussed in discussion 2.

Given the above information, conduct a SWOT analysis for what you have discovered up to now. For example, it’s up to you to identify SWOT in the organization based on the research conducted on that organization compared with others. The paper should be written in APA format with a minimum of 7 references (at least 5 references should be from Academic databases). The 5 – 8 pages do not include the title page, bibliography and any appendices.

Remember, you are hired by the CEO of the firm because you are an expert. Your CEO client will want to know you are worth the big bucks you charge. Do not disappoint the client, so:

Do not forget, your client is the CEO of the company, so telling the client all of the products and what they do is not necessary…they already know.

Use the most recent information concerning the company.

Use the most recent financial information and show off your knowledge by using information from the latest management discussion section of the annual report.

Although it is not a bad idea to review other SWOT analysis, remember your CEO is paying you for your phenomenal abilities to come up with your analysis, do not use someone else’s analysis. This is a strong hint the CEO should not see this or a reference to this…or me. If someone else’s SWOT or other analysis is in the report or used as a reference in your report, your client CEO will return the report for adjustments to reflect your own analysis. (Hint, do not use a SWOT as a reference)

Think organization; use headings and subheadings.

Do not forget to include the 2X2 SWOT matrix table, not a list. Keep in mind if it is in the table, you should have a discussion in the narrative. Conversely, if you mention it in the narrative, it should be found in the table.

Do not get carried away with looking for a thousand strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and/or threats. Keep it manageable and hold it to between three and five of each.

Use third person in writing.

Do not use quotes. This is about you showcasing your critical thinking skills.

Check spelling and grammar, remember you are dealing with the C suite. They may be interested in you joining the company one day.

APA formatting of references and in text citations is required. Your client may want to see where you are getting your information.

Your client will be deeply disappointed if there is any indication of cut and paste. Attached outline can be used to your heart’s content.

Areas to consider/include in your paper:

Provide one to two paragraphs on the trends in the company’s industry, and explain how these trends might impact a company’s strategy.

Provide one paragraph on the company’s strategic intent. Explain in one paragraph the company’s financial objectives and if they have achieved these objectives successfully.

Must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins and typed in 12-point Times New Roman.

Essays should be proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Essays should be in APA style.

You must cite all texts used, including page numbers to avoid plagiarism.

Your essay must have a thesis statement and conclusion that are both supported by research and analysis.