Internal Analysis

Overview

The vice president of strategy for your selected firm (Ford, Proctor
and Gamble, Virgin Group, or another firm you have selected) has asked
you to prepare an objective review of the internal strengths and
weaknesses of the firm. Your leaders are hoping to use this
understanding to plan for the future direction of the organization.

Preparation

Use the Internet, or resources
provided in the Firm Research Information document (in the Suggested
Resources) to find at least four current, scholarly, or professional
resources that provide the information you need for this assessment.

Requirements

Prepare a 4–6-page executive briefing report identifying not only
internal strengths and weaknesses, but also a rationale that addresses
why your analysis pointed to a particular strength or a weakness. Also
be sure to focus on strategic elements (capabilities) of the firm and on
how the strategic elements fit into the strategic position of the
company.

Use the Executive Briefing Report template available in the Required
Resources. Use headings and subheadings to help organize the key points
of your 4–6-page executive briefing report and include the following:

• Evaluate how the selected firm leverages its resources and
  capabilities to execute the business strategy. Are the firm’s
  capabilities found in its functions or the value chain, or both? Does
  the strategy give coherence to decisions about allocation of resources?
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the organizational structure and
  management system design. Include the firm’s ability to support the key
  resources and capabilities that execute the business strategy. Is the
  organizational structure suited for the particular tasks and particular
  business environment of the firm?
• Explain possible ethical dilemmas and governance issues. These
  issues may include shareholders and stakeholders, distribution of excess
  profits, and top management’s pay.

Use clear headings and subheadings to organize the key points of your report.

Your report should be clearly written and communicate effectively to
organizational leadership; use correct grammar, spelling and mechanics
as expected of a business professional. Cite and reference all sources
using current APA style.

Additional Requirements

• References: Support your executive briefing report with at least four academic resources from the Capella University Library.
• APA Style: Use proper APA style for all citations and references.
• Length: The body of the report must be 4–6 double-spaced, typed pages, not including the references list.
• Written communication: Demonstrate graduate-level
  writing skills through accurate communication of thoughts that convey
  the overall goals of the analysis and do not detract from the message.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.