Assignment Prompt & Instructions
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Homework
– 2 years ago
**files (2)**
– ## StrategyAssignment1Template.pdf
– ## StrategyAssignment1Instructions.pdf
**## StrategyAssignment1Template.pdf**
Playing Field, Competition, and Our Organization
TO: Insert name of CEO of selected Company
FROM: Your name
DATE: Today’s date
RE: Playing Field, Competition & Our Organization
(Student to update all sections color-coded in RED and change color to BLACK)
1. Introduction and Playing Field Description
Provide an opening paragraph that explains the intended purpose of this Executive Briefing and the
topics you intend to cover.
a. Company Name and
Organization within
the company
Example “Motel Six”
Example “Motel Division. (Note: If your company is diverse like Apple, it is advised
to analyze a specific segment/business unit/product because competitors in the
iPhone segment (Samsung/Google) are very different than competitors in their Music
division (Spotify, Pandora)
b. Industry Example “Hospitality Industry”
c. Market Size Provide a market size estimate for the Industry or the Playing Field (Note: This
should be the global market and not the size of your current company. The size of
your current company goes into the fourth table)
d. Playing Field
Example: “Two-star motels in the US and Canada serving road travelers.” (Note:
this is the specific description of the segment of the industry in which you will
compete. These often have geographic boundaries and descriptors of the key product
attributes. See Week 2 of the DQ forum.)
e. Rationale for Selection
Brief explanation of why you selected this segment. (Note: We usually determine
target segments based on factors like revenue potential, growth rates, financial
attractiveness, conformance with our key capabilities and competencies, our ability
to meet this segment’s customer needs, etc.)
�
2. Competitive Analysis
Competitor 1: Company Name
a. Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field. if
specific data is not available, a qualitative description is acceptable like "Company X is
believed to be the market leader" or "Company Y is relatively small and focused only in
the U.S. and doesn't have a presence in Canada." Try and use the same metric and year
for each of the three entities contrasted in this report.
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Describe the competitor’s biggest strength.
Describe the competitor’s biggest weakness.
c. Competitive
Impact of
Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how this strength and weakness impacts the competitor’s ability to
compete effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe the competitor’s recent performance. Explain whether the company is generally
winning or losing in this Playing Field based on this recent performance. (Note: You
would be well-served to support your conclusions with data)
e. Major
Developments
Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies,
capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or
lost) a key competitive advantage?
Competitor 2: Company Name
a. Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field. if
specific data is not available, a qualitative description is acceptable like "Company X is
believed to be the market leader" or "Company Y is relatively small and focused only in
the U.S. and doesn't have a presence in Canada." Try and use the same metric and year
for each of the three entities contrasted in this report.
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Describe the competitor’s biggest strength.
Describe the competitor’s biggest weakness.
c. Competitive
Impact of
Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how this strength and weakness impacts the competitor’s ability to
compete effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe the competitor’s recent performance. Explain whether the company is generally
winning or losing in this Playing Field based on this recent performance. (Note: You
would be well-served to support your conclusions with data)
e. Major
Developments
Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies,
capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or
lost) a key competitive advantage?
3. Organizational Assessment
a. Size Provide information on our relative size in the Playing Field – qualitative perspective is
acceptable if data is not available
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Highlight our biggest strength.
Highlight our biggest weakness.
c. Competitive Impact
of Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how these strengths and weaknesses impact our ability to compete
effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe our company’s recent performance Explain whether we are generally winning
or losing in this Playing Field. (Note: You would be well-served to support your
conclusions with data.
e. Major
Developments
Have we introduced any game-changing new products, technologies, capabilities, etc.
(focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary)? Have we developed (or lost) a key
competitive advantage?
4. Key Conclusions
Provide a succinct conclusion that captures your critical insights about the target segment and the relative
competitive balance of the three companies you analyzed. Define where you think your company is poised in terms
of its competitive position against the two competitors you identified.
5. References
Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding reference list. Appendices are
allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the brief.
**## StrategyAssignment1Instructions.pdf**
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 1 of 7
Assignment 1: Where to Play: Playing Field, Competition & Your Organization
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 5 (Weight: 25%)
Introduction
“Find out everything that you can about the playing field.
You should know what your competitors’ salespeople eat for breakfast.”
– Jack Welch –
As the Chief Strategy Officer of your company, you have been commissioned to recommend a game-
winning move that will allow your company to achieve strong revenue and profit growth and to create a
sustainable competitive advantage. Although your game-winning move will not be presented to the CEO
until Week 10, you have been asked to provide written executive briefs on your progress in Weeks 4 and 8.
You want to impress the CEO and your colleagues with your insights and recommendations! You know
that the best way to do this is to follow Jack’s logical 5-slide approach to strategy. Since there will be two
interim updates, you have decided to focus your Week 4 executive brief on the Playing Field, the
Competition, and Your Organization. You will focus your Week 8 executive brief on What’s Around the
Corner? and your Game-Winning Move. You will then synthesize your findings and recommendation into
five PowerPoint slides for your presentation in Week 10. At the culmination of this three-part strategy
assignment, you will have a clearly articulated and persuasive game plan to win!
Instructions for Assignment 1
Using the Assignment 1 Template, address the following:
1. Introduction and Playing Field Description: Provide an opening paragraph that explains the
purpose of your brief, then detail the specific target segment of the market where you are
choosing to compete. You should ensure the target segment is sufficiently large to achieve your
company’s sales and profit growth objectives, but sufficiently focused so that your company can
intimately understand market characteristics and compete effectively. The template provided for
this assignment guides you on how to organize relevant information, including:
a. Your company
b. The industry for your organization of choice
c. The market size of this industry
d. Specific description of the segment of this industry in which you will compete (the Playing
Field)
e. Brief explanation of why you selected this segment.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 2 of 7
2. Competitive Analysis: In this section you will identify the two most formidable competitors in
your playing field and address the following for each:
a. How big is each competitor in this target segment?
b. What is their most significant strength and their most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact their ability to compete
effectively.
d. Does their recent performance indicate they are generally winning or losing in this playing
field? Support your conclusions with data.
e. Has anyone (including new market entrants) introduced any game-changing new
products/technology/capabilities? Have they developed (or lost) a key competitive
advantage?
3. Organizational Assessment: In this section you will “turn the mirror around” and look inward to
assess the capabilities and competencies of your chosen organization. Briefly address the
following:
a. How big are we in this target segment?
b. What is our most significant strength and our most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact our ability to compete
effectively.
d. Do our recent results indicate we are generally winning or losing in this playing field?
Support your conclusions with data.
e. Have we introduced game-changing new products/technology/capabilities? Have we
developed (or lost) a key competitive advantage?
4. Key Conclusions: Provide a succinct conclusion that captures your critical insights about the
target segment and the relative competitive balance of the three companies you analyzed.
5. References: Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding
reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the
brief.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 3 of 7
Formatting and Submission Requirements
• Use the Assignment 1 Template to complete this assignment. Ensure you address each element
of the template.
• The submitted template should be 2 to 3 pages (not including the cover page or
appendixes/references page).
• Typed, single-spaced, professional font (size 10 – 12) with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the
course title and date.
• Use and reference at least 3 external sources to support your brief. Include a references page at
the end documenting sources and citations.
• You may use additional headings within the template to identify subtopics if this will improve the
clarity of your template.
• You are welcome to include charts, tables, and graphs in-text or in an appendix.
• Develop and support your research with facts and in-text citations, appendixes, and references.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 4 of 7
RUBRIC: Assignment 1
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Complete the
Playing Field
section of the
template to
identify and
explain the
size of, and
rationale for,
the target
segment
where you
will compete
Weight: 20%
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
exceptional
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized Playing
Field that
strongly
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
extremely clear,
concise, logical,
and persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates a
strong
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market.
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized segment
and conforms to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
clear, concise,
logical, and
persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
satisfactorily
populated with
no more than
one incomplete
component.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
basic ability to
segment the
market.
Recommendatio
n of Playing Field
selection is
appropriately
sized and
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
logical and is
clear but may be
lack conciseness
or
persuasiveness.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template meets
minimal
requirements but
is missing key in
segmentation of
the market.
or
lacks a complete
definition of the
playing field
or
includes only
basic information
on market size
and
segmentation
Fails to explain
conformance to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated;
contains
inaccurate or
incomplete
information in
two or more
sections.
Rationale for
playing field
selection does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 5 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
2. Complete the
Competitor
sections of
the template
to
demonstrate
your
knowledge of
each
competitor
and their
position in
the Playing
Field.
Weight: 30%
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
completely
populated.
Size of each
Competitor is
exceptionally well
described and
may include
more than one
relevant measure
of organizational
size that can be
compared
against the
organization and
both Competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional
insight into the
relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance,
and major
developments of
selected
Competitors and
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated
Size of each
Competitor is
well described
with at least one
relevant measure
of organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each selected
Competitor
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect their ability
to effectively
compete.
At least 8 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of each
Competitor is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each competitor
is present but
may lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 6 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of one
or more of the
Competitors is
missing and/or
partially
described or
does not include
a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments
are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
The Competitor
section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant of
unclear content.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 6 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
3. Complete the
Our
Organization
section of the
template.
Demonstrate
knowledge of
the company
and its
competitivene
ss in the
Playing Field.
Weight: 20%
All fields of the
template are
completely
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
exceptionally well
described and
may include more
than one relevant
measure of
organizational
size that can be
compared to the
size of the
competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional insight
into the relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance, and
major
developments of
the company and
how these
elements affect its
ability to compete.
All fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is well
described with at
least one relevant
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments of
the company
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect its ability to
effectively
compete.
At least 4 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments for
the company is
present but may
lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 3 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of the
Organization is
missing and/or
partially described
or does not
include a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
the organization’s
ability to compete.
.
This section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant or
unclear content.
4. Provide an
effective and
persuasive
conclusion
that is “fit for
use” for a
CEO.
Weight: 15%
The conclusion is
an excellent
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a very good
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a satisfactory
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions.
The assertions
may lack some
clarity or
conciseness
and/or may not
be highly
persuasive.
The conclusion is
a partial
distillation of the
template with
some important
and relevant
strategic insights
and conclusions.
The conclusion is
missing or is an
unsatisfactory
distillation of the
template that
does not provide
a sufficient level
of strategic
insights and
conclusions.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 7 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
5. Present
information
professionall
y within the
three-page
limit, and
support
recommend-
ations,
assertions,
and facts
with in-text
citations,
appendixes,
and
references.
Weight: 15%
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
very professional
in appearance.
There are no
grammatical or
mechanical
usage errors.
All recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
exemplarily
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
professional in
appearance.
Grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, if
any, are minor
and have no
impact on the
flow.
Nearly all of
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
well-written and
generally
professional in
appearance.
May contain
minor
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, but
these do not
have a major
impact on the
flow or clarity.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
satisfactory in
appearance.
Has a few
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors that
make parts of the
text difficult for
the reader to
understand.
Some
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief
lacks a
professional
appearance
and/or contains
multiple spelling
or grammatical
and mechanical
usage errors.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are not
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references
**## StrategyAssignment1Instructions.pdf**
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 1 of 7
Assignment 1: Where to Play: Playing Field, Competition & Your Organization
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 5 (Weight: 25%)
Introduction
“Find out everything that you can about the playing field.
You should know what your competitors’ salespeople eat for breakfast.”
– Jack Welch –
As the Chief Strategy Officer of your company, you have been commissioned to recommend a game-
winning move that will allow your company to achieve strong revenue and profit growth and to create a
sustainable competitive advantage. Although your game-winning move will not be presented to the CEO
until Week 10, you have been asked to provide written executive briefs on your progress in Weeks 4 and 8.
You want to impress the CEO and your colleagues with your insights and recommendations! You know
that the best way to do this is to follow Jack’s logical 5-slide approach to strategy. Since there will be two
interim updates, you have decided to focus your Week 4 executive brief on the Playing Field, the
Competition, and Your Organization. You will focus your Week 8 executive brief on What’s Around the
Corner? and your Game-Winning Move. You will then synthesize your findings and recommendation into
five PowerPoint slides for your presentation in Week 10. At the culmination of this three-part strategy
assignment, you will have a clearly articulated and persuasive game plan to win!
Instructions for Assignment 1
Using the Assignment 1 Template, address the following:
1. Introduction and Playing Field Description: Provide an opening paragraph that explains the
purpose of your brief, then detail the specific target segment of the market where you are
choosing to compete. You should ensure the target segment is sufficiently large to achieve your
company’s sales and profit growth objectives, but sufficiently focused so that your company can
intimately understand market characteristics and compete effectively. The template provided for
this assignment guides you on how to organize relevant information, including:
a. Your company
b. The industry for your organization of choice
c. The market size of this industry
d. Specific description of the segment of this industry in which you will compete (the Playing
Field)
e. Brief explanation of why you selected this segment.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 2 of 7
2. Competitive Analysis: In this section you will identify the two most formidable competitors in
your playing field and address the following for each:
a. How big is each competitor in this target segment?
b. What is their most significant strength and their most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact their ability to compete
effectively.
d. Does their recent performance indicate they are generally winning or losing in this playing
field? Support your conclusions with data.
e. Has anyone (including new market entrants) introduced any game-changing new
products/technology/capabilities? Have they developed (or lost) a key competitive
advantage?
3. Organizational Assessment: In this section you will “turn the mirror around” and look inward to
assess the capabilities and competencies of your chosen organization. Briefly address the
following:
a. How big are we in this target segment?
b. What is our most significant strength and our most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact our ability to compete
effectively.
d. Do our recent results indicate we are generally winning or losing in this playing field?
Support your conclusions with data.
e. Have we introduced game-changing new products/technology/capabilities? Have we
developed (or lost) a key competitive advantage?
4. Key Conclusions: Provide a succinct conclusion that captures your critical insights about the
target segment and the relative competitive balance of the three companies you analyzed.
5. References: Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding
reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the
brief.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 3 of 7
Formatting and Submission Requirements
• Use the Assignment 1 Template to complete this assignment. Ensure you address each element
of the template.
• The submitted template should be 2 to 3 pages (not including the cover page or
appendixes/references page).
• Typed, single-spaced, professional font (size 10 – 12) with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the
course title and date.
• Use and reference at least 3 external sources to support your brief. Include a references page at
the end documenting sources and citations.
• You may use additional headings within the template to identify subtopics if this will improve the
clarity of your template.
• You are welcome to include charts, tables, and graphs in-text or in an appendix.
• Develop and support your research with facts and in-text citations, appendixes, and references.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 4 of 7
RUBRIC: Assignment 1
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Complete the
Playing Field
section of the
template to
identify and
explain the
size of, and
rationale for,
the target
segment
where you
will compete
Weight: 20%
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
exceptional
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized Playing
Field that
strongly
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
extremely clear,
concise, logical,
and persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates a
strong
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market.
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized segment
and conforms to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
clear, concise,
logical, and
persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
satisfactorily
populated with
no more than
one incomplete
component.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
basic ability to
segment the
market.
Recommendatio
n of Playing Field
selection is
appropriately
sized and
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
logical and is
clear but may be
lack conciseness
or
persuasiveness.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template meets
minimal
requirements but
is missing key in
segmentation of
the market.
or
lacks a complete
definition of the
playing field
or
includes only
basic information
on market size
and
segmentation
Fails to explain
conformance to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated;
contains
inaccurate or
incomplete
information in
two or more
sections.
Rationale for
playing field
selection does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 5 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
2. Complete the
Competitor
sections of
the template
to
demonstrate
your
knowledge of
each
competitor
and their
position in
the Playing
Field.
Weight: 30%
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
completely
populated.
Size of each
Competitor is
exceptionally well
described and
may include
more than one
relevant measure
of organizational
size that can be
compared
against the
organization and
both Competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional
insight into the
relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance,
and major
developments of
selected
Competitors and
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated
Size of each
Competitor is
well described
with at least one
relevant measure
of organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each selected
Competitor
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect their ability
to effectively
compete.
At least 8 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of each
Competitor is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each competitor
is present but
may lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 6 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of one
or more of the
Competitors is
missing and/or
partially
described or
does not include
a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments
are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
The Competitor
section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant of
unclear content.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 6 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
3. Complete the
Our
Organization
section of the
template.
Demonstrate
knowledge of
the company
and its
competitivene
ss in the
Playing Field.
Weight: 20%
All fields of the
template are
completely
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
exceptionally well
described and
may include more
than one relevant
measure of
organizational
size that can be
compared to the
size of the
competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional insight
into the relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance, and
major
developments of
the company and
how these
elements affect its
ability to compete.
All fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is well
described with at
least one relevant
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments of
the company
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect its ability to
effectively
compete.
At least 4 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments for
the company is
present but may
lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 3 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of the
Organization is
missing and/or
partially described
or does not
include a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
the organization’s
ability to compete.
.
This section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant or
unclear content.
4. Provide an
effective and
persuasive
conclusion
that is “fit for
use” for a
CEO.
Weight: 15%
The conclusion is
an excellent
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a very good
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a satisfactory
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions.
The assertions
may lack some
clarity or
conciseness
and/or may not
be highly
persuasive.
The conclusion is
a partial
distillation of the
template with
some important
and relevant
strategic insights
and conclusions.
The conclusion is
missing or is an
unsatisfactory
distillation of the
template that
does not provide
a sufficient level
of strategic
insights and
conclusions.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 7 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
5. Present
information
professionall
y within the
three-page
limit, and
support
recommend-
ations,
assertions,
and facts
with in-text
citations,
appendixes,
and
references.
Weight: 15%
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
very professional
in appearance.
There are no
grammatical or
mechanical
usage errors.
All recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
exemplarily
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
professional in
appearance.
Grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, if
any, are minor
and have no
impact on the
flow.
Nearly all of
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
well-written and
generally
professional in
appearance.
May contain
minor
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, but
these do not
have a major
impact on the
flow or clarity.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
satisfactory in
appearance.
Has a few
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors that
make parts of the
text difficult for
the reader to
understand.
Some
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief
lacks a
professional
appearance
and/or contains
multiple spelling
or grammatical
and mechanical
usage errors.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are not
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references
**## StrategyAssignment1Template.pdf**
Playing Field, Competition, and Our Organization
TO: Insert name of CEO of selected Company
FROM: Your name
DATE: Today’s date
RE: Playing Field, Competition & Our Organization
(Student to update all sections color-coded in RED and change color to BLACK)
1. Introduction and Playing Field Description
Provide an opening paragraph that explains the intended purpose of this Executive Briefing and the
topics you intend to cover.
a. Company Name and
Organization within
the company
Example “Motel Six”
Example “Motel Division. (Note: If your company is diverse like Apple, it is advised
to analyze a specific segment/business unit/product because competitors in the
iPhone segment (Samsung/Google) are very different than competitors in their Music
division (Spotify, Pandora)
b. Industry Example “Hospitality Industry”
c. Market Size Provide a market size estimate for the Industry or the Playing Field (Note: This
should be the global market and not the size of your current company. The size of
your current company goes into the fourth table)
d. Playing Field
Example: “Two-star motels in the US and Canada serving road travelers.” (Note:
this is the specific description of the segment of the industry in which you will
compete. These often have geographic boundaries and descriptors of the key product
attributes. See Week 2 of the DQ forum.)
e. Rationale for Selection
Brief explanation of why you selected this segment. (Note: We usually determine
target segments based on factors like revenue potential, growth rates, financial
attractiveness, conformance with our key capabilities and competencies, our ability
to meet this segment’s customer needs, etc.)
�
2. Competitive Analysis
Competitor 1: Company Name
a. Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field. if
specific data is not available, a qualitative description is acceptable like "Company X is
believed to be the market leader" or "Company Y is relatively small and focused only in
the U.S. and doesn't have a presence in Canada." Try and use the same metric and year
for each of the three entities contrasted in this report.
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Describe the competitor’s biggest strength.
Describe the competitor’s biggest weakness.
c. Competitive
Impact of
Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how this strength and weakness impacts the competitor’s ability to
compete effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe the competitor’s recent performance. Explain whether the company is generally
winning or losing in this Playing Field based on this recent performance. (Note: You
would be well-served to support your conclusions with data)
e. Major
Developments
Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies,
capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or
lost) a key competitive advantage?
Competitor 2: Company Name
a. Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field. if
specific data is not available, a qualitative description is acceptable like "Company X is
believed to be the market leader" or "Company Y is relatively small and focused only in
the U.S. and doesn't have a presence in Canada." Try and use the same metric and year
for each of the three entities contrasted in this report.
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Describe the competitor’s biggest strength.
Describe the competitor’s biggest weakness.
c. Competitive
Impact of
Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how this strength and weakness impacts the competitor’s ability to
compete effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe the competitor’s recent performance. Explain whether the company is generally
winning or losing in this Playing Field based on this recent performance. (Note: You
would be well-served to support your conclusions with data)
e. Major
Developments
Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies,
capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or
lost) a key competitive advantage?
3. Organizational Assessment
a. Size Provide information on our relative size in the Playing Field – qualitative perspective is
acceptable if data is not available
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Highlight our biggest strength.
Highlight our biggest weakness.
c. Competitive Impact
of Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how these strengths and weaknesses impact our ability to compete
effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe our company’s recent performance Explain whether we are generally winning
or losing in this Playing Field. (Note: You would be well-served to support your
conclusions with data.
e. Major
Developments
Have we introduced any game-changing new products, technologies, capabilities, etc.
(focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary)? Have we developed (or lost) a key
competitive advantage?
4. Key Conclusions
Provide a succinct conclusion that captures your critical insights about the target segment and the relative
competitive balance of the three companies you analyzed. Define where you think your company is poised in terms
of its competitive position against the two competitors you identified.
5. References
Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding reference list. Appendices are
allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the brief.
**## StrategyAssignment1Instructions.pdf**
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 1 of 7
Assignment 1: Where to Play: Playing Field, Competition & Your Organization
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 5 (Weight: 25%)
Introduction
“Find out everything that you can about the playing field.
You should know what your competitors’ salespeople eat for breakfast.”
– Jack Welch –
As the Chief Strategy Officer of your company, you have been commissioned to recommend a game-
winning move that will allow your company to achieve strong revenue and profit growth and to create a
sustainable competitive advantage. Although your game-winning move will not be presented to the CEO
until Week 10, you have been asked to provide written executive briefs on your progress in Weeks 4 and 8.
You want to impress the CEO and your colleagues with your insights and recommendations! You know
that the best way to do this is to follow Jack’s logical 5-slide approach to strategy. Since there will be two
interim updates, you have decided to focus your Week 4 executive brief on the Playing Field, the
Competition, and Your Organization. You will focus your Week 8 executive brief on What’s Around the
Corner? and your Game-Winning Move. You will then synthesize your findings and recommendation into
five PowerPoint slides for your presentation in Week 10. At the culmination of this three-part strategy
assignment, you will have a clearly articulated and persuasive game plan to win!
Instructions for Assignment 1
Using the Assignment 1 Template, address the following:
1. Introduction and Playing Field Description: Provide an opening paragraph that explains the
purpose of your brief, then detail the specific target segment of the market where you are
choosing to compete. You should ensure the target segment is sufficiently large to achieve your
company’s sales and profit growth objectives, but sufficiently focused so that your company can
intimately understand market characteristics and compete effectively. The template provided for
this assignment guides you on how to organize relevant information, including:
a. Your company
b. The industry for your organization of choice
c. The market size of this industry
d. Specific description of the segment of this industry in which you will compete (the Playing
Field)
e. Brief explanation of why you selected this segment.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 2 of 7
2. Competitive Analysis: In this section you will identify the two most formidable competitors in
your playing field and address the following for each:
a. How big is each competitor in this target segment?
b. What is their most significant strength and their most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact their ability to compete
effectively.
d. Does their recent performance indicate they are generally winning or losing in this playing
field? Support your conclusions with data.
e. Has anyone (including new market entrants) introduced any game-changing new
products/technology/capabilities? Have they developed (or lost) a key competitive
advantage?
3. Organizational Assessment: In this section you will “turn the mirror around” and look inward to
assess the capabilities and competencies of your chosen organization. Briefly address the
following:
a. How big are we in this target segment?
b. What is our most significant strength and our most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact our ability to compete
effectively.
d. Do our recent results indicate we are generally winning or losing in this playing field?
Support your conclusions with data.
e. Have we introduced game-changing new products/technology/capabilities? Have we
developed (or lost) a key competitive advantage?
4. Key Conclusions: Provide a succinct conclusion that captures your critical insights about the
target segment and the relative competitive balance of the three companies you analyzed.
5. References: Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding
reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the
brief.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 3 of 7
Formatting and Submission Requirements
• Use the Assignment 1 Template to complete this assignment. Ensure you address each element
of the template.
• The submitted template should be 2 to 3 pages (not including the cover page or
appendixes/references page).
• Typed, single-spaced, professional font (size 10 – 12) with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the
course title and date.
• Use and reference at least 3 external sources to support your brief. Include a references page at
the end documenting sources and citations.
• You may use additional headings within the template to identify subtopics if this will improve the
clarity of your template.
• You are welcome to include charts, tables, and graphs in-text or in an appendix.
• Develop and support your research with facts and in-text citations, appendixes, and references.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 4 of 7
RUBRIC: Assignment 1
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Complete the
Playing Field
section of the
template to
identify and
explain the
size of, and
rationale for,
the target
segment
where you
will compete
Weight: 20%
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
exceptional
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized Playing
Field that
strongly
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
extremely clear,
concise, logical,
and persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates a
strong
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market.
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized segment
and conforms to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
clear, concise,
logical, and
persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
satisfactorily
populated with
no more than
one incomplete
component.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
basic ability to
segment the
market.
Recommendatio
n of Playing Field
selection is
appropriately
sized and
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
logical and is
clear but may be
lack conciseness
or
persuasiveness.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template meets
minimal
requirements but
is missing key in
segmentation of
the market.
or
lacks a complete
definition of the
playing field
or
includes only
basic information
on market size
and
segmentation
Fails to explain
conformance to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated;
contains
inaccurate or
incomplete
information in
two or more
sections.
Rationale for
playing field
selection does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 5 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
2. Complete the
Competitor
sections of
the template
to
demonstrate
your
knowledge of
each
competitor
and their
position in
the Playing
Field.
Weight: 30%
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
completely
populated.
Size of each
Competitor is
exceptionally well
described and
may include
more than one
relevant measure
of organizational
size that can be
compared
against the
organization and
both Competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional
insight into the
relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance,
and major
developments of
selected
Competitors and
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated
Size of each
Competitor is
well described
with at least one
relevant measure
of organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each selected
Competitor
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect their ability
to effectively
compete.
At least 8 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of each
Competitor is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each competitor
is present but
may lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 6 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of one
or more of the
Competitors is
missing and/or
partially
described or
does not include
a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments
are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
The Competitor
section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant of
unclear content.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 6 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
3. Complete the
Our
Organization
section of the
template.
Demonstrate
knowledge of
the company
and its
competitivene
ss in the
Playing Field.
Weight: 20%
All fields of the
template are
completely
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
exceptionally well
described and
may include more
than one relevant
measure of
organizational
size that can be
compared to the
size of the
competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional insight
into the relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance, and
major
developments of
the company and
how these
elements affect its
ability to compete.
All fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is well
described with at
least one relevant
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments of
the company
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect its ability to
effectively
compete.
At least 4 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments for
the company is
present but may
lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 3 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of the
Organization is
missing and/or
partially described
or does not
include a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
the organization’s
ability to compete.
.
This section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant or
unclear content.
4. Provide an
effective and
persuasive
conclusion
that is “fit for
use” for a
CEO.
Weight: 15%
The conclusion is
an excellent
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a very good
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a satisfactory
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions.
The assertions
may lack some
clarity or
conciseness
and/or may not
be highly
persuasive.
The conclusion is
a partial
distillation of the
template with
some important
and relevant
strategic insights
and conclusions.
The conclusion is
missing or is an
unsatisfactory
distillation of the
template that
does not provide
a sufficient level
of strategic
insights and
conclusions.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 7 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
5. Present
information
professionall
y within the
three-page
limit, and
support
recommend-
ations,
assertions,
and facts
with in-text
citations,
appendixes,
and
references.
Weight: 15%
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
very professional
in appearance.
There are no
grammatical or
mechanical
usage errors.
All recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
exemplarily
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
professional in
appearance.
Grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, if
any, are minor
and have no
impact on the
flow.
Nearly all of
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
well-written and
generally
professional in
appearance.
May contain
minor
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, but
these do not
have a major
impact on the
flow or clarity.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
satisfactory in
appearance.
Has a few
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors that
make parts of the
text difficult for
the reader to
understand.
Some
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief
lacks a
professional
appearance
and/or contains
multiple spelling
or grammatical
and mechanical
usage errors.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are not
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references
**## StrategyAssignment1Template.pdf**
Playing Field, Competition, and Our Organization
TO: Insert name of CEO of selected Company
FROM: Your name
DATE: Today’s date
RE: Playing Field, Competition & Our Organization
(Student to update all sections color-coded in RED and change color to BLACK)
1. Introduction and Playing Field Description
Provide an opening paragraph that explains the intended purpose of this Executive Briefing and the
topics you intend to cover.
a. Company Name and
Organization within
the company
Example “Motel Six”
Example “Motel Division. (Note: If your company is diverse like Apple, it is advised
to analyze a specific segment/business unit/product because competitors in the
iPhone segment (Samsung/Google) are very different than competitors in their Music
division (Spotify, Pandora)
b. Industry Example “Hospitality Industry”
c. Market Size Provide a market size estimate for the Industry or the Playing Field (Note: This
should be the global market and not the size of your current company. The size of
your current company goes into the fourth table)
d. Playing Field
Example: “Two-star motels in the US and Canada serving road travelers.” (Note:
this is the specific description of the segment of the industry in which you will
compete. These often have geographic boundaries and descriptors of the key product
attributes. See Week 2 of the DQ forum.)
e. Rationale for Selection
Brief explanation of why you selected this segment. (Note: We usually determine
target segments based on factors like revenue potential, growth rates, financial
attractiveness, conformance with our key capabilities and competencies, our ability
to meet this segment’s customer needs, etc.)
�
2. Competitive Analysis
Competitor 1: Company Name
a. Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field. if
specific data is not available, a qualitative description is acceptable like "Company X is
believed to be the market leader" or "Company Y is relatively small and focused only in
the U.S. and doesn't have a presence in Canada." Try and use the same metric and year
for each of the three entities contrasted in this report.
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Describe the competitor’s biggest strength.
Describe the competitor’s biggest weakness.
c. Competitive
Impact of
Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how this strength and weakness impacts the competitor’s ability to
compete effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe the competitor’s recent performance. Explain whether the company is generally
winning or losing in this Playing Field based on this recent performance. (Note: You
would be well-served to support your conclusions with data)
e. Major
Developments
Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies,
capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or
lost) a key competitive advantage?
Competitor 2: Company Name
a. Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field. if
specific data is not available, a qualitative description is acceptable like "Company X is
believed to be the market leader" or "Company Y is relatively small and focused only in
the U.S. and doesn't have a presence in Canada." Try and use the same metric and year
for each of the three entities contrasted in this report.
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Describe the competitor’s biggest strength.
Describe the competitor’s biggest weakness.
c. Competitive
Impact of
Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how this strength and weakness impacts the competitor’s ability to
compete effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe the competitor’s recent performance. Explain whether the company is generally
winning or losing in this Playing Field based on this recent performance. (Note: You
would be well-served to support your conclusions with data)
e. Major
Developments
Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies,
capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or
lost) a key competitive advantage?
3. Organizational Assessment
a. Size Provide information on our relative size in the Playing Field – qualitative perspective is
acceptable if data is not available
b. Most Significant
Strength and
Weakness
Highlight our biggest strength.
Highlight our biggest weakness.
c. Competitive Impact
of Strength and
Weakness.
Briefly explain how these strengths and weaknesses impact our ability to compete
effectively.
d. Recent
Performance
Describe our company’s recent performance Explain whether we are generally winning
or losing in this Playing Field. (Note: You would be well-served to support your
conclusions with data.
e. Major
Developments
Have we introduced any game-changing new products, technologies, capabilities, etc.
(focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary)? Have we developed (or lost) a key
competitive advantage?
4. Key Conclusions
Provide a succinct conclusion that captures your critical insights about the target segment and the relative
competitive balance of the three companies you analyzed. Define where you think your company is poised in terms
of its competitive position against the two competitors you identified.
5. References
Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding reference list. Appendices are
allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the brief.
**## StrategyAssignment1Instructions.pdf**
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 1 of 7
Assignment 1: Where to Play: Playing Field, Competition & Your Organization
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 5 (Weight: 25%)
Introduction
“Find out everything that you can about the playing field.
You should know what your competitors’ salespeople eat for breakfast.”
– Jack Welch –
As the Chief Strategy Officer of your company, you have been commissioned to recommend a game-
winning move that will allow your company to achieve strong revenue and profit growth and to create a
sustainable competitive advantage. Although your game-winning move will not be presented to the CEO
until Week 10, you have been asked to provide written executive briefs on your progress in Weeks 4 and 8.
You want to impress the CEO and your colleagues with your insights and recommendations! You know
that the best way to do this is to follow Jack’s logical 5-slide approach to strategy. Since there will be two
interim updates, you have decided to focus your Week 4 executive brief on the Playing Field, the
Competition, and Your Organization. You will focus your Week 8 executive brief on What’s Around the
Corner? and your Game-Winning Move. You will then synthesize your findings and recommendation into
five PowerPoint slides for your presentation in Week 10. At the culmination of this three-part strategy
assignment, you will have a clearly articulated and persuasive game plan to win!
Instructions for Assignment 1
Using the Assignment 1 Template, address the following:
1. Introduction and Playing Field Description: Provide an opening paragraph that explains the
purpose of your brief, then detail the specific target segment of the market where you are
choosing to compete. You should ensure the target segment is sufficiently large to achieve your
company’s sales and profit growth objectives, but sufficiently focused so that your company can
intimately understand market characteristics and compete effectively. The template provided for
this assignment guides you on how to organize relevant information, including:
a. Your company
b. The industry for your organization of choice
c. The market size of this industry
d. Specific description of the segment of this industry in which you will compete (the Playing
Field)
e. Brief explanation of why you selected this segment.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 2 of 7
2. Competitive Analysis: In this section you will identify the two most formidable competitors in
your playing field and address the following for each:
a. How big is each competitor in this target segment?
b. What is their most significant strength and their most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact their ability to compete
effectively.
d. Does their recent performance indicate they are generally winning or losing in this playing
field? Support your conclusions with data.
e. Has anyone (including new market entrants) introduced any game-changing new
products/technology/capabilities? Have they developed (or lost) a key competitive
advantage?
3. Organizational Assessment: In this section you will “turn the mirror around” and look inward to
assess the capabilities and competencies of your chosen organization. Briefly address the
following:
a. How big are we in this target segment?
b. What is our most significant strength and our most significant weakness?
c. Briefly explain how this strength and this weakness impact our ability to compete
effectively.
d. Do our recent results indicate we are generally winning or losing in this playing field?
Support your conclusions with data.
e. Have we introduced game-changing new products/technology/capabilities? Have we
developed (or lost) a key competitive advantage?
4. Key Conclusions: Provide a succinct conclusion that captures your critical insights about the
target segment and the relative competitive balance of the three companies you analyzed.
5. References: Include in-text citations for all data, assertions, and facts, and a corresponding
reference list. Appendices are allowable if additional supplemental information is needed for the
brief.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 3 of 7
Formatting and Submission Requirements
• Use the Assignment 1 Template to complete this assignment. Ensure you address each element
of the template.
• The submitted template should be 2 to 3 pages (not including the cover page or
appendixes/references page).
• Typed, single-spaced, professional font (size 10 – 12) with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s name, and the
course title and date.
• Use and reference at least 3 external sources to support your brief. Include a references page at
the end documenting sources and citations.
• You may use additional headings within the template to identify subtopics if this will improve the
clarity of your template.
• You are welcome to include charts, tables, and graphs in-text or in an appendix.
• Develop and support your research with facts and in-text citations, appendixes, and references.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 4 of 7
RUBRIC: Assignment 1
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Complete the
Playing Field
section of the
template to
identify and
explain the
size of, and
rationale for,
the target
segment
where you
will compete
Weight: 20%
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
exceptional
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized Playing
Field that
strongly
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
extremely clear,
concise, logical,
and persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
completely
populated.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates a
strong
understanding of
the segmentation
of the market.
Recommendatio
n presents an
appropriately
sized segment
and conforms to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
clear, concise,
logical, and
persuasive.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
satisfactorily
populated with
no more than
one incomplete
component.
Recommended
Playing Field
definition
demonstrates
basic ability to
segment the
market.
Recommendatio
n of Playing Field
selection is
appropriately
sized and
conforms to the
company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale is
logical and is
clear but may be
lack conciseness
or
persuasiveness.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template meets
minimal
requirements but
is missing key in
segmentation of
the market.
or
lacks a complete
definition of the
playing field
or
includes only
basic information
on market size
and
segmentation
Fails to explain
conformance to
the company’s
current
competencies
and operations.
Rationale does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
The Playing Field
portion of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated;
contains
inaccurate or
incomplete
information in
two or more
sections.
Rationale for
playing field
selection does
not provide
satisfactory
explanation to
support the
position.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 5 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
2. Complete the
Competitor
sections of
the template
to
demonstrate
your
knowledge of
each
competitor
and their
position in
the Playing
Field.
Weight: 30%
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
completely
populated.
Size of each
Competitor is
exceptionally well
described and
may include
more than one
relevant measure
of organizational
size that can be
compared
against the
organization and
both Competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional
insight into the
relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance,
and major
developments of
selected
Competitors and
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
All 10 Competitor
fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated
Size of each
Competitor is
well described
with at least one
relevant measure
of organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each selected
Competitor
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect their ability
to effectively
compete.
At least 8 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of each
Competitor is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance,
and major
developments for
each competitor
is present but
may lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 6 of the
10 Competitor
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of one
or more of the
Competitors is
missing and/or
partially
described or
does not include
a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments
are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
their ability to
compete.
The Competitor
section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant of
unclear content.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 6 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
3. Complete the
Our
Organization
section of the
template.
Demonstrate
knowledge of
the company
and its
competitivene
ss in the
Playing Field.
Weight: 20%
All fields of the
template are
completely
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
exceptionally well
described and
may include more
than one relevant
measure of
organizational
size that can be
compared to the
size of the
competitors
included in the
briefing.
Demonstrates
exceptional insight
into the relative
strengths,
weaknesses,
performance, and
major
developments of
the company and
how these
elements affect its
ability to compete.
All fields of the
template are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is well
described with at
least one relevant
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths,
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments of
the company
provide good
insights into how
these elements
affect its ability to
effectively
compete.
At least 4 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
Organizational
size is
satisfactorily
described and
uses a recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, and
major
developments for
the company is
present but may
lack insights
regarding how
these elements
affect their ability
to compete.
At least 3 of the 5
fields are
satisfactorily
populated.
The size of the
Organization is
missing and/or
partially described
or does not
include a
recognized
measure of
organizational
size.
Strengths and
weaknesses,
recent
performance, or
major
developments are
missing or do not
demonstrate an
understanding of
how these
elements affect
the organization’s
ability to compete.
.
This section of the
template is
missing or is
unsatisfactorily
populated.
Contains
irrelevant or
unclear content.
4. Provide an
effective and
persuasive
conclusion
that is “fit for
use” for a
CEO.
Weight: 15%
The conclusion is
an excellent
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a very good
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions and
is presented
succinctly and
persuasively to
the CEO.
The conclusion
does not include
extraneous data
that would not be
relevant or
important to the
CEO.
The conclusion is
a satisfactory
distillation of the
template with
important and
relevant strategic
insights and
conclusions.
The assertions
may lack some
clarity or
conciseness
and/or may not
be highly
persuasive.
The conclusion is
a partial
distillation of the
template with
some important
and relevant
strategic insights
and conclusions.
The conclusion is
missing or is an
unsatisfactory
distillation of the
template that
does not provide
a sufficient level
of strategic
insights and
conclusions.
JWI 540: Strategy
Assignment 1
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not
be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
This document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 540 – Assignment 1 (1244) Page 7 of 7
Criteria Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
5. Present
information
professionall
y within the
three-page
limit, and
support
recommend-
ations,
assertions,
and facts
with in-text
citations,
appendixes,
and
references.
Weight: 15%
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
very professional
in appearance.
There are no
grammatical or
mechanical
usage errors.
All recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
exemplarily
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
succinct and
well-written and
within the three-
page limit
(excluding cover,
references, and
appendices) and
professional in
appearance.
Grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, if
any, are minor
and have no
impact on the
flow.
Nearly all of
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
well-written and
generally
professional in
appearance.
May contain
minor
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors, but
these do not
have a major
impact on the
flow or clarity.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief is
satisfactory in
appearance.
Has a few
grammatical and
mechanical
usage errors that
make parts of the
text difficult for
the reader to
understand.
Some
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references.
Executive Brief
lacks a
professional
appearance
and/or contains
multiple spelling
or grammatical
and mechanical
usage errors.
Most
recommend-
ations,
assertions, and
facts are not
supported with
in-text citations,
appendixes, and
references