• Begin each writing assignment by identifying the question number you are answering followed by the actual question itself (in bold type).• Use a standard essay format for responses to all questions (i.e., an introduction, middle paragraphs and conclusion).• Responses must be typed double-spaced, using a standard font (i.e. Times New Roman) and 12 point type size.. All work must be free of any form of plagiarism. Textbook: Business Communication Today13th Edition, 2016Author(s): Courtland L. Bovee & John V. ThillPublisher: Pearson

Learners should consider the method (described BELOW) in conducting and reporting on their analysis. The cases may have supplemental data in a spreadsheet; analysis of this data should support any conclusions.ANY case Presentation should use the following outline (note, this mirrors the discussion of the case presentation process presented above):(1) Identify Audience, presenter, date, and KEY ISSUE- you are preparing a memo so the TO/From should be appropriate (you are writing to the organization in the case and your are writing as a consultant or analyst) and the SUBJECT line should indicate the possible solution (e.g. to increase sales revenue....). (2) Provide an executive summary (key Issue, Analysis, Recommendations and expected outcomes) THIS should be very concise and clear and action oriented. (3) Define the problem or opportunity to be analyzed (use measurable/specific objectives for best impact). DO NOT REPEAT facts from the case - identify the challenge and how it relates to what the organization is trying to accomplish.(4) Develop a relevant and balanced analysis (note SWOT and PEST are insufficient, but a good place to start)(5) Identify viable alternative solutions (the case will always suggest some options, but there are always more options, including "walk away" or "stay the course/do nothing").(6) Analyze alternatives in context with defined criteria (Ideally, evaluate the option using pro/con analysis using insights developed in the analysis (step 4) and TIE back to the OBJECTIVES (step 3, above). (7) Selects a recommended alternative and discuss issues related to implementation. I DO NOT WANT lots of detail on implementation (I know, other classes ask you to do this); I want to know if the organization does this, will it need more resources or skills, or investment, etc - think picture implementation. Note – while Harvard Business Cases often POSE specific questions, these questions should only guide thinking. The objective of the assignment is to use a decision making process to identify opportunities and to support recommendations. LEARNERS SHOULD SEEK to EXPLICITLY connect the case to course material.So that's the basic outline of the memo presentation, but you need to do the ANALYSIS PROCESS; the basic steps to ANALYSIS/REPORT, which are covered extensively in the course, include a clear statement of:Decisions: What are the key decisions that must be made by the focal decision maker? Learners often isolate/focus on relatively minor decisions; learners need to develop analysis so that a full decision scope is identified. This discussion also includes a concise statement of the “problem” or “opportunity” faced. Objectives: What objectives is management trying to achieve? These often take the form of growth, market share, profit, or cash goals. Do these make sense, given analysis?AnalysisMarket Analysis: What is known about the market size, growth, presence/evolution of market segments? What markets for other products forms impinge upon the market being considered?Environmental Analysis: What are the key imperatives and/or changes taking place outside of the industry that affect both the firm and its competitors? Examine the economic, technological, social, regulatory, political, and legal environments.Industry Analysis: What is happening in the industry? What is the state of competition between existing competitors? To what extent are new firms entering the market? What is the level of competition from products made with different technologies? Are suppliers integrating forwards, laterally? Are our customers integrating backwards?Customer Analysis: Who are the customers? What sets of benefits do they require?Competitor Analysis: What are the strengths and weaknesses of competitors? What are their strategies? Can their strategies change? If so, how? What strategies might be expected from new entrants?Firm Analysis: What are the firm’s strengths and weaknesses? What strategies have been pursued in the past? How successful had these been?Economic Analysis: What does the economic analysis show? Given the set of decisions and objectives facing the decision maker, what is the nature of the consequences of the decision in economic terms?Assumptions: As learners reflect on their analysis, it is critical to state the key assumptions upon which the strategy is based.Alternatives: What are the two or three major courses of action that could be followed to reach the firm's objectives? For each alternative identified, lay out pros and cons (this can be done as a table for conciseness, but learners should be prepared to defend their positions).Action Plan: What is being recommended? Lay out a broad strategy and identify specific action steps as well as a rough plan for implementation. Consideration of investments/costs must be made.

Getting StartedJournaling as a means of continual reflection on field experiences, and your related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors surrounding those experiences, will be an activity integrated into several workshops. You will not be graded on the experiences you have had, but instead on your commitment to reflecting on those experiences and utilizing those reflections to improve your professional identity and skillset.Background InformationReview: Journaling is an ancient tradition, and it is increasingly recognized as an activity that has a positive impact on psychological wellbeing. The benefits of journaling include increasing your self-awareness, reducing stress, solving problems, and tracking growth and change. The practice of being self-aware and reflecting on your experiences is important for new and seasoned social work professionals alike; it is a value of this profession to continually evaluate yourself. As part of your social work education, an emphasis on self-reflection will be modeled.InstructionsReview the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.In your journal for this week, reflect on your practicum and seminar experience so far. In two to three well-developed paragraphs identify and reflect on areas of challenge or positive experiences you have had over the last 1-2 weeks including:What questions or concerns do you have about your seminar, the learning contract or assignments so far?What resources, support or help do you need?What next steps can you take that will help you in your practicum, field seminar or life right now as you continue your education?