Week 2, Interactive Assignment
Environmental Scanning
Michael Wetzel
BUS402 Strategic Management and Business Policy
Instructor: Anthony DiGaetano
February 15, 2018
Environmental Scanning
The environment scanning (Lesca, 2013) is an important exercise in any organization. It
helps the organization to understand the surrounding of the business. In many cases, rather than
doing the forecasting internally, a firm can find estimated or projected data on trends to fit its
future time frame (Abraham, 2012). The information retrieved from the survey of the
environment of a given company enables it to identify the opportunities and the threats that are at
disposal of the business. As a matter of fact, many companies choose not to operate publicly.
The reasons vary from one company to another based on the environmental challenges they face.
However, to avoid the challenges that face the private companies like lack of sufficient resources
gives some of the company remains publicly trading. This paper gives details of a public trading
company that is operating in a challenging business environment.
Cloud Peak Energy Inc. is one of the public owned largest producers of coal. Cloud Peak
Energy, mines low sulfur, coal and offers logistics distribution services. The company was
having been existed over ten years in the market. Its product is old both local and international
markets. The number of the workers are correctly working in the company are over 12000. The
company has a reputation for unique performance in its offering safety and preserving the
environment. The company suppliers fuel of about three percent of the nation’s electricity.
The company shares are recorded to drastically fall over the year making it hard for the
company (Dividend, 2014). The regulatory environment is one of the challenges that face the
company (Lesca, 2013). The awareness of the people of the effect of the coal on the
environment, made by the environmentalist is viewed as a great enemy of the green movements.
The climate change policies that are put in place to ensure the reduced to its lowest level is
drastically affecting the company operate in the market. The company is poorly performing in
the market, though their slight improvement, the reaching of the forecast target seems difficult to
realize (Dividend, 2014). The company faces the challenge of being poor performance since the
reputation is negatively affected by the rules and regulation that present the company as an
enemy of the environment.
In conclusion, the importance of the environment scanning should not be assumed by any
company. The benefits are enormous to the present and the future of the company since the
company can understand the environment that affects it from without. The knowledge of such
environment prepares it to focus on its strengths and work prepares to handle the challenges that
are currently and future anticipated.
References
Abraham, S. (2012). Strategic management for organizations [Electronic version]. Retrieved
from https://content.ashford.edu/
Dividend Channel (Jan 9, 2014). Cloud Peak Energy (CLD) Shares Cross Below 200 DMA.
Retrieved https://www.forbes.com/sites/dividendchannel/2014/01/09/cloud-peak-energycld-shares-cross-below-200-dma/#1b6149702d68
Lesca, N. (2013). Environmental Scanning and Sustainable Development. London: Wiley.
Running head: COVER LETTER
1
COVER LETTER
Michael Wetzel
BUS402 Strategic Management and Business Policy
Instructor: Anthony DiGaetano
February 12, 2018
Running head: COVER LETTER
2
Cover Letter
I have written to express my interest in the advertised position of the project manager in
your firm. I am a well-oriented person in matters of management and leadership since I have
been in a similar engagement for more than five years. Although my coverage was not
diversified to the whole institution, I have served as a team leader in supervision for thirteen
years. This exposed me to various challenges and abilities in handling different types of people
as well as expanding my experience and skills in leadership.
Apart from being a supervisor, I have also served as a manager for two years. This
opportunity opened my ability to offer leadership skills which are outstanding, and which meet
the criteria of a project manager. I recently have earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in project
management through which I have acquired additional skills and abilities to handle situations
and people in a professional way and produce excellent results. Therefore, I believe that I can
satisfy the requirements of the firm by providing my professional as well as technical support to
other employees who will be working with me.
Running head: COVER LETTER
3
References
Abraham, S. (2012). Strategic management for organizations [Electronic version]. Retrieved
from https://content.ashford.edu/
Shavin, N. (2014, July 16). Tips for the perfect resume and cover letter
Links to an externalsite.)Links to an external site.. Forbes. Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/naomishavin/2014/07/16/tips-for-the-perfect-resume-andcover-letter/
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
1
SWOT ANALYSIS
Michael Wetzel
BUS402 Strategic Management and Business Policy
Instructor: Anthony DiGaetano
February 20, 2018
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
2
Cloud Energy Peak INC. SWOT Analysis
Company Profile
Cloud peak energy identifies as a major industry player in the energy sector and
specializes in coal production and operates as the only pure-play powder river basin (PRB) coal
firm. Cloud peak energy ranks among the largest U.S based coal producers and employs high
standards of safety to conveniently mine low sulfur, subbituminous coal and provides an efficient
logistics system (Cloud Peak Energy — Energy to Power the Country. 2018). The powder river
basin is famous as the lowest cost major coal mining field whereby Cloud peak energy owns and
runs three mines which are spring creek, the antelope, and Cordero Rojo mines. The Cordero
Rojo and the antelope mines are in Wyoming while the spring creek is in Montana.
The company was incorporated in July 2008 through a corporate spin-off from the parent
company, Rio Tinto Energy America and has since risen to be a famous brand in the energy
sector. The company runs its operations through the headquarter offices located in Gillette,
Wyoming. Besides, Cloud peak energy is listed as a public company and trades on the New York
stock exchange (NYSE). As reported in 2016, the company mined and shipped a total of 59
million tons of coal from its three mines (Cloud Peak Energy — Energy to Power the Country.
2018). Notably, the company serves the American market as well as the global market. Cloud
peak energy is also entitled rights to undeveloped coal and complementary surface assets in the
Northern PRB which reinforces the long-term company goals.
Clod energy peak has recorded excellent financial results whereby a detailed comparison
against the industry averages, it reflects substantial performance. The fiscal period ending on
December 2017, the annual reported was $213.89 M although there was a negative sales growth
of -6.16% (Financial Statements - Cloud Peak Energy Inc. - Wall Street Journal. 2018).
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
3
Moreover, the net income of the company recorded a -27.22% decline which reflects on the
critical market fluctuations and the roaming global energy crisis. According to the Wall street
journal, Cloud Peak energy Inc. statement of the financial position indicated that the firm had
accumulated cash and investment balance of $107.95M, total liabilities of $690.89M (which
$410.21M consist of debt). The shareholders’ value for the company stands at $1.01B where the
book value per share is $13.41.
In the energy sector and particularly coal production and supply, the firm faces
competition from companies including Alliance holdings, Hallardor Energy, Westmoreland
Coal, Peabody Energy, BHP Billiton plc and Foresight energy among others. The coal mining
sector is highly competitive, and Cloud peak energy must compete with mega industry players
including Alliance holdings, Alliance resources partners, Arch Coal and BHP Billiton Plc.
Considerably, the volatility of the energy sector proves a considerable shake-up for the entire
industry.
SWOT Analysis
The SWOT analysis entails a comprehensive evaluation of internal environment to
ascertain what the business should critically concentrate on, the areas that need improvement, the
possibilities of improvement as well as a considerable level of threats. The essence of SWOT
analysis is to develop a detailed business profile of the firm that would contribute to the strategic
planning of the company (Helms, & Nixon, 2010). The strength factors represent the integral
endowment of the company, while weakness entails areas and functions that need improvement
to realize the optimal potential of the firm. The opportunities constitute chances within the
industry that could propel the company to immense prosperity whereas threats could drain and
substantially impact the present and future performance.
4
Strength
SWOT Analysis
Environment
Opportunity
✓ Extensive investment in
technological approach.
✓ Availability of undeveloped and
large reserves of developed coal
mines.
✓ Deployment of a sustainable
approach as the primary business
strategy.
✓ Massive financial endowment to
finance the cost-intensive
operations.
✓ Highly skilled and committed
workforce to coordinate between
mining and logistic management
Weakness
Company
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
• Marketing ineffectiveness would
present an ideal avenue to improve
and exploit various untapped
markets.
• The changing paradigm in the
adoption of coal energy around the
world could pave a way for new
market or the extinction of coal as a
reliable source of energy.
• It is vital for the company to align
its sustainable resource to the
potential of a diversified marketing
approach to overcome
ineffectiveness in the market
strategy.
Table 1: Cloud Peak Energy SWOT Matrix
Strengths
Threat
➢ The global energy crisis
necessitating sustainable energy
sources. Cloud peak Energy adopt
sustainable approach which is one
integral strength to provide solution
to the global energy crisis.
➢ The Immense growing demand for
energy sources and inadequate
energy source options provides a
convenient platform for Coal
popularity and exploitation of the
large reserves owned by Cloud
peak energy.
❖ With time, technology becomes
obsolete necessitating upgrades which
may involve high costs to implement
thus a significant blow to the
company.
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
5
The fundamental factor endowment of the company identifies as a substantial
contribution to its success (Helms, & Nixon, 2010). Cloud Peak set of strength constitutes the
contributing factor to its establishment and exceptional performance as one of the largest coal
producing companies in America. First, the company boasts of the financial and technological
endowment that enables it to run mining operations and logistics management. The substantial
investment in the mining of coal as well as handling logistics necessitates substantial financial
and technical endowment whereas Cloud peak has managed to deliver. The proceeds from the
corporate spin-off and the proceeds of an IPO in 2009 substantially contributed to the financial
kit (Cloud Peak Energy — Energy to Power the Country. 2018). The advancement in technology
pushed the firm to third largest coal company in America and contributed to its prosperity in the
long run (Amer, & Daim, 2010).
Secondly, the company owns and operates three coal mines ensuring that the company
can conveniently mine and ship the coal to different market around the world. The three coal
minefields are a great asset for the company enabling it to exploit the coal resources profoundly
excellently. Cloud peak energy is endowed with coal reserves in the excesses of 1.1 billion tons
of coal. In addition, Cloud peak enjoys exclusive rights to undeveloped coal and contemporary
surface asset which constitutes another vital factor to build its excellent operations. The vast
reserves of coal enable the company to satisfy the demand in the market while it concentrates on
low sulfur products as a safety observation.
Thirdly, the company has an employee base of more than 12,000 workers. The large
employees base ensures the running of operations in the minefields and excellent coordination of
logistic functions. The company is endowed with a highly qualified workforce which ideally
contributes to the substantive organization and execution of business operations. The company
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
6
also has established distribution and sales markets thus facilitating exceptional logistic system
management. The establishment of an excellent distribution system ensures that the company
links well with the market (Cloud Peak Energy — Energy to Power the Country. 2018). The
excelling in mining and efficient logistic management contributes to the growth and development
of the firm.
Weakness
Weakness comprises a factor that are dragging the growth of the firm. Weakness
represents critical areas that a firm need to improve and deliver efficient performance. The main
weakness for Cloud peak energy Inc. constitutes the lack of diversification in the marketing
approach which translates to a marketing strategy ineffectiveness (Helms, & Nixon, 2010). The
concentration on the mining and supplying of coal products in America and some limited parts of
the world involves a highly competitive sector which in turn results in lack of diversity. The firm
lacks a competitive advantage which would distinguish it and hence an ineffective marketing
strategy.
The other weakness involves the lack of innovative adoption to enhance the practice of
coal mining and logistic planning of the company. Evidently, the company experienced poor
financial performance and negative growth rates. The company does not commit investment
towards research and development which in turn would result in incredible input into fostering
business’s operations (Cloud Peak Energy — Energy to Power the Country. 2018). A shorthand
in research and development bars the firm from capitalizing on their substantial orientation and
failure to realize its full potential. The lack of investment in research and development presents
an indispensable shortcoming on potential excelling and performance at the level best limit.
Opportunities
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
7
Opportunities provide fruitful avenues for the business to exploit and as a result grow in
performance as well improve its market share. The opportunities in the energy sector encompass
a hoard of advantages that would ideally bear fruits in the form of revenues and market share.
Cloud Peak energy review of opportunities involves the availability of undeveloped coal mines
which would facilitate the expansion of operations (Cloud Peak Energy — Energy to Power the
Country. 2018). The undeveloped coal mines present s the firm with extra resources to exploit
and extends its operations beyond the current activities. Furthermore, coal being an extinct fuel,
Cloud peak would pursue new minefield in a push to complement its production.
Secondly, the adoption of the most sustainable approach in the mining of coal positions
the company at a better place to realize long-term goals conveniently. Sustainability approach
encompasses a stable balance between present conversation for prolonged benefits into the future
hence the firm would be in the coal mining and supply business for long. Besides, the sustainable
approach ensures that the company enjoys the benefit of excellent market relations and less cost
incurred in conservation schemes or adhering to a strict requirement for responsible disposal of
waste. Cloud Peak Energy stands to creep into prosperity in the present and future business
operation by adopting sustainable mechanisms.
Thirdly, Cloud Peak Energy is set to benefit from technological advancement in the line
of coal mining which could further streamline the mechanism of mining and supply to the
market. The investment in high technical endowment by the firm presents an opportunity for
continuous improvement in the exploration of more coal fields as well as convenient mining
approaches (Amer, & Daim, 2010). Technological advancement would be ideal for the company
to enhance on its primary mining and further exploration activities thus a promising future.
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
8
Cloud Peak energy would incorporate the utilization of technical approaches to ensure efficiency
and cost saving as a convenient approach to optimal business performance.
Threats
The propensity to risk or threat exposure involves a possibility of loss causing occurrence
whereby the company and other industry players fall victim. The exposure to a threat
necessitates that the company maintains a close watch at such likely threat and act in accordance
with the levels of the threat (Helms, & Nixon, 2010). The main threat facing Cloud Peak Energy
is the uncertainties and looming crisis in the global energy sector. Notably, the global energy
crisis entails an ongoing embroilment over the most suitable and sustainable form of energy for
the world. There is no guarantee that the present coal reserves can sustain the world energy needs
going into the future. The possibility of scrapping and abandoning of coal energy is a significant
concern for Cloud Peak Energy’s business plans.
In conclusion, the assessment of the strength, weakness, opportunities and threat factors presents
a considerable internal environment profile which the firm can rely on to improve its operations.
The SWOT analysis tool is useful in evaluating the effectiveness of the business operations of a
firm and in this case, Cloud Peak Energy Inc. can devise an appropriate mechanism to prosper
and stand out amid stiff competition.
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
9
References
Abraham, S. (2012). Strategic management for organizations [Electronic version]. Retrieved
from https://content.ashford.edu/
Amer, M., & Daim, T. U. (2010). Application of technology roadmaps for renewable energy
sector. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77(8), 1355-1370.
Cloud Peak Energy — Energy to Power the Country. (2018). Cloudpeakenergy.com. Retrieved
19 February 2018, from https://cloudpeakenergy.com/\
Financial Statements - Cloud Peak Energy Inc. - Wall Street Journal. (2018). Quotes.wsj.com.
Retrieved 19 February 2018, from http://quotes.wsj.com/CLD/financials
Helms, M. M., & Nixon, J. (2010). Exploring SWOT analysis–where are we now? A review of
academic research from the last decade. Journal of strategy and management, 3(3), 215251.
Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS
10
Week 4, Interactive Assignment
Operating Budget
Michael Wetzel
BUS402 Strategic Management and Business Policy
Instructor: Anthony DiGaetano
March 1, 2018
Operating Budget
Initial Post: In your initial post, provide a brief description of your company and provide a
summary of your Operating Budget along with a rationale that supports suggested budgetary
changes. Attach your Operating Budget Template to your initial post for review by your
instructor and your peers.
Financial Analysis: Operational Budgeting
The provision of an articulate financial plan is a necessity to realize optimal financial
performance. It is imperative to critically the information on the financial reports to ascertain the
progress of a firm with regard to its set of goals for a fiscal period. An annualized budget
constitutes an integral tool for forecasting of income and expense items enabling a firm to make
convenient plans for a specific period. An annual budget being a master plan for an entire fiscal
year is crucial in the evaluation of partial progress, especially on a quarterly basis. The partial
evaluation dictates whether a firm is on point to achieve its end-year goals or reforms are needed
to get the company back on track regarding its financial management approach.
The financial prosperity of the firm is assessed through performance indicators while
budget variances are utilized in predicting the progress of the company in its operations.
Considerably, the determination of financial trend of various elements of revenue and expenses
is paramount in predicting the future for Cloud Peak Energy. A comprehensive financial analysis
is essential in determining performance of the company in the present period and foreseeable
future. The financial analysis of Cloud peak energy incorporates the use of financial ratios which
are reliable performance metrics providing useful interpretation of financial reports. Besides, an
operating budget is crucial in predicting the financial results of the forthcoming quarter which
depicts the possible trend for the fiscal year.
The proposition of projected financial results is an integral input in the decision making
of the company. Financial ratios of Cloud Peak energy provide a meaningful relationship
between elements of the financial report hence could be projected to assist in decision making.
The projection of revenues and expenses in an operating budget is insufficient in offering a
substantive foundation for financial analysis. The assessment of the quarterly periods for Cloud
Peak would facilitate the provision of excellent financial planning for the next quarter to ensure
achievement of the ultimate goals of the annualized budget. Besides, the financial forecasting of
the company would dictate the financial management control for the next period. It is evident
that the previous quarter, the company reported losses and enjoys a tax relief which would be
compensated in the next period. The ratios indicate lower profitability although the liquidity
levels are effective.
Cloud Peak Energy: Operating Budget Q1
Revenue
Sales Revenue
Interest Income
Investment Income
Other Income
TOTAL INCOME
Costs and Expenses
Advertising
Interest Expense
Inventory Purchases(COS)
Depreciation
Other Expenses
TOTAL EXPENSES
NET PROFIT/LOSS
Net Earnings Before Taxes
(Gain or Loss)
Income Tax Expense
Net Earnings After Taxes
Var +/-
Var %
36,107
20
408
125
36,660.00
16.88%
11.11%
32.69
7.46%
17.09%
Var +/-
Var %
14,405.00
9,011.00
185,105.00
15,587.00
1,394.00
Budget Projection
Next Q
250,000.00
150.00
(840.00)
1,800.00
251,160.00
Budget Projection
Next Q
16,448.00
7,811.00
188,305.00
15,587.00
2,564.00
2,043
-1,200
3,200
0
1,170
14.18%
-13.317%
1.73%
0%
83.93%
225,502.00
230,715.00
5,213
2.31%
(11,002.00)
20,345.00
31,347
284.92%
(29,506.00)
17,893.00
(29,407.00)
(9,407.00)
99
-27,300
0.3%
-152.57%
[Prior Q]
Proj. Q.
Change
-0.75%
2.26
1.85%
2.26
2.60%
0
[Prior Quarter]
213,893.0
180.00
(1,248.0)
1,675.00
214,500.00
[Prior Quarter]
Ratio Analysis (Choose a minimum of two)
Profit Margin Ratio
Current Ratio
References
Abraham, S. (2012). Strategic management for organizations [Electronic version]. Retrieve
from https://content.ashford.edu/
Ashe-Edmunds, S. (n.d.). What is an annualized budget? (Links to an external site.)Links to an
external site. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/annualized-budget-42668.html
Elmerraji, J. (2017, January 30). Analyze investments quickly with ratios (Links to an external
site.)Links to an external site.. Retrieved from
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/06/ratios.asp
Running head: COVER LETTER
1
COVER LETTER
Michael Wetzel
BUS402 Strategic Management and Business Policy
Instructor: Anthony DiGaetano
February 12, 2018
Running head: COVER LETTER
2
Cover Letter
I have written to express my interest in the advertised position of the project manager in
your firm. I am a well-oriented person in matters of management and leadership since I have
been in a similar engagement for more than five years. Although my coverage was not
diversified to the whole institution, I have served as a team leader in supervision for thirteen
years. This exposed me to various challenges and abilities in handling different types of people
as well as expanding my experience and skills in leadership.
Apart from being a supervisor, I have also served as a manager for two years. This
opportunity opened my ability to offer leadership skills which are outstanding, and which meet
the criteria of a project manager. I recently have earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in project
management through which I have acquired additional skills and abilities to handle situations
and people in a professional way and produce excellent results. Therefore, I believe that I can
satisfy the requirements of the firm by providing my professional as well as technical support to
other employees who will be working with me.
Running head: COVER LETTER
3
References
Abraham, S. (2012). Strategic management for organizations [Electronic version]. Retrieved
from https://content.ashford.edu/
Shavin, N. (2014, July 16). Tips for the perfect resume and cover letter
Links to an externalsite.)Links to an external site.. Forbes. Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/naomishavin/2014/07/16/tips-for-the-perfect-resume-andcover-letter/
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