Each group will pick a publicly-traded company (i.e., your client) and ask a strategic question for the firm. This strategic question should involve a binary (“yes” or “no”) decision. (For example, “Should company x enter this space y?” or “Should company x merge with company y?”).
Be creative! It can be a company you want to work for.
As consultants, you must thoroughly evaluate your client’s competitive situation and prepare (a) a 3-page summary report for the client’s senior executive team and (b) a presentation outlining your analysis and strategic recommendations. Based on what you have learned in the course, you should clearly deliver and support your recommendations for improving the client’s competitive position.
On the week of October 30th and November 6th, I will be available for 10-15-minute meetings for each group. This meeting is not mandatory but it is meant to help you get started on thinking about the final project.
There will be 6-9 groups in each section. When each group presents, everyone else in the class serves as the Board of Director of the client companies. You will be evaluated not just on your presentation, but also on your role as board member. The presentation, including Q & A, will last 20 - 25 minutes total (15 minutes for presentation + 10 minutes for Q & A). Presentation dates will be assigned mid-semester.
Each group will deliver (a) a 3-page executive summary report, (b) electronic and paper copies of all presentation materials and (c) a comprehensive reference list of all sources, including but not limited to books, databases, articles, websites, individual interviews and correspondence, television programs, etc. All deliverables must be emailed by one group member to the instructor by 8 am on the scheduled presentation date.
