Instructions This assignment utilizes a case depicting a real-life situation of which you will conduct a detailed case analysis. This will involve reading the provided case, researching the company, i

Running head: TITLE OF PAPER 0

Title

Ivy L. Hicks

Columbia Southern University

Unit IV Case Analysis

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the subheadings as provided below. Be sure to remove the bullet points and write your case study in paragraph form.

Introduction

• Provide a brief introduction of the case.

Organizational Background

• Provide information about the company, product, and industry.

Situation Analysis

• What are the details of the situation? Make sure to include who, what, why, when, how.

• What are current or future organizational issues at IBM?

• Perform a competitive analysis identifying a minimum of three competitors and comparing each of a list of attributes. Explain how IBMs leaders drive competitive advantage. How does this impact their business strategies?

• Perform an industry analysis demonstrating the health of the industry (research and supporting quantitative information required).

• The use of analysis tools such as PESTEL, SWOT, or Porter’s Five Forces would be appropriate here.

Problem

• Identify and provide a thorough explanation of the perceived and underlying problems as well as the potential long-term effects.

Alternatives

• What are several potential solutions or business strategies to solving these organizational issues at IBM? Include a minimum of three alternatives with multiple advantages/disadvantages of each applying the strengths and weaknesses within the company (Alternative 1, Alternative 2… using bullet points is fine)

• Discuss common considerations. What are the decision options? Are some stronger than others? What is at stake with each of these considerations?

• What is the role of innovation at IBM with respect to compiling an effective strategic plan?

• Are there ethical ramifications within any of these potential solutions?

Recommendation and Implementation

• Choose which of the alternatives would provide the best solution to the problem and provide thorough rationale. Use of decision-making tools would be appropriate here.

• Explain how would you implement within the company?

Conclusion

• Simply summarize your case in 1-2 paragraphs.

References

• Reference the source of the case.

• Reference additional resources you used in your evaluation. Remember that the assignment has a minimum requirement of five references. Each must have at least one corresponding in-text citation.