Harlequin Case 1.   Apply the VRIO framework to Harlequin in series romance fiction.  Why has Harlequin been so successful?a.   What is your assessment of Harlequin’s value chain?  How does H

Harlequin Case 

1.   Apply the VRIO framework to Harlequin in series romance fiction.  Why has Harlequin been so successful?

a.   What is your assessment of Harlequin’s value chain?  How does Harlequin create and capture value?

b.   How difficult is it to imitate what Harlequin does in series fiction?  Why?  How likely are competitors to imitate Harlequin?

2.   What is your assessment of the single-title market opportunity for Harlequin?  

a.   Does Harlequin have the necessary capabilities to compete in this market?  

b.   Can Harlequin create a competitive advantage in single-series fiction?

3.   Should Harlequin enter the single series market?

Strategic Case Write-up Grading Criteria –The purpose of the case study is to let you apply the concepts from the course to issues facing a specific company. Most often you will need to read the case several times—once to grasp the overall picture of what is happening to the company and then several more times to discover and assess the specific problems. Case analyses must address the questions assigned for that particular case and apply the theory and concepts from the relevant chapter(s).  To receive full credit, the case analysis should: 

(1) Demonstrate polished formatting, spelling and grammar, 

(2) Define central issues and/or answer the assigned questions, 

(3) Support your position (provide specific examples), 

(4) Relate chapter concepts to evidence from the case and 

(5) Make clear and concise recommendations expressing what you believe to be the appropriate course of action. 

Formatting guidelines for case write-ups are: 

(1) Two to five double-spaced pages, not including exhibits;

(2) One (1) inch margins;

(3) Twelve point (12pt) font

(4) Figures, tables, and exhibits (e.g. financial analysis, 5-forces analysis, VRIO analysis) are expected and can be included in an appendix to these analyses and are not counted against the page limit. Be certain to appropriately reference your exhibits in the body of the case analysis. Do NOT draw on sources of information about the company outside the case materials.