Issue Identification (5%): Identification of the problem/issue that must be resolved or decision that must be made. Phrase the problem/cause in the...

1. Issue Identification (5%): Identification of the problem/issue that must be resolved or decision that must be made. Phrase the problem/cause in the most succinct way possible. Think about:
2. Differentiating the immediate from the basic problem
3. The implications of the problem(s)
4. Identifying the root cause of the problem(s)
5. Determining the decision facing the key person(s)?
6. Identification of Key Success Factors (10%): Identify the company-specific factors in point form that are absolutely critical to the success of the organization. These are the factors that, if ignored, will mean the project will probably fail. Include the following considerations:
7. What factors must be managed successfully for the company to prosper?
8. Key success factors should reflect the top priorities of the organization in this particular case (eg., quality, productivity, low cost leader, etc.)
9. These factors are part of the criteria against which you will evaluate solutions (along with basic criteria such as profit)
10. Identification of Alternatives (5%): Identify alternative solutions. Only deal with feasible alternatives. In the next three sections, analyse all alternatives against criteria set out in key success factors and basic requirements (eg., profitability).
11. Quantitative Analysis (40%): Push numbers in an analysis that is relevant to the issue at hand. Differentiate between what is relevant and what is irrelevant.
12. Qualitative Analysis (30%): Be sure to analyze qualitative issues - they need discussion in most cases. In particular, analyze alternatives in light of key success factors - will this alternative solve the problem and fit with our key success factors.
13. Recommendation on Course of Action (5%): State your recommendation. State briefly the justification for your recommended course of action. Make sure your recommendation flows out of your quantitative and qualitative analyses. Tie your recommendation back to the key success factors. The solution and implementation shout fit with problems and criteria identified above.
14. Circumvention of Potential Problems (5%): If there could be problems with your recommendations, state them. As well, suggest ways to overcome these problems - a contingency plan to address potential difficulties.

There is no set length to the report, but clear, succinct and concise language and organization will be considered favourably in the grade.