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Overview
The assignments in this course are framed around a scenario in which you are hired by a company as a consultant to provide recommendations on solving a problem or capitalizing on an opportunity. You will draw upon your knowledge and skills around operations, finance, marketing, leadership, etc. for each assignment. The assignments will be completed in a PowerPoint presentation template and will be combined into a final pitch deck for your business consulting plan that you can add to your portfolio.
In your course discussions so far, you’ve been asked to choose a company for your assignments and to start gathering data related to a challenge or opportunity the company is facing. Now you will assume the role of a consultant and provide critical data and insights that can inform your future recommendation for an effective business strategy for the company. This assignment is the first part of your business consulting plan pitch deck for the company leadership.
Instructions:
The assignment must be completed in the provided PowerPoint template.
Download and save the Week 3 Assignment Template [PPTX] Download Week 3 Assignment Template [PPTX].
Follow the guidelines provided in the Strayer Library: SWS Guidelines for Slideshow Presentations.
Review the rubric carefully before you begin working on the assignment.
Review your discussions and feedback from Weeks 1, 2, and 3. (These discussions provided specific directions on how to choose a company and how to gather important data)
Using the template, create a seven-slide presentation that will be part of a pitch deck for the company that hired you as a business consultant. Each slide should include 1-2 paragraphs of speaker notes that will be utilized to explain the content to the company leadership during your presentation. (Note: A video tutorial has been provided under the resources section below)
For Slide 1: Title slide: add the name of the company as a subtitle and your name and the date.
For slides 2 and 3 use the information and feedback from your Week 1 and 2 discussions:
Slide 2. Describe the company. When it was founded, what it does, who it serves, and its mission, and vision statements. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)
Slide 3. Explain the company’s operations, including its location, the number of employees, and the key internal executives. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)
For slide 4 use the research and feedback from your Week 3 discussion:
Slide 4. Summarize the company’s key financial data. For example, the annual revenue, cash flow, if they are operating net positive or negative, etc. In the speaker notes, clearly explain what the financial data tells you about the company. For example, what relevant insights does the data offer that could inform your recommendation in the next assignment?
For slides 5 and 6 locate or create a SWOT analysis for the company to assess its performance. (see the resources section below for help):
Slide 5. Provide a SWOT analysis for the company that can be used to assess what the company does well and where they could improve their product or service offering. The SWOT can be from an external resource or one you create. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)
Slide 6. Using the SWOT analysis determine at least two challenges or areas of opportunity the company may be experiencing. Provide supporting evidence as to why the company needs to address the challenge or opportunity. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)
Slide 7. Sources slide. Use at least three quality sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source slide at least one time within your assignment.
For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library.
Upload your completed assignment template as a PowerPoint presentation file (PPT or PPTX) and submit using the file upload function in the Week 3 Assignment.
Note: Speaker notes are not visible in the Canvas preview but will be visible when the instructor downloads them for grading.
Produce writing that is clear and well organized and applies appropriate Strayer Writing Standards (SWS) style. Writing contains accurate grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Resources
SWS Guidelines for Slideshow Presentations
The following tools available in the Strayer Library will help you with your research:
Company, Industry, and Market Research using Business Source UltimateLinks to an external site. (This resource will provide custom guidance for your research in this assignment.)
Business Source Ultimate Library Guide
Business Source Ultimate Database (Tip: Search for case studies as a document type, could also add a NAICS code based on industry and then type the type of issue into the search bar.)
Market Line Company Profiles – Type the company name in the 2nd field. (Note: Your company may or may not be listed here.)
SWOT analyses can often be found under publication type
Library of Congress Research GuidesLinks to an external site. (See their left-hand menu.)
Strayer Library: SWOT Analysis Guide
Sample SWOT Analyses: (Click “PDF Full Text” in the left menu for each item)
Amazon.com, Inc.
Apple, Inc.
The following websites can provide helpful data on budgets and spending:
U.S. National Debt: Implications for Organizations
Government spending (Mind map)
Fiscal Data US Treasury Dept.Links to an external site.
USA SpendingLinks to an external site.
Discussion 1:
Michael Eaker
Oct 6 11:11am
Last reply Oct 6 10:12pm
Reply from Michael Eaker
Hi Professor and class,
My name is Michael Eaker. I was a member of the US Army for 6 years. I’ve worked for the company I am with for 12 years and have slowly climbed the chain. For the last 2 years, I have been the Continuous Improvement/Safety Leader. Throughout my business program, I’ve gained valuable insights into strategic planning, the S-Curve for business growth, and the importance of innovation and adaptation in today’s fast-paced environment. One of the key concepts I’ve focused on is how companies can evolve during different phases of growth, using the S-Curve model to avoid stagnation by fostering innovation and being adaptable to changes.
For my consulting project, I’ve chosen Hershey, a company founded in 1894. Hershey’s mission is to “Make more moments of goodness,” and its vision is centered around bringing sweet moments of happiness to the world every day. They are a leading player in the confectionery industry, producing chocolate, candy, and snacks for a global market. Hershey serves a diverse customer base, including both direct consumers and retailers.
I chose Hershey because they have successfully navigated various phases of the S-Curve over more than a century, constantly adapting to changes in consumer preferences and expanding into new product lines and markets. Their commitment to innovation while maintaining a strong brand identity is a compelling example of long-term business success.
I look forward to learning from all of you and sharing more insights as we go along!
Discussion 2:
Michael Eaker
Oct 12 8:35pm
Last reply Oct 13 9:29pm
Reply from Michael Eaker
Hi Professor and Class,
Headquarters Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Store Locations: Hershey operates globally, with products sold in over 90 countries. It also runs iconic retail locations like Hershey’s Chocolate World stores in Pennsylvania, New York City, and Las Vegas.
Number of Employees: As of recent data, Hershey employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide.
Key Internal Executives:
Michele Buck – Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Steven Voskuil – Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Kristen Riggs – Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer (CGO)
Damien Atkins – Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
Chuck Raup – Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Anticipated Focus of the Consultation:
I anticipate that the focus of my consultation will be on operations and growth strategy, particularly in expanding market share and responding to shifts in consumer demand, such as the increasing preference for healthier snacks. Hershey has already made strides in diversifying its portfolio, but there are ongoing opportunities to innovate within its operations to maintain a competitive advantage.
How I Can Apply My Knowledge and Skills:
Operations and Technology: With my problem-solving and technology skills, I can help identify and implement solutions that optimize production efficiency or supply chain management, enabling Hershey to produce at lower costs while maintaining high quality.
Leadership and Strategic Planning: I will apply leadership skills to engage with Hershey’s management team, align strategic goals, and recommend effective organizational changes or new product strategies.
Marketing and Consumer Trends: Using my understanding of marketing, I can offer insights on how Hershey can further tap into emerging markets or consumer segments, using data-driven marketing strategies.
Resources:
https://www.thehersheycompany.com/
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