executive summary communicate key findings W r i t i n g

executive summary communicate key findings W r i t i n g

Strategic Report, 3000 words

In this assessment, students should critically analyse the construct of strategic leadership with The Walt Disney company from January 2015 to February 2020 (pre-Covid 19). Students need to determine whether the strategic decisions and actions at the time was the best approach to ensure Disney’s ongoing (and future) success.

  • The Walt Disney Company (MH0070).
  • Reawakening the Magic: Bob Iger and the Walt Disney Company (717483)
  • Case Flash Forward: Walt Disney Company (6060)
  • Students are required to make reference to at least eight (8) academic journals.
  • The word limit is 3000 words maximum, excluding the reference list. Everything else must be included – figures and tables within the 3000-word limit (there is no +/- 10% applied to this assessment).
  • External Environment Analysis*
  • Internal Environment Analysis*
  • Stakeholder Analysis*
  • SWOT Analysis*
  • Strategic Leadership Analysis*
  • Recommendations*
  • Executive Summary*, Introduction* and Conclusion*
  • Communications Quality
  • Structure and format
  • References*, research range and quality

Further, two more cases have been provided for supporting insight:

All cases can be used for the basis of analysis and insight. It is also expected that students will research beyond the cases and access other industry/public sources.

Guidelines and presentation requirements:

•Students are required to incorporate theories/concepts/ and illustrative examples wherever necessary.

•It is important that the assignment reflects a student’s own understanding of relevant literature. An effective integration of these materials to the discussion is vital.

•Students should research beyond the case but must focus on the stated time-period. No need to discuss current events unless it is directly relevant.

•The report must be succinct, well-structured and well-argued. The clarity of expression and the consistent use of references must be maintained throughout. Proper use of grammar and spelling should be adhered to, so it does not distract readers.

•You are welcome to use figures and tables in your report, their relevance must be explained in your discussion.

•Referencing and other structural issues must be maintained carefully. Submissions with incomplete or incorrect referencing will be penalised. Referencing should follow APA format, preferably 6th edition. 10 marks deducted if missing either in-text references (citations) or the reference list. 20 marks deducted if missing both in-text references (citations) and the reference list.

Proper and consistent use and citation of references (APA style).

•Appendices can be used but will not be assessed, all critical information must be in the relevant sections of the report.

Please consider the following as you prepare your report (* The starred (*) items can be used as section headings in your report):

What frameworks (for example, PESTEL) can you use as the basis for analysis of the macro environment? What key insights can you offer from this analysis?

What frameworks (for example, Porters 5 forces + Complements and Co-Opetition) can you use as the basis for analysis of industry and strategic groups? What key insights can you offer from this analysis?

(Hint: Be careful not to spend too much time/word count here, view from a strategic leadership perspective)

What frameworks (for example, VRIO) can you use as the basis for analysis? What key insights can you offer from this analysis?

(Be careful not to spend too much time/word count here, view from a strategic leadership perspective)

What frameworks (for example, stakeholder impact analysis) can you use for the basis for analysis? What key insights can you offer from this analysis?

(Be careful not to spend too much time/word count here, view from a strategic leadership perspective)

Based on the above, what will be the implications from your SWOT analysis? In terms of priorities, what is important to focus on? What key insights came from this analysis?

(Hint: Be careful not to spend too much time/word count here, view from a strategic leadership perspective)

What theories, concepts or frameworks enable deep analysis of strategic leadership in the organisation? What key insights from this analysis? This must be based on theories taught in MGF5928 Strategic Leadership only. Has academic literature been used to analyse data and information for key insights? Is it relevant? Does it add value to the report? Does it reflect your understanding of the literature and support your argument? (Hint: This is a critical part of the report. Deep insight from analysis)

What would you recommend for the organisation’s strategic leadership approach based on previous analysis?

(Hint: Recommendations should be stated clearly and succinctly and the rationale for each recommendation should link back to the relevant analysis. While a relatively short section, it is an important section)

Does the Executive summary communicate key findings of the report appropriately? Does the introduction set up the aim of the report, provide insight into the basis of the case and enough background for the reader to understand the purpose of the report overall in an appropriate manner? Does the conclusion reiterate key points from the report and bring the report to a close appropriately?

(Hint: Be careful not to spend too much time/word count here)

Have you communicated the analysis and recommendations clearly and succinctly? Has the document been proof-read for grammar and expression? Does it make sense and the reader is able to understand what you are communicating?

Is the structure logical and makes sense for the reader to follow? Does it include a title page (with name and ID)/ Contents? Have all the relevant sections been included. Does the report make sense as one document from title page to reference list.? Does it read as one report, not a set of sections? Do the sections flow from each other well? Has it been saved as a PDF?

Have at least eight (8) journal articles been referenced. Are these from good quality journals? More than eight is highly encouraged. Have other commercial/public sources also been drawn on? Do these references add value to the report? Have you included in-text references and a reference list? Is it in a consistent format and completed correctly throughout your report? Is it in APA 6th edition format?