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The Case in this course is an ongoing case, which means that we have been taking an intensive look at one company over the course of 5 modules. This term, we conducted a strategic analysis of Southwest Airlines. In order to be best prepared and perform well on the cases, it is highly recommended that you complete the background readings and the SLP before writing the case.
In Module 5, we will conclude the case study process by researching Southwest Airline’s strategic controls and their fit with the company’s chosen strategy.
Keys to the Assignment
Step One. Review your Case papers from Modules 1-4 so that you are familiar with the mission, vision, SWOT, strategy, and strategic choices you have identified over the course of the class.
Step Two. Research the structure, systems, people, and culture at Southwest Airlines. Use the responses you provided in the SLP as a guideline. You will not be able to get answers to every single question, but you will need to answer at least one or two for each component.
Step Three. Describe Southwest Airline’s organizational design, key strategic control systems, primary human resources concerns, and cultural factors, and the effect that these have had on the implementation of Southwest Airline’s strategy.
Step Four. In a 4-5 page paper, critically evaluate the fit – or the lack of fit – between the company’s mission, strategy, and organizational components critical to implementation. Do these components complement the strategy? Why or why not?
Step Five: Consider the Case as a formal business report that you are developing for the Board of Directors and CEO as Southwest Airline’s consultant. This is a professional document. Follow the format below:
Executive summary: a synopsis of the main points, conclusions and recommendations made in the longer report. If you have never written an executive summary before, or would like a refresher, check this website: http://www.highendfinance.com/CommercialLoans/Docs/07-4%20ES%20Guidelines.doc
Introduction: State the main purpose of the paper (thesis statement), what you hope to accomplish, and how you will go about doing it.
Main Body: The “meat” of the paper. Emphasize analysis, not just description. Delineate separate topics or sections with headings.
Conclusion: Summarize your paper in the light of your thesis statement.
Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated on the following seven (7) points:
Precision – Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?
Breadth – Is the full breadth of the subject, i.e., all the keys to the assignment, addressed?
Depth – Does the paper address all elements of the topic in sufficient depth? Does it include and apply the background readings and other background resources? Are they included as references?
Critical thinking – Are the concepts of the module applied accurately, logically, and relevantly?
Organization – Is the paper organized in a coherent and systematic manner? Are headings included in all papers greater than 2 pages?
Clarity – Is the writing clear and the concepts articulated properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of response to the questions, or are thoughts conveyed through excessive use of quotations?
Referencing (citations and references) – Does the paper use citations and quotation marks where appropriate? Are all references listed in the bibliography used and referred to via citation?
Tips and Suggestions
Business school case-study assignments are meant to offer practice opportunities for future business people who are earning their MBA degrees. Consider yourself a consultant hired by the company to make these critical assessments. There are no right or wrong answers to the Case question, so long as your position is well-defended.
Study the theoretical concepts provided you in the Background Materials section of the module, and identify main strategy concepts.
Include a cover page and reference page, in addition to the 4-5 pages of analysis described above.
Include headings for all papers greater than 2 pages (basically all papers).
Cite AND reference all sources that you use in your work, including those that you do not quote but paraphrase. This means include citations and quotation marks for direct quotes of more than 5 words, and citations for that information which you have “borrowed” or paraphrased from other sources.
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