Small Business Consulting Project Guidelines GM105 Strategic Management Fall 2009 Professor Han

Two Tracks A small business that group members choose A small business assigned to you by the instructor

Milestones Complete Phase I (Initial Client Interview) by Monday, Oct 12. Complete Phase II (Analysis) by Monday, Nov 2. Complete Phase III (Recommendations) by Monday, Nov 16. Complete first draft of final report by Monday, Nov 30. Final report is due on Wed, Dec 9.

Phase I: Initial Client Interview First visit - All members go Elect a project manager & an alternate Keep track of time spent by each member Tell client your role and output Have client sign “Waiver of Liability” form Leave Client Banking Survey form Learn the business – Ask questions and request information using question checklist

Phase I: Initial Client Interview Question Checklist Ownership Employees Organizational structure Products/Services Selling area Competition Performance Strategic objectives Financial objectives Any questions that you think are relevant

Phase II (Analysis) Use both the I/O View and the Resource-based View to analyze the case. Check out Lecture 2 slides: Critical Steps in Business Landscape Analysis to apply the I/O view; evaluate the fit between the firm’s strategic goals and its competitive position in the marketplace. Use the Resource-based View to analyze the firm’s resources and capabilities and identify its core competencies; evaluate the fit between the firm’s strategic goals and its resources and capabilities.

Phase III: Strategic Recommendations Developed from the I/O view: How could the organization improve its market position (think about strategic group, market niche, customer base, and value chain, etc.) Developed from the Resource-based View: How should the organization create and upgrade its resources and capabilities that are difficult for others to imitate

Phase III: Functional-Level Recommendations What actions should the organization take to better handle its five forces. Only focus on the forces (e.g., customers, suppliers, rivals) that are relevant to the organization. What actions should the organization take to make itself more effective and efficient (think about the most critical aspects of operations, e.g., marketing, finance, information systems, human resources)

Final Report: Basic Requirements 20-30 pages (not including exhibits, tables and graphs) Double space Appropriate headings Be straightforward in the opening section Be clear, comprehensive and precise in the analysis section Be creative and pragmatic in the recommendations section

Final Report: Structure Cover page Table of contents Section I: Summary (background information, methodology used, key issues identified, key findings and key recommendations) Section II: Analysis Section III: Recommendations Appendix (optional)

Final Report: Grading Criteria Ability to identify key issues facing the organization Appropriate use of relevant theories and models to analyze the case Creativity and feasibility of strategic and functional-level recommendations Appropriate use of evidence to support analysis and recommendations Overall writing style and skills

What to Submit Waiver of Liability Form (10/12) Hard Copy of Final Report for Client (12/9) Electronic Copy of Final Report for Instructor (12/9; email to hans@csus.edu) The following materials should be submitted to Prof. Seung Bach (bachs@csus.edu; 278-7125), Tahoe Hall 2036, on Dec 7th or 9th between 11:50am and 1:20pm. Hard Copy of Final Report for Instructor Banking Survey Student Time Log Client Sign-off Form Note: Write group members’ names on each of these documents that you submit.