DUE DATE: May 3, 2022, by 11:59PM (Submit on Canvas) For this assignment, you wi – graduate researcher

DUE DATE: May 3, 2022, by 11:59PM (Submit on Canvas)
For this assignment, you will develop a formal written analysis of an organization of your choosing. The analysis will consist of two parts. In the first, you will analyze the company’s current overall strategic positioning/situation by applying the SWOT framework. In the second, you will complete an in-depth analysis of another organizational management issue faced by the organization. You will choose the issue you focus on, but it must (a) connect to one or more topics we covered in the course and (b) be justified – i.e., you must provide evidence to show why this issue is particularly salient for your chosen organization. (Note: The SWOT analysis might itself help with part (b).)
Note that you must choose a real organization and your analysis should be based on real information that you find by researching the company (e.g., online). It can be an organization you are or have been a part of (e.g., a place you work) or just an organization you are interested in learning more about. Throughout the paper, you should include citations that support your argument. Sources should be cited using APA format. (Links to an external site.)
Although there is not a specific length requirement, I anticipate submissions will be roughly 5 – 7 pages long, assuming double-spacing and 12-point Times New Roman font.
Your analysis should contain the following sections.
Section 1: Introduction (1-3 paragraphs)
Write a brief history of the organization. Be sure to explain what the organization “is” and what it “does”. For example: How does the organization make money? What does it sell? To whom? Where does it operate? What does its mission statement say?
Section 2: SWOT Analysis
In this section you will complete a SWOT analysis of your chosen organization. Note that for many organizations it will be possible to find an existing SWOT analysis online. You should not simply submit such an analysis. This needs to be original work. In other words, although you might use (and cite) such resources for inspiration, your SWOT needs to include your own analysis. The SWOT analysis should include the following subsections:
Strengths (2 paragraphs)
Thoroughly explain at least two strengths of the organization. For each strength:
Explain why it should be considered a distinctive competence for the organization
Discuss how the organization is currently leveraging this strength (give examples)
You should have a minimum of a full paragraph for the discussion of each strength – bullet points are NOT acceptable
Weaknesses (2 paragraphs)
Thoroughly explain at least two weaknesses of the organization. For each weakness:
Explain why it should be considered a significant weakness of the organization
Discuss what the organization could do to minimize that weakness. Be specific (e.g., by providing examples)
You should have a minimum of a full paragraph for the discussion of each weakness – bullet points are NOT acceptable
Opportunities (2 paragraphs)
Thoroughly research and analyze at least two opportunities that the organization is facing. Note that each opportunity should stem from forces in the organization’s external environment. For each opportunity:
Clearly describe each opportunity and how it is connected to/reflective of the external environment
Explain how this opportunity is likely to impact the organization. Be sure to use evidence to support your answer
Explain how this opportunity is likely to impact the organization’s competitors. Be sure to use evidence to support your answer
You should have a minimum of a full paragraph for the discussion of each opportunity – bullet points are NOT acceptable
Threats (2 paragraphs)
Thoroughly research and analyze at least two threats that the organization is facing. Note that each threat should stem from forces in the organization’s external environment. For each threat:
Clearly describe each threat and how it is connected to/reflective of the external environment
Explain how this threat is likely to impact the organization. Be sure to use evidence to support your answer
Explain how this threat is likely to impact the organization’s competitors. Be sure to use evidence to support your answer
You should have a minimum of a full paragraph for the discussion of each threat – bullet points are NOT acceptable
Analysis of Opportunities and Threats (2-4 paragraphs)
Discuss how the organization can capitalize on the opportunities and mitigate the threats you identified above. Explain to what extent your recommendations are consistent with the strengths and weaknesses you identified. Note that your analysis and recommendations should be written in paragraph format – bullet points are NOT acceptable.
Section 3: Issue Analysis
In this section of the paper, you should identify and analyze what you believe is the most salient, pressing issue facing the organization. The issue should connect to one or more topics we have discussed in class. For example, perhaps you conclude that the organization is not effectively motivating and rewarding employees, which is resulting in poor performance and low morale. Or, perhaps you conclude that the organization has failed to recognize the need for and keep pace with technological change, which has caused it to fall behind competitors and/or out of step with the market. These are just examples. The issue you address should be driven by your research and analysis. This section of the paper should contain the following elements:
Statement of Issue (1 paragraph)
Clearly and concisely explain the issue you are addressing. Why, in general, is it important to organizational performance?
Explanation and Evidence (2-3 paragraphs)
Justify why you are focusing on this particular issue. What evidence demonstrates that it is a significant challenge for the organization (note, this should include secondary sources, not just your own opinion). How and why is the issue harming organizational performance?
Analysis and Recommendations (2-3 paragraphs)
How do you recommend the organization address the issue(s) you have identified? What is your rationale for these recommendations (i.e., what will they accomplish and why)? You should draw from course material to justify your recommendations. Although it is not required, you might also find it useful to cite additional research and evidence.