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Discussion: Macy’s Grand Strategy

 

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Recently, Macy’s announced the combined closing of over 125 stores and the layoff of approximately 2,000 workers nationwide. 

Do some research on Macy’s. Visit IBISWorld and research the U.S. Department Store Industry, then address the following: 

1. Describe the specific strategies that you believe Macy’s has followed in the past 3 years.

2. Discuss why the strategies of this company appear to be failing (why are they now needing to close so many stores?). 

3. Are the strategies of the company you selected flawed? If so, why? If not, what else is the cause of the multiple store closures on the part of both companies? 

Discussion Assignment Expectations 

To receive full credit for the discussion, you must complete the following: 

1. Enter a minimum of 3 quality posts: Your own initial/original post of 200 words or more and responses of at least 100 words to 2 classmates. 

2. Cite at least one source in your initial post.

3. Provide a References section at the bottom of your original post in APA 7 style. 

Grading Note: 

At Trident University International, rubrics are used for grading. These rubrics specify the points available for each component of an assignment. Points are earned based on the level of the work submitted. The rubric in the Discussion Dropbox is used for this Discussion Assignment. 

 

Module 3 – Case

GRAND STRATEGY SELECTION

Assignment Overview

The Module 3 Case Assignment requires that you use the various Grand Strategy selection matrices to select the grand strategy (or strategies) that the General Motors Corporation should follow.  

 

Case Assignment 

List the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for General Motors Corporation using IBIS World (Car & Automobile Manufacturing in the US: 33611A). Search the Navigation Tabs (Competitive Landscape, Major Companies, Industry at a Glance, Industry Performance, and Industry Outlook) to develop your SWOT Analysis. 

Review the SWOT Analysis Diagram (Slide 4 of the 

Grand Strategy Selection Matrices

 PowerPoint presentation). In which cell do you believe General Motors belongs? Defend your answer. 

Next, using the Grand Strategy Selection Matrix (Slide 7), determine the grand strategy (or grand strategies) that should be pursued by General Motors. Discuss the assumptions you have made in applying the Grand Strategy Selection Matrix (i.e., explain why you chose “overcome weaknesses” vs. “maximize strengths” and why you chose “internally directed” vs. “externally directed”). 

Next, apply the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters (Slide 8) to General Motors. Discuss the assumptions you made in applying the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters to General Motors (i.e., rapid vs. slow growth; weak versus strong competitive position). 

Finally, apply the BCG Matrix (Slide 10) to General Motors’ core strategic choices. Again, discuss your assumptions for choosing (e.g., high versus low market share). Is General Motors a Dog, Cash Cow, Star, or Question Mark? 

Compare your results from the Grand Strategy Selection Matrix (Step 2), the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters (Step 3), and the BCG Matrix (Step 4). How do your results compare? 

Conclude your written analysis by stating which grand strategy (or strategies) General Motors should follow and why. Defend your answer.

Assignment Expectations

· The minimum length requirement for this Case Assignment is 5 full pages (excluding Title and Reference pages), to include 3 scholarly sources. 

· Provide an APA-formatted title page. Use the 

APA 7 Template

.   

· The 5 full pages will include an introduction, body of work with 3 scholarly sources cited to support your work, and a conclusion (that aligns with your purpose statement, summarizes each section, and then wraps up into a final thought).

· Provide an APA7 formatted References Page (See APA 7 “References” section at 

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/

 ).

· Upload your paper to the Case Dropbox before the assignment due date.

· Proofread your work.

 

Also, see the sources below for APA and Student Support Services: 

·

Student Support Resources

  

· Trident

 Introduction to APA 

·

Understanding Plagiarism

 

Grading Note: 

At Trident University International, rubrics are used for grading. These rubrics specify the points available for each component of an assignment. Points are earned based on the level of the work submitted. The rubric in the Case Dropbox is used for this Case Assignment. 

Module 3 – SLP

GRAND STRATEGY SELECTION

For purposes of the Module 3 SLP, you are a Strategic Management consultant. Your client is a major competitor in the Amusement Park industry and CEO of Sea World Parks and Entertainment, Incorporated.

Your client has an extensive number of strengths, a solid image, an emerging market share in the industry, excellent cash flow, and a very low long-term debt-to-equity ratio. Because your client’s company is renowned in the industry, the organization has also managed to attract and retain the most talented people working in the industry. Finally, the company’s approach to marketing is second to none. 

While your client is clearly aware of its internal strengths, the organization is still unclear relative to whether the company should pursue a “Grow” (a more aggressive) strategy or a “Hold” (a more passive) strategy.  

1. Your client has engaged you to do some research on the industry (use IBISWorld and other current publications in the library). In IBISWorld: Amusement Parks in the U.S. (713110, be sure to review the sections: “Industry Questions” and “Industry Issues” in addition to other key information and industry data. 

2. Perform a SWOT Analysis for the company and determine the relative attractiveness of the industry as a whole. 

3. Using the G.E./McKinsey Matrix, decide whether your client should pursue a “Grow” or a “Hold” strategy and discuss recommendations for action. 

4. Finally, use the Model of Grand Strategy Clusters to recommend a grand strategy that your client should pursue. Be sure to justify your choice.

  

SLP Assignment Expectations

1. The minimum length requirement for this Module SLP Assignment is 3 full pages (excluding Title and Reference pages), to include 2 scholarly sources. 

2. Provide an APA-formatted title page. Use the 

APA 7 Template

.

3. The 3 full pages will include an introduction, body of work with 2 scholarly sources cited to support your work, and a conclusion (that aligns with your purpose statement, summarizes each section, and then wraps up into a final thought).

4. Provide an APA7-formatted References Page (See APA 7 “References” section at 

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/

 ).

5. Upload your paper to the SLP Dropbox before the assignment due date.

6. Proofread your work. 

 Also, see the sources below for APA and Student Support Services: 

·

Student Support Resources

  

· Trident

 Introduction to APA 

·

Understanding Plagiarism

 

  

Grading Note: 

At Trident University International, rubrics are used for grading. These rubrics specify the points available for each component of an assignment. Points are earned based on the level of the work submitted. The rubric in the SLP Dropbox is used for this SLP Assignment. 

Module 3

Required

Grand Strategy Selection Matrices

Optional Reading

Pearce, J. A., II. (1982). Selecting among alternative grand strategies. 
California Management Review (Pre-1986), 24(000003), 23. Retrieved from the Trident Online Library.

Dahlin, E.; Nelson, G. M.; Haynes, M.; Sargeant, F. (2016). Success rates for product development strategies in new drug development. 
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, 41(2), 198-202. Retrieved from EBSCO-Academic Search Complete.

Dean Foods will process, distribute Organic Valley milk. (2016). 
Dairy Foods, 
117(12), 18. Retrieved from EBSCO-Business Source Complete.

Routroy, S., & Shankar, A. (2014). A study of apparel supply chain risks. 
IUP Journal of Supply Chain Management, 
11(2), 52-69. Retrieved from EBSCO-Business Source Complete.

Wilson, N. E. (2015). Local market structure and strategic organizational form choices: Evidence from gasoline stations. 
International Journal of The Economics of Business, 
22(1), 119-140. Retrieved from EBSCO-Business Source Complete.

Sweeney, C. (2016). Dow, Dow Corning streamline operations. 
Rubber & Plastics News, 
45(25), 0004. Retrieved from EBSCO-Business Source Complete.

Frankel, D. (2016). CableLabs’ McKinney: Group to lay off 27 in first-ever restructuring. 
Fierce Cable, 2. Retrieved from EBSCO-Business Source Complete.

Stein, N. (2016). Diversify to grow success. 
Horticulture Week, 28.

1

Assignment Title

Student Name

College/Department Name, Trident University International

Course Number: Course Name

Professor Name

Date

[Notes provided throughout for additional clarity. Ensure to remove notes before submission.]

32

Assignment Title Here

[Titles and 1st Level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Do not begin with an Introduction heading. The introduction paragraph(s) should orient the reader to all of the concepts presented in the sections that follow. Begin the first line indented, one line below the assignment title. Ensure to provide appropriate in-text citations in the following manner: Students may synthesize information from a resource and cite the resource at the end (Author & Second, YYYY). Students may also provide the authors in the sentence by stating that Author and Second (YYYY) explain certain information in this manner. For more than two authors, use Author et al. (YYYY) format or end statement (Author et al., YYYY). See APA Manual for additional formats of in-text citations. Each citation should have a corresponding reference in the reference list. Each reference in the reference list must also have at least one corresponding in-text citation.]

Theme/Topic Heading

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]
Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]

[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading

[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]
Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]
[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]
[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

[Each new topic should begin with a first level heading. Provide second level and third level headings, as necessary.]

Summary or Conclusion

[Summary or Conclusion heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Summarize key points presented in throughout the assignment.]

Example of tables provided:

Table 1
Caption for Table 1

Header

Header

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text texttext text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Note. Briefly describe what the Table represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

Example of figures provided: (note that if it would not fit in the space provided, the entire Table or Figure is moved the next page; if Table or Figure if longer than one page, ensure title appears with the beginning of the Table or Figure):

Figure 1
Case Study Research

Note. This figure defines the case study design by Yin (2018). Briefly describe what the Figure represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

References

[References heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold.]

Ahn, J. (2004). Electronic portfolios: Blending technology, accountability and assessment.
T.H.E. Journal, 31(9), 12-18. https://thejournal.com/Articles/2004/04/01/Electronic-Portfolios-Blending-Technology-Accountability–Assessment.aspx

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology.
Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

U.S. Government Printing Office. (2006). Catalog of U.S. Government publications: New electronic titles.

Winslade, J., & Monk, G. (2001).
Narrative mediation: A new approach to conflict resolution. Jossey-Bass.

Yin, R. K. (2018).
Case study research and applications:

Design

and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Note: All resources cited in the assignment must be included in the list of references. For each reference listed, there must be at least one corresponding citation within the body of the text, and vice-versa. Double space references in the reference list. Resources longer than one line of text should provide a hanging indent of 1/2 inch of subsequent lines. Sort in alpha surname/title order. Only capitalize the first word of the title and of the subtitle, if any. Do not bold the title. Know when to italicize and when not to (i.e., periodical/non-periodical/publication versus book/report/paper). Italicize volume numbers. Please refer to the
APA Publication Manual for guidance.APA requires a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) be provided, if one has been assigned.

See below for the updated APA headings guideline:

Level 1

Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 2

Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 3 

Left-Aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading 

Level 4

Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading with a Period
.
 
Begin body text after the period. 

Level 5

Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading with a Period.
 Begin body text after the period. 

Plan

Design

Prepare

Collect

Analyze

Share

1

Assignment Title

Student Name

College/Department Name, Trident University International

Course Number: Course Name

Professor Name

Date

[Notes provided throughout for additional clarity. Ensure to remove notes before submission.]

32

Assignment Title Here

[Titles and 1st Level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Do not begin with an Introduction heading. The introduction paragraph(s) should orient the reader to all of the concepts presented in the sections that follow. Begin the first line indented, one line below the assignment title. Ensure to provide appropriate in-text citations in the following manner: Students may synthesize information from a resource and cite the resource at the end (Author & Second, YYYY). Students may also provide the authors in the sentence by stating that Author and Second (YYYY) explain certain information in this manner. For more than two authors, use Author et al. (YYYY) format or end statement (Author et al., YYYY). See APA Manual for additional formats of in-text citations. Each citation should have a corresponding reference in the reference list. Each reference in the reference list must also have at least one corresponding in-text citation.]

Theme/Topic Heading

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]
Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]

[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading

[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]
Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]
[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]
[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

[Each new topic should begin with a first level heading. Provide second level and third level headings, as necessary.]

Summary or Conclusion

[Summary or Conclusion heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Summarize key points presented in throughout the assignment.]

Example of tables provided:

Table 1
Caption for Table 1

Header

Header

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text texttext text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Note. Briefly describe what the Table represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

Example of figures provided: (note that if it would not fit in the space provided, the entire Table or Figure is moved the next page; if Table or Figure if longer than one page, ensure title appears with the beginning of the Table or Figure):

Figure 1
Case Study Research

Note. This figure defines the case study design by Yin (2018). Briefly describe what the Figure represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

References

[References heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold.]

Ahn, J. (2004). Electronic portfolios: Blending technology, accountability and assessment.
T.H.E. Journal, 31(9), 12-18. https://thejournal.com/Articles/2004/04/01/Electronic-Portfolios-Blending-Technology-Accountability–Assessment.aspx

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology.
Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

U.S. Government Printing Office. (2006). Catalog of U.S. Government publications: New electronic titles.

Winslade, J., & Monk, G. (2001).
Narrative mediation: A new approach to conflict resolution. Jossey-Bass.

Yin, R. K. (2018).
Case study research and applications:

Design

and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Note: All resources cited in the assignment must be included in the list of references. For each reference listed, there must be at least one corresponding citation within the body of the text, and vice-versa. Double space references in the reference list. Resources longer than one line of text should provide a hanging indent of 1/2 inch of subsequent lines. Sort in alpha surname/title order. Only capitalize the first word of the title and of the subtitle, if any. Do not bold the title. Know when to italicize and when not to (i.e., periodical/non-periodical/publication versus book/report/paper). Italicize volume numbers. Please refer to the
APA Publication Manual for guidance.APA requires a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) be provided, if one has been assigned.

See below for the updated APA headings guideline:

Level 1

Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 2

Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 3 

Left-Aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading 

Level 4

Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading with a Period
.
 
Begin body text after the period. 

Level 5

Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading with a Period.
 Begin body text after the period. 

Plan

Design

Prepare

Collect

Analyze

Share