Case Questions

*** Please follow each instruction carefully. Each module should have a minimum of 5 references, including the required reference listed for each case. In end there will be 4 separte papers with proper ABA formatting. DO NOT COMBINE INTO ONE*** I have attached not only all required refences but a WORD DOC of the assignments.

Module 1

write a 6- to 7-page paper in which you do the following:

Using the criteria for development of quality, meaningful vision and mission statements, create the vision and mission statements for the Saint Francis de Sales Schools, providing comprehensive support for the statements you have developed.

Keys to the Assignment

The key aspects of this assignment that are to be covered in your paper include the following:

  • State the criteria that you believe are essential to meaningful, quality vision and mission statements. Provide a minimum of five criteria for each of the two statements (vision and mission). Briefly justify each criterion (1-2 sentences for each).
  • Using the criteria you have selected above, develop the vision and mission statements for the Saint Francis de Sales Schools.
  • Next, using the criteria you have selected, justify the mission and vision statements you have developed.
  • Give clear and convincing rationale for why – in light of events and circumstances discussed in the article – you believe that John Handover should adopt your version of the school’s vision and mission statements.
  • Be sure to use a minimum of three library sources in support of your answers!

References that must be used:

1) Klag, M., Giroux, H., & Langley, A. (2012). Strategic planning at Saint Francis de Sales Schools. International Journal of Case Studies in Management (Online), 10(2), 1-20. Retrieved from ProQuest.

2) Cady, S. H., Wheeler, J. V., DeWolf, J., & Brodke, M. (2011). Mission, vision, and values: What do they say? Organization Development Journal, 29(1), 63-78. Retrieved from ProQuest.

3) United States Air War College – National Defense University. (n.d.). Strategic vision. Strategic Leadership and Decision Making. Retrieved from http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ndu/strat-ldr-…

Module 2

In the Module 2 Case, we will examine the innumerable ways in which the external environment affects the choice of strategy (creation of threats and opportunities), and how the external environment affects an organization’s chosen strategic direction.

Let’s begin here by reading the following case concerning McCain Foods (note that there are several pages of text):

How McCain responds to changes in the external environment. (2014). The Times 100. Retrieved on April 29, 2014, from http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/mccain-foods/how-…

Using the Times 100 article above, write a 6- to 7-page paper in which you address the following:

After performing some current research on McKain Foods, use SLEPT analysis to critically assess the external environment of McCain Foods, and determine the extent to which the company’s strategies should be adjusted pursuant to the opportunities and/or threats presenting themselves in the external environment.

Keys to the Assignment

In a 6- to 7-page paper, do the following:

  • Describe the strategy (or strategies) followed by McCain Foods.
  • Using the SLEPT analysis tool, assess the external environment of McCain Foods. What are the major opportunities and threats presented by the external environment? Be sure that you include the most current information about the company.
  • Based on your research and informed analysis, should McCain Foods consider making any adjustments to the strategy or strategies you described above? Why or why not? Provide clear, rational support for your answer.
  • How effectively do you believe McCain Foods has been in responding to changes in the external environment? Discuss.
  • Be sure to use a minimum of three library sources in support of your answers!

References That Must be Used:

Module 3

To begin the Module 3 Case, read the following article concerning Barnes & Noble’s strategic direction:

Hall, W., & Gupta, A. (2010). Barnes & Noble, Inc.: Maintaining a competitive edge in an ever-changing industry. Journal of Business Case Studies, 6(4), 9-22. Retrieved from ProQuest.

The key aspects of this assignment that are to be covered in your 6- to 7-page paper include the following:

  • After completing research in the library, apply the Grand Strategy Matrix to determine what you believe should be the optimal grand strategy (or blend of grand strategies) that should be pursued by Barnes and Noble.
  • Discuss the assumptions you have made in applying the Grand Strategy Matrix (i.e., rapid vs. slow growth; strong vs. weak competitive position).
  • Next, apply the BCG Matrix to Barnes and Noble’s core strategic choices (i.e., the company’s use of brick-and-mortar stores versus Internet business).
  • Compare the results from the BCG Matrix and the Grand Strategy Matrix: Does your use of the BCG Matrix support or refute your choice of grand strategy (or strategies) as selected by the Grand Strategy Matrix? Discuss.
  • Which grand strategy should Barnes and Noble follow? Why? Defend your answer.
  • Be sure to use a minimum of three library sources in support of your answers.
    • Hall, W., & Gupta, A. (2010). Barnes & Noble, Inc.: Maintaining a competitive edge in an ever-changing industry. Journal of Business Case Studies, 6(4), 9-22. Retrieved from ProQuest.
    • How the BCG Matrix Works. (2013, March 17). Alanis Business Academy. Podcast retrieved on April 29, 2014, from
    • Ireland, R., & Hitt, M. A. (2005). Achieving and maintaining strategic competitiveness in the 21st century: The role of strategic leadership. Academy Of Management Executive, 19(4), 63-77. Retrieved from EBSCO.

References That must be used:

Module 4

Begin by reading the following article:

Ford, R. C., Wilderom, C., & Caparella, J. (2008). Strategically crafting a customer-focused culture: An inductive case study. Journal of Strategy and Management, 1(2), 143-167. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Case Assignment

Using the article above, write a 6- to 7-page paper in which you address the following:

Complete an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of the Gaylord Palms’ organizational culture and values, analyzing the ways in which the specific components of organizational culture and values assist – or impede – the success of the organization’s strategic choices.

Keys to the Assignment

The key aspects of this assignment that are to be covered in your 6- to 7- page paper include the following:

  • Using the Module 4 Background readings related to organizational culture, and after performing additional research in the library, explain how organizational culture at the Gaylord Palms Hotel:
    • Creates meaning for its members;
    • Establishes informal organizational controls; and
    • Ensures (or alternatively, hinders) the success of Gaylord Palms’ strategic choices.
  • Which of Gaylord Palms’ values are most salient, and how do these same values relate to the organization’s culture?
  • What is required for an organization’s culture to be “effective”? Is Gaylord Palms’ organizational culture an “effective” culture? Why or why not? Be specific.
  • What specific characteristics/elements of Gaylord Palms’ organizational culture do you believe are most significant relative to ensuring the success of Gaylord Palms’ strategic direction (e.g., symbols, artifacts, roles, etc.)? Why?
  • Be sure to use a minimum of three (3) library sources in support of your answers!

References that must be used:

  • Ford, R. C., Wilderom, C., & Caparella, J. (2008). Strategically crafting a customer-focused culture: An inductive case study. Journal of Strategy and Management, 1(2), 143-167. Retrieved from ProQuest.
  • Organizational culture: What is organizational culture and why does it matter? (2010, September 21). Organization Culture. Retrieved on April 29, 2014, from
  • Gander, M. J. (2009). Managing people in a lean environment: The power of informal controls and effective management of company culture. Journal of Business Case Studies, 5(6), 105-110. Retrieved from ProQuest.

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