Step 1: Choose a Company
In the first Competency Assessment, you completed a SWOT analysis on a successful company that demonstrated a sustainable competitive advantage in the
marketplace. Now you will shift your focus to look at a company that is failing or experiencing challenges in the area of financial performance.
Select and research a company that is having financial difficulties or is on the brink of bankruptcy. You may also choose to use your current employer or a
company you’ve worked for in the past as long as you have sufficient data to complete the assignment.
Review “Where Can I Find a Company’s Annual Report and Its SEC Filings?” from Investopedia.
You can also access specific information about a variety of businesses in the University Library by searching the following databases:
• University Library > Databases > B > Business Source Complete
• University Library > How Do I > Company Information > Find Annual Reports > EDGAR (SEC Filings)
• University Library > Databases > P > Plunkett Research Online
Step 2: Write an Analysis
Conduct a strategic analysis of the company’s current financial operations. Determine strategies for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in the
marketplace and increasing financial performance.
Write a 750- to 1000-word strategic analysis. When writing your analysis, complete the following:
• Evaluate the company’s current financial plan, including charts and/or graphs showing financial data from the struggling company and make
recommendations for improvement.
• Determine strategies for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace and increasing financial performance.
• Create a plan to implement the strategies you selected.
• Include at least 3 sources.