Case Write-up Question:
Does the release the Model K piano line make sense for Steinway? What are Steinway’s other strategic options? What would you do?
| Title | Case Study | Preferred Language style | English (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of document | Case Study | Number of pages/words | 2 Pages Double Spaced (approx 275 words per page) |
| Subject area | Business | Academic Level | Undergraduate |
| Style | APA | Number of sources/references | 1 |
| Order description: | |||
| Case Write-up Question: Does the release the Model K piano line make sense for Steinway? What are Steinway’s other strategic options? What would you do? Further Discussion Questions: |
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Each write-up should be no more than three double-spaced pages in length so you will need to be concise. Modest use of bullet points, headers and other stylistic conventions that facilitate the efficient communication of your ideas is encouraged.
Students often ask what I like to see in the content of student write-ups and essays. Normally, I will post specific case questions. Make sure you answer those questions. However, when the question is not clear I generally like to see papers with three sections.
- The best papers quickly and concisely describe the firm’s dilemma. Usually this dilemma involves some sort of a mismatch between the opportunities/threats presented by the environment and the strengths/weaknesses of the firm (SWOT). Throughout the quarter, I will give you models for conducting more comprehensive, nuanced SWOT analyses. Laundry lists of firm characteristics and business environment characteristics are usually a sign that the student does not have a strong understanding of the key issue, especially when the student does not relate recommendations back k to those characteristics.
- The best papers concisely identify multiple strategic options and logically evaluate the relative merits of those options using data to back up arguments. That said many good arguments are not always supported by easily accessible data, and overreliance on measurable evidence can sometimes lead to erroneous conclusions.
- The best papers concisely describe strategy implementation in a way that considers the future. Suggested implementations step help minimize the disadvantages and maximize the advantages of strategic options. Not only do the best papers identify short-term and long-term implementation steps. They also consider how the environment will evolve in the future. How will competitors react? Will the bases of competitive advantage change for other reasons (e.g. changing consumer tastes, technologies or supply base)?
Fitting all of these issues into two or three pages is not easy so conciseness is important. However, concise communication is a strong indicator of a student’s understanding, and it is an incredibly important skill in the business world.