Alabama A&M/ HR5

Assignment Question:For both the Mid and Final WAC, I will provide you with a specific business case in PDF format on Blackboard. Your task is to conduct an in-depth analysis of this case, integrating content from our textbook, videos, articles, and discussions we’ve had.Suggested Framework for WAC: To guide you through the process of analyzing the provided business case, you might find the following framework helpful:

1. Recognizing Symptoms

List indicators that something isn’t as expected or desired.

Ensure that symptoms aren’t confused with the actual problems.

Identifying Goals

Highlight critical statements by major parties.

List all goals of the major parties.

1. Conducting the Analysis

Decide which ideas, models, and theories are useful.

Apply these concepts to the situation, revisiting as new information is revealed.

• Making the Diagnosis
• Identify and prioritize predicaments (goal inconsistencies) and problems (discrepancies between goals and performance).
• Doing the Action Planning

Specify criteria for choosing action alternatives and prioritize them.

1. Discover feasible action alternatives and assess their potential consequences.

Choose an action, design an implementation plan, and create an assessment plan.

Source: C. C. Lundberg and C. Enz, 1993, “A framework for student case preparation”, Case Research Journal.Submission Instructions:

• Your WAC must be a minimum of 500 words (approx. 3/4 page).
• Formatting: Single-spaced, Times New Roman, size 12 font, with one-inch margins.

Submit your WAC via Blackboard.

1. Do not include direct quotes from the readings. The analysis should be in your own words.

Aim to showcase your capability to professionally analyze a business case, using all the tools and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout this course.Find below two examples, two possibilities in how you could write your report:Example #1:Business Case Analysis of XYZ Company’s Entry into the European Market1. Gaining Familiarity

General Facts: XYZ Company, a leading North American electronics manufacturer, plans to enter the European market in 2024.

• Details: They’re targeting France, Germany, and the UK as the primary launch countries, aiming to establish retail partnerships and an online storefront.
• Certainty/Uncertainty: While the general market statistics are known, consumer preferences and behavior specific to XYZ’s product category in Europe are yet to be thoroughly understood.

2. Recognizing Symptoms

1. Indicators: Historically, other North American electronics brands had challenges with European regulations, tariffs, and distinct consumer preferences.

Clarification: These are only indications and not the root problems. Further analysis is required.

3. Identifying Goals

• Major Parties’ Statements: The CEO of XYZ mentioned, “We aim to capture 10% of the European market share in our category within two years.”
• Goals: Achieve quick brand recognition, establish strong retail partnerships, and ensure product compatibility with European standards.

4. Conducting the Analysis

1. Useful Models: Porter’s Five Forces model suggests competitive rivalry is high in Europe. Also, the Cultural Dimensions theory by Hofstede can help understand consumer behavior.

Application: Potential threats include strong local competitors, bargaining power of buyers due to established brands, and the cultural emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly products in Europe.

5. Making the Diagnosis

• Predicaments: The inconsistency between XYZ’s aggressive market share goal and the historically high competition in Europe.

Problems: Lack of brand recognition in Europe, potential regulatory hurdles, and adapting to Europe’s strong eco-conscious mindset.

1. 6. Doing the Action Planning

Criteria for Action: Quick market penetration, brand positioning around values resonant with Europeans, compliance with European standards.

Action Alternatives:

• a. Collaborate with an established European brand for a joint product release.
• b. Offer an exclusive product variant focusing on sustainability for the European market.
• c. Prioritize online sales leveraging targeted social media campaigns focusing on the younger demographic.
• Probable Consequences: Collaboration might dilute the brand but ensure quicker market penetration. An eco-friendly product variant might appeal to the European sense of sustainability but might need considerable R&D.

Chosen Action: Pursue a joint venture with a recognized European brand for initial market penetration while simultaneously launching a targeted online campaign.

Implementation Plan: Start joint venture negotiations by Q4 2023, and roll out a combined product by Q2 2024. Begin online campaign planning by Q1 2024, with a launch scheduled for Q3 2024.

Assessment Plan: Monitor sales and market share growth quarterly, conduct bi-annual brand recognition surveys in target countries, and solicit regular feedback from the joint venture partner.

• Example #2:Business Case Analysis of XYZ Company’s Entry into the European MarketXYZ Company, a prominent electronics manufacturer from North America, has its eyes set on the European market for 2024. Their strategy zeroes in on France, Germany, and the UK, intending not only to secure retail partnerships but also to launch a robust online storefront. But as history has shown, several North American electronics brands have grappled with European regulations, tariffs, and unique consumer preferences.Diving deeper, it’s clear that these issues are just the tip of the iceberg. The true challenge lies underneath: understanding and adapting to the European psyche. The CEO of XYZ, buoyed by optimism, has expressed the company’s aim to capture a whopping 10% of the European market share in their category within two years. It’s an aggressive target, especially when considering the shadows of established competitors looming large over the landscape.Leveraging analytical models like Porter’s Five Forces reveals a scene of intense competitive rivalry in Europe. Plus, consumers hold a significant bargaining chip, given the stronghold of existing brands in the market. Another crucial piece of the puzzle is the European cultural emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly products, a sentiment underscored by Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions theory.Given this backdrop, XYZ Company finds itself at a crossroads. Their primary predicament? Balancing their aggressive market share aspirations against the realities of high competition and unique market dynamics in Europe. They also have to grapple with the tangible problems of building brand recognition from scratch, navigating potential regulatory minefields, and tailoring their products to resonate with Europe’s eco-conscious ethos.Charting a path forward necessitates innovative thinking. One compelling strategy would be to collaborate with an established European brand, merging strengths for a joint product release. This approach could be complemented by creating a product variant tailored exclusively for Europe, underscoring values of sustainability. Moreover, a surge in online sales could be catalyzed by leveraging targeted social media campaigns, especially targeting the continent’s younger demographic.To navigate the intricacies of the European market, XYZ Company has formulated a plan. The last quarter of 2023 will see them engaging in negotiations for a prospective joint venture, aiming for a combined product rollout by mid-2024. Concurrently, preparations for a targeted online campaign will kick off at the start of 2024, with a full-blown launch anticipated by the third quarter.This approach is not without risks, but with a systematic monitoring mechanism—keeping tabs on sales and market share growth, regularly gauging brand recognition in target nations, and maintaining open communication lines with the joint venture partner—XYZ Company hopes to make its European dream a roaring success.