1. Small Business Consulting Project Guidelines
GM105 Strategic Management
Fall 2009
Professor Han

2. Two Tracks A small business that group members choose
A small business assigned to you by the instructor

3. Milestones
Complete Phase I (Initial Client Interview) by Monday, Oct 12.
Complete Phase II (Analysis) by Monday, Nov 2.
Complete Phase III (Recommendations) by Monday, Nov 16.
Complete first draft of final report by Monday, Nov 30.
Final report is due on Wed, Dec 9.

4. Phase I: Initial Client Interview
First visit - All members go
Elect a project manager & an alternate
Keep track of time spent by each member
Tell client your role and output
Have client sign “Waiver of Liability” form
Leave Client Banking Survey form
Learn the business – Ask questions and request information using question checklist

5. Phase I: Initial Client Interview Question Checklist
Ownership
Employees
Organizational structure
Products/Services
Selling area
Competition
Performance
Strategic objectives
Financial objectives
Any questions that you think are relevant

6. Phase II (Analysis)
Use both the I/O View and the Resource-based View to analyze the case.
Check out Lecture 2 slides: Critical Steps in Business Landscape Analysis to apply the I/O view; evaluate the fit between the firm’s strategic goals and its competitive position in the marketplace.
Use the Resource-based View to analyze the firm’s resources and capabilities and identify its core competencies; evaluate the fit between the firm’s strategic goals and its resources and capabilities.

7. Phase III: Strategic Recommendations
Developed from the I/O view: How could the organization improve its market position (think about strategic group, market niche, customer base, and value chain, etc.)
Developed from the Resource-based View: How should the organization create and upgrade its resources and capabilities that are difficult for others to imitate

8. Phase III: Functional-Level Recommendations
What actions should the organization take to better handle its five forces. Only focus on the forces (e.g., customers, suppliers, rivals) that are relevant to the organization.
What actions should the organization take to make itself more effective and efficient (think about the most critical aspects of operations, e.g., marketing, finance, information systems, human resources)

9. Final Report: Basic Requirements
20-30 pages (not including exhibits, tables and graphs)
Double space
Appropriate headings
Be straightforward in the opening section
Be clear, comprehensive and precise in the analysis section
Be creative and pragmatic in the recommendations section

10. Final Report: Structure
Cover page
Table of contents
Section I: Summary (background information, methodology used, key issues identified, key findings and key recommendations)
Section II: Analysis
Section III: Recommendations
Appendix (optional)

11. Final Report: Grading Criteria
Ability to identify key issues facing the organization
Appropriate use of relevant theories and models to analyze the case
Creativity and feasibility of strategic and functional-level recommendations
Appropriate use of evidence to support analysis and recommendations
Overall writing style and skills

12. What to Submit Waiver of Liability Form (10/12)
Hard Copy of Final Report for Client (12/9)
Electronic Copy of Final Report for Instructor
(12/9; to
The following materials should be submitted to Prof. Seung Bach ), Tahoe Hall 2036, on Dec 7th or 9th between 11:50am and 1:20pm.
Hard Copy of Final Report for Instructor
Banking Survey
Student Time Log
Client Sign-off Form
Note: Write group members’ names on each of these documents that you submit.