Northeastern Illinois University DataClear Company Analysis Summary

• Chapter 4: Resource-Based View and SWOT Analysis
• Chapter 7: Competing in International Markets

Then read this case

• Go Global or No

Now prepare your write-up based on the following requirements: Your write-up must contain 5 sections: 

1. Summary
   • In one paragraph describe the company and its industry. 
2. Your analysis
   • In one or two paragraphs explain DataClear’s strategic resources. You need to use the Resource-Based View (RBV) (Chapter 4).
     • Three resources, at least one must be a strategic resource.
   • In one paragraph, summarize the primary results of the SWOT analysis for DataClear (Chapter 4).
3. Your recommendation
   • In one or two paragraphs, make a recommendation on whether or not DataClear should expand internationally.
     • How would you recommend Dataclear to mitigate the risks associated with your recommendation?
     • Explain your reasoning with a VRIS, SWOT, and the criteria we discussed in chapter 7 such as Access to New Customers, Lowering Costs, Risk Diversification.
   • Make a thoughtful argument about which international mode of entry you think will be the most appropriate for DataClear if it chose to expand internationally.
     • Market Entry Options are Exporting, Wholly Owned Subsidiary (greenfield venture or acquisition), Franchising, Licensing, Joint Ventures, and Strategic Alliances.
4. Appendix
   • Use the RBV VRIO checklist to justify the competitive advantage of each resource. 
     • Watch this video to learn how to fill out the checklist.
   • Use the SWOT table and Identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
5. References
   • Please cite the external resources only. Citation of The Textbook, Videos in D2L, the Case Study itself, or extra files attached to the case is not required.

Best Practices in Completing Writing Assignments

There are three sets of criteria on which students are graded. Earning the highest number of points within each section of the writing assignments requires following these best practices:

Content (50%)

• Content that relates to the required/recommended course material is accurate.
• Questions are thoroughly answered, and content is appropriate for the topic of inquiry.
• Content that indicates knowledge gained and potential for knowledge/skills to influence future thoughts/behavior is adequately linked to course materials (including any material brought into the course by a student). When required, citations are provided.
• To support your argument, you need to cite at least two directly relevant and reputable external sources
  • The Textbook, Videos in D2L, the Case Study itself, or extra files attached to the case do not count as external resources.
  • Use a standard reference format. Do not simply copy and paste website addresses (although those should be included if appropriate).
  • For sources, consult business media (Wall Street Journal), academic journals (Academy of Management Journal, Journal of International Business, etc.), and practitioner journals (Forbes). Your sources should be articles from academic, peer-reviewed journals. (If you are not sure what keywords or combination of keywords to use, ask; Google Scholar will be helpful.)

Reflection (30%)

• Answers indicate a high level of reflection and insight on the topic.
• Critical thinking is evident.
• A strong desire to reflect on topics is evident.

Organization & Mechanics (20%)

• Writing is fluent and lively.
• All answers are presented in a professional manner: using appropriate grammar, sentence structure, and spelling.
• All ideas/thoughts are well communicated. Answers to all questions are concise/to the point.
• Engages in a high-quality Internet search (when applicable).
• You must follow the MLA Formatting.
  • Anything other than MLA formatting will NOT be graded.
• You MUST use a heading for each section.
• Under no circumstances, should the write-up (excluding the Appendix) exceed FIVE pages.
  • The Appendix does not count against the page limit. You can use the appendix to provide additional details on frameworks used in your analysis. So, for example, if you wanted to incorporate the national cultural dimension comparison chart or cite outside resources, you are encouraged to do so as an appendix to your main submission which will not count against the page limit.