• How can you persuasively structure thinking about an evaluation?
• Discussion of the “Radiohead” case.
• Note on the Radiohead assignment: do not do outside research for your writing assignment. Use ONLY the information in the case.

Radiohead Writing Assignment (15/100 points)

Radiohead has hired you as a consultant and wants you to advise them on their proposed release strategy for their latest album, In Rainbows. Is the band’s release strategy for the album a stroke of genius or an invitation to disaster for the band? Why? (See below for the grading criteria.)

Word limit: 700 words

Submit your assignment on Blackboard–see the link below. Be sure to include your first name in the name of the Word file and in the document—both places!

Grading Criteria for Writing Assignment

Here is what we are looking for in this assignment:

• Do you state an overall evaluation?
• Do you offer compelling reasons for the evaluation that are based on relevant criteria?
• Do you provide persuasive evidence for each reason?
• Do you include both positives and negatives of the release strategy?
• Is your argument easy for a reader to follow?

Required Reading (books, articles, cases):

• Bryan A. Garner, HBR Guide to Better Business Writing, Section 2 (pp. 43-87).
• “Radiohead” case (use the link to HBS Publishing on Blackboard–it’s at the top of this page!)

Required Reading on Blackboard (see above):

• Handout: Example of an Evaluation Argument
• Handout: Evaluation Argument Template

For this assignment, you will assess your managerial skills to identify ways to make improvements.

To complete this assignment, you will need to complete the Apply Your Skills Engagement Exercise: Aptitude Questionnaire on pages 30–31 in Chapter 1 of the textbook, which was assigned in Week 1. Interpret your assessment findings based on the provided scoring and interpretation instructions.

Instructions

Review your assessment findings from the aptitude questionnaire and write a 3–4 page paper in which you address the following:

Summarize findings of your strengths and weaknesses in the conceptual, human, and technical skills areas, providing clear rationale.

Explain why you think you scored the way you did in each of the skills.

1. Identify at least one resource to improve each skill area—conceptual, human, technical—for a minimum of three resources.

Provide clear rationale for each resource.

• Use Basic Search: Strayer University Online Library or, in your Blackboard classroom, go to Career and search LinkedIn to locate resources.

1. Describe how your strengths can promote a positive culture in a global environment, providing examples.

Use at least three sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.

1. Countries choose to finance and organization their healthcare systems in unique ways – some fully public/government-based, some combining a form of public and private, and others that are less structured. Please choose a country (excluding those from the article – No AUS, CAN, NZ, or UK), and describe how they pay for healthcare. Be sure to note whether or not employers play a roll in covering insurance as they do in the United States. Additionally, please note basic comparative statistics such as the cost of healthcare per capita and life expectancy… to compare their approach to the U.S.

The purpose of this project is for you to apply management principles to create management plans that include strategy formulation, business analyses, industry trends, and organizational characterization. 

The recommended cases are:

• Case 8 BP: Organizational Structure and Management Systems.
• Case 10: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.: Disrupting the Fast?food Business.
• Case 13: Tesla Motors: Disrupting the Auto Industry.

Based on the case, you will perform an industry analysis and develop a strategy for the CEO of your chosen company to help shape the company’s future.

INSTRUCTIONS

Write a 3-5 page paper in which you:

1. Define strategy and examine how the definition of strategy fits your chosen company and its situation. Support your response.
2. Summarize the main strategies that your chosen company’s management took leading up to this company’s recent development.
3. Identify your chosen company’s industry and determine its main competitors. Next, select two to three strategies that the competitors use, and analyze whether or not the selected strategies are successful. Support your response.
4. Perform an industry analysis for the CEO of your chosen company in order for him or her to develop strategy for the company. Next, evaluate the company’s current standing in this industry by taking into account the company’s resources and capabilities.
5. Propose at least three performance goals for the company for the next one- and five-year period respectively. Provide a rationale for your response. 

Case Study

jack and his friend, A.G. Pennypacker, have come up with a great idea: they have developed a fluoroelastomer liner (a rubber lining) for oil tankers. With this innovation, they believe they can eliminate most oil spills that result from tanker accidents. The liner is highly resistant to fluctuations in temperature as well as physical punctures.

jack wants to set up a company, but is unsure of his options and has come to you for advice for the type of business entity formation he should select. He has the following concerns:

1. He does not want his other business concerns being held liable should there be a lawsuit arising from use/sale of this product.
2. He wants an entity form that will minimize his tax liability.

Based on the entity forms detailed in Chapter 35, select one you feel satisfies his concerns. Make sure to explain why it is the best for jack and Pennypacker.

Action Items

1. Read the case study above.
2. Justify your answers

Notes Frome the teacher :

– which business formation would result in the least liability?

Sole proprietorship , general or limited partnership , or corporation.

– Which business formation best minimize tax liability ? ask how profits are taxed in each formation