CONTEXT This topic is on Stratgey and strategic management at the business unit level and in its industry context. The case-study should: * diagnose environmental and industrial forces that drive and constrain strategic options for businesses * understand the key elements of strategic advantage for individual organisations, against the demands of industries * analyse strategic positioning strategies of the firm, and evaluate them against the necessary competencies and resources of the organisation * develop alternative strategies contingent on the demands of an organisation and its industry context. Write a case study based on UBER, that starts with a mini case-study to set the situation and then develop a briefing note as outlined below. The whole case study be 2,500 words in total. That is 500-600 for the mini case study and 1900-2000 for the briefing note and conclusion. There are two parts. 1. A mini case-study which must describe a strategic situation, problem or issue at UBER either in the past or today at which needs resolution. By the end of the case, it should be clear that a problem is faced. The mini case study should be between 500-600 words to allow more space to the analysis of the strategic problem posed. 2. An accompanying briefing note. This will begin by critically evaluating ‘the issue’ (described in the mini case study) in order that it may be subjected to further analysis. So, whilst the mini case study may have an apparently simple problem, that is, declining sales and loss of profitability, this may conceal a range of underlying problems which need to be addressed (e.g., difficulties in changing the structure/culture of the business, leadership problems, lack of resources, poor long-term strategizing etc). The briefing note will then select appropriate tools, techniques, frameworks in order to provide insight and potential solutions to the problem. Please use strategy/change/competitive advantage theories, concepts and academic insight such as Porter, De Wilt, Barney, Levitt, McGrath. The write up will conclude with a statement of the broader implications/recommendations of the case for other companies in similar situations and reflect on broader strategic lessons to be learnt. This briefing note should be between 1900-2000 words. Assessment Points Please note that the mini case study and briefing note is for a senior executive audience. The solution (meaning the strategy you propose), analysis, and communication (style, structure) are therefore the three main criteria in assessing the answer. Aim to provide a solution that works very well in practical terms, based on in- depth analysis, and articulated in a manner that is easy to understand and straight forward. Draw on relevant tools and frameworks and apply them critically to the selected strategic problem and organizational case. Offer recommendations that are insightful, viable and grounded in the previous analysis.
