ASSIGNMENT: Initial Strategy Report You must e-mail your instructor (one per group) with your strategy (short- and long-term). The written report must not exceed five to seven double-spaced pages (12-point type) with one-inch margins, excluding title page and appendix. Since you have practiced the simulation for an entire week and read the manual, your report should be very specific. Creating a sound strategy is the most important process your firm will undertake because your strategy is the framework for all decision making and firm organization. The strategy should be a long-term vision for your firm that every member of your team can reference when making decisions and analyzing data. Strategy is defining segments served and creating a sustainable competitive advantage. It is your road map. It is where and how your firm chooses to compete. It is essential. (Interpretive.com, 2011) The paper should address the following elements: Business definition: Who do you want to serve and why? Be sure to include customers/segments to be targeted and customer needs satisfied. What is the rationale for these choices (e.g., segment attractiveness, market gaps, fit with resources, synergies)? Competitive advantage: What competitors will you compete against and how? Performance objectives: What are your firms performance goals (e.g., cumulative profit, stock price, market share, intermediary metrics)? Key success factors: What is required of your firm to execute this strategy successfully (e.g., product development, outspend competition, first in market)?

ASSIGNMENT: Initial Strategy Report You must e-mail your instructor (one per group) with your strategy (short- and long-term). The written report must not exceed five to seven double-spaced pages (12-point type) with one-inch margins, excluding title page and appendix. Since you have practiced the simulation for an entire week and read the manual, your report should be very specific. Creating a sound strategy is the most important process your firm will undertake because your strategy is the framework for all decision making and firm organization. The strategy should be a long-term vision for your firm that every member of your team can reference when making decisions and analyzing data. Strategy is defining segments served and creating a sustainable competitive advantage. It is your road map. It is where and how your firm chooses to compete. It is essential. (Interpretive.com, 2011) The paper should address the following elements: Business definition: Who do you want to serve and why? Be sure to include customers/segments to be targeted and customer needs satisfied. What is the rationale for these choices (e.g., segment attractiveness, market gaps, fit with resources, synergies)? Competitive advantage: What competitors will you compete against and how? Performance objectives: What are your firms performance goals (e.g., cumulative profit, stock price, market share, intermediary metrics)? Key success factors: What is required of your firm to execute this strategy successfully (e.g., product development, outspend competition, first in market)?