AEB 5188: Course Handbook

Term Project

Term Project

Develop a case study paper in which you analyze the evolution and competitive strategies of an agribusiness firm using the techniques and concepts presented and discussed in class. You are free to choose whatever firm you wish. However, you are encouraged to choose a publicly trade company as information will be more readily available.

Content:

Your case study should be composed of five sections:

History of the Firm - 20 points The purpose of this section is to identify your chosen company is, how it started and how it has performed. This section should, to the extent possible, document the origin and evolution of the firm. Information on the size, sales revenue and other financial performance measures such as market capitalization and stock values and return on equity should be analyzed over the last ten or so years. The company's mission statement and corporate goals should also be delineated
Integration and Diversification - 20 points The purpose of this section is to document and analyze changes that have occurred in your chosen firm through production techniques, cost structure for the industry, vertical integration and diversification. To the extent possible you should explain why these moves did, or did not, make sense on the basis of economic reasoning.
Competitive Dynamics - 20 points This section should analyze the competitive dynamics of the industry in which your chosen business operates. An analysis of industry structure and the nature of competition should be clearly explained. The competitive strategies used by your company should be examined and related to concepts discussed in class.
Strategic Analysis - 20 points This section constitutes your recommendations for future strategic moves for the your chosen company. In making these recommendations, you must clearly and completely state your rationale based on solid economic reasoning.
Literature Cited - 10 points You are to provide the sources for your information. This will include citations of books or articles used, as well as the URLs for Internet sources.

Length and Format:

There is no minimum or maximum length for the case study. Your paper will be graded on content not length. I suspect that you will find that it will take a minimum of 10 double-spaced typed pages to accomplish your objectives. The paper is to be typed, double spaced, using a traditional font, such as Time New Roman or Arial, in 12 pitch. You are to utilize section headings (to facilitate organization and reading), and number pages. If you are submitting your paper electronically, you will need to use either Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. Ten points of your grade will be based upon organization, flow, logical development of information, use of proper English, and spelling.

Starting Locations:

Start your research by visiting the Business Library at the University of Florida (http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/cm/business/). There you will find links to websites with a wealth of information. You will definitely want to read the section on Remove Access (http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/cm/business/remote.htm). The Library has a Proxy Server that you will have to use in order to access some of the sites for which the University pays a fee. Look at the Guide for Accessing Library Databases (http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/access.html) as well. On the Business Library homepage there is a Company Tutor (http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/cm/business/cotutor.htm) that gives you ten steps to analyzing a company. I believe that you will find this a valuable resource along with the links you will find in this section.

Deadline:

The term project is due no later than 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1.

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