Module
5 – Case
Case
Assignment
Strategic
Choices at Harley-Davidson Motor Company
To complete Module 5 Case
Assignment, please read the information in the background material, look for
more information and review some of your previous readings for this class, and
then write a 4- to 5-page report for your professor and the executives of HD
corporation by answering the following questions:

i.
What strategy (or combination of
strategies) did Harley-Davidson use to become such a successful organization?

ii.
To what extent has Harley-Davidsons
strategy (or combination of strategies) changed over the years, or been
constant?

iii.
How does Harley-Davidsons strategy (or
combination of strategies) “fit” with the environment of the
motorcycle industry?

iv.
How does Harley-Davidsons strategy (or
combination of strategies) fit with the internal resources and competencies
of the firm?

v.
Based on your analysis and findings, what
would you recommend to the executives of Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
Corporation?
Module
5 – SLP
Business Applications, Analytical Decision Making and Problem
Solving
In this assignment we take a
little turn from what we’ve been working on so far this session in that it is
necessary to take a look back at MGT3015 SLP as the present course is
conceptually linked to MGT301. You should recall attention given to building
business analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving
skills in MGT301.
Your capstone course BUS499,
which will be taken during your final session, will also be conceptually linked
to this course as well. In short, this strategic management course is a second
in a series specically developed to assess your analytical decision making,
critical thinking and problem solving skills. Your writing and essay delivery
skills will also be assessed.
Assignment:In this assignment you are asked to prepare
a final paper to prospective investors based on the work you have done to date
in this course. In this course you have identified the major mission, vision
and goals, you know the stakeholders, you looked at the organization from a
SWOT perspective, and you know what challenges the company faces. What do
investors need to know based on your analysis?
Also, please keep in mind that
this SLP submission is the second in a series of three SLP submissions (which
are administered in Module 5 of three core courses) and designed to assess your
analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving skills. In
order to assist you in understanding what is required in the present
assignment, the following rubric has been developed. This rubric was developed
to measure student success in meeting the BUS499 SLP 5 expectations related to
business analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving.
Note that your writing and delivery skills are also assessed. Rubrics for the
other two courses are included in their respective written assignments.

Assignment Expectation

Weak

Marginal

Adequate

Strong

Organization

Demonstrates the ability to organize content logically,
concisely, and in a manner appropriate to a paper given to investors.

There is no logical sequence of information. Paper is rambling
and unfocused

Paper does not follow a logical sequence (jumps around in the
paper).

Paper follows a logical sequence. There are some minor
problems with topic transitions. Introduction and/or conclusion are not
clear.

Paper follows a logical sequence with an effective
introduction and conclusion. Each segment relates to others in a carefully
planned framework.

Demonstrates the ability to support a central point or
viewpoint throughout the paperpersuading investors that recommendations you
present are vital to this organizations future success.

Insufficient elaboration and/or support (e.g., summaries,
listings) in the paper.

Limited elaboration and/or support in the paper.

Support with some specific details and elaboration in the
paper.

Support through both specific details and elaboration apparent
in the paper.

Content

Demonstrate the ability to address an identifiable purpose in
the paperthe fact that these business recommendations are vital to this
organizations future success.

The purpose is not identified, is unclear, or inappropriate in
the paper.

Purpose is occasionally unclear in the paper.

Clear purpose, but not consistently sustained throughout the
paper.

Clear purpose sustained throughout the paper.

Demonstrates the ability to gather and sort information on a
particular subject matter or topic.

Author does not have a grasp of information. Topic is poorly
developed. Supporting materials are absent or vague. Trite ideas and/or
unclear wording reflect a lack of understanding of topic.

Author seems uncomfortable with information. Topic is evident
but with little or no elaboration.

Author seems comfortable with the information. Topic is
evident with some supporting details.

A demonstrates full knowledge of the topic with explanation
and elaboration. The topic is well developed, effectively supported, and
appropriate for the assignment. Critical thinking is clearly and creatively
expressed.

Adaption to Audience

Demonstrate the ability to present information to varying
audiences in such a way that the information is meaningful to that group.

Doesnt respond to the needs of the audience.

Limited sense of the needs of the audience.

Addresses the needs of the audience.

Effectively addresses the needs of the audience.

Delivery

Demonstrate the Ability to use data and graphs effectively in
the paper.

Data and graphs are poorly prepared or used inappropriately.
Too much material is included or unimportant information is highlighted.

Data and graphs could be improved. There are no significant
errors, but adds little to the paper.

Data and graphs are articulated clearly, but not engaging.

Data and graphs are easy to read, attractive, informative and
error free. Communication aids greatly enhance the paper. Excellent
integration of communication aids.

Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate word choice and
grammar in paper.

There are many sentences with grammatical errors. Some
sentences are incomplete/halting, and/or vocabulary is somewhat limited or
inappropriate. Presenter mumbles and mispronounces several terms.

There are a few sentences that are complete and grammatical.
Word choice is not always appropriate for paper. Presenter mispronounces some
terms.

Sentences are generally complete and grammatical, and they
flow together easily. With a few exceptions, words are chosen for their
precise meaning. Presenter pronounces most terms correctly.

All sentences are complete and grammatical, and they flow
together easily. Words are chosen for their precise meaning. Word choice
illustrates grasp of content and enhances paper. All terms are pronounced
correctly and precisely.

Demonstrates the ability to make an effective paper that is
free from bias (e.g. sexism, racism, ageism, heterosexism, etc).

Written language is inappropriate and exhibits bias. Uses
clichs, slang, jargon, racist, or sexist language. Some listeners may be
offended.

Written language is free from bias with one or two minor
exceptions.

Written language has no apparent bias. There is some
inappropriate language.

Written language is completely free from bias.

For guidance on writing papers,
citing sources, proper referencing, and so forth, visit Trident’s.trident.edu/files/Well-Written-Paper.pdf”>Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality
Academic Paper.
SLP Assignment Expectations
In this paper, your ability to
think critically and provide insightful analysis is the key. You do not want to
just “rubber stamp” the organization and say they are doing great,
but you want to identify specific areas where they fall short as well as where
they do very well. Remember to organize your paper for clarity and document any
outside resources.
This paper should include:
An introduction stating the
thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper, a main body
discussing focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion
concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you
reached.
Be sure to document your
sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained
from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate
reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you
prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information
you are using in your papers!
The following criteria will
also be used to assess your paper:
1.
Precision: Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?
2.
Breadth: Is the full breadth of the subject (i.e., all the keys
to the assignment) addressed?
3.
Depth: Does the paper/report address all elements of the topic
in sufficient depth? Does it include and apply the background readings and
other background resources? Are they included as references?
4.
Critical thinking: Are the concepts of this module applied
accurately, logically, and relevantly?
5.
Organization: Is the paper organized in a coherent and
systematic manner? Are headings included in all papers longer than 2 pages?
6.
Clarity: Is the writing clear and are the concepts articulated
properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of
response to the questions, or are thoughts conveyed through excessive use of
quotations?
Strategic
Choices at Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyTo complete Module 5 Case
Assignment, please read the information in the background material, look for
more information and review some of your previous readings for this class, and
then write a 4- to 5-page report for your professor and the executives of HD
corporation by answering the following questions:
i.
What strategy (or combination of
strategies) did Harley-Davidson use to become such a successful organization?
ii.
To what extent has Harley-Davidsons
strategy (or combination of strategies) changed over the years, or been
constant?
iii.
How does Harley-Davidsons strategy (or
combination of strategies) “fit” with the environment of the
motorcycle industry?
iv.
How does Harley-Davidsons strategy (or
combination of strategies) fit with the internal resources and competencies
of the firm?
v.
Based on your analysis and findings, what
would you recommend to the executives of Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
Corporation?Business Applications, Analytical Decision Making and Problem
SolvingIn this assignment we take a
little turn from what we’ve been working on so far this session in that it is
necessary to take a look back at MGT3015 SLP as the present course is
conceptually linked to MGT301. You should recall attention given to building
business analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving
skills in MGT301.Your capstone course BUS499,
which will be taken during your final session, will also be conceptually linked
to this course as well. In short, this strategic management course is a second
in a series specically developed to assess your analytical decision making,
critical thinking and problem solving skills. Your writing and essay delivery
skills will also be assessed.Assignment:In this assignment you are asked to prepare
a final paper to prospective investors based on the work you have done to date
in this course. In this course you have identified the major mission, vision
and goals, you know the stakeholders, you looked at the organization from a
SWOT perspective, and you know what challenges the company faces. What do
investors need to know based on your analysis?Also, please keep in mind that
this SLP submission is the second in a series of three SLP submissions (which
are administered in Module 5 of three core courses) and designed to assess your
analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving skills. In
order to assist you in understanding what is required in the present
assignment, the following rubric has been developed. This rubric was developed
to measure student success in meeting the BUS499 SLP 5 expectations related to
business analytical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving.
Note that your writing and delivery skills are also assessed. Rubrics for the
other two courses are included in their respective written assignments.Assignment ExpectationWeakMarginalAdequateStrongOrganizationDemonstrates the ability to organize content logically,
concisely, and in a manner appropriate to a paper given to investors.There is no logical sequence of information. Paper is rambling
and unfocusedPaper does not follow a logical sequence (jumps around in the
paper).Paper follows a logical sequence. There are some minor
problems with topic transitions. Introduction and/or conclusion are not
clear.Paper follows a logical sequence with an effective
introduction and conclusion. Each segment relates to others in a carefully
planned framework.Demonstrates the ability to support a central point or
viewpoint throughout the paperpersuading investors that recommendations you
present are vital to this organizations future success.Insufficient elaboration and/or support (e.g., summaries,
listings) in the paper.Limited elaboration and/or support in the paper.Support with some specific details and elaboration in the
paper.Support through both specific details and elaboration apparent
in the paper.ContentDemonstrate the ability to address an identifiable purpose in
the paperthe fact that these business recommendations are vital to this
organizations future success.The purpose is not identified, is unclear, or inappropriate in
the paper.Purpose is occasionally unclear in the paper.Clear purpose, but not consistently sustained throughout the
paper.Clear purpose sustained throughout the paper.Demonstrates the ability to gather and sort information on a
particular subject matter or topic.Author does not have a grasp of information. Topic is poorly
developed. Supporting materials are absent or vague. Trite ideas and/or
unclear wording reflect a lack of understanding of topic.Author seems uncomfortable with information. Topic is evident
but with little or no elaboration.Author seems comfortable with the information. Topic is
evident with some supporting details.A demonstrates full knowledge of the topic with explanation
and elaboration. The topic is well developed, effectively supported, and
appropriate for the assignment. Critical thinking is clearly and creatively
expressed.Adaption to AudienceDemonstrate the ability to present information to varying
audiences in such a way that the information is meaningful to that group.Doesnt respond to the needs of the audience.Limited sense of the needs of the audience.Addresses the needs of the audience.Effectively addresses the needs of the audience.DeliveryDemonstrate the Ability to use data and graphs effectively in
the paper.Data and graphs are poorly prepared or used inappropriately.
Too much material is included or unimportant information is highlighted.Data and graphs could be improved. There are no significant
errors, but adds little to the paper.Data and graphs are articulated clearly, but not engaging.Data and graphs are easy to read, attractive, informative and
error free. Communication aids greatly enhance the paper. Excellent
integration of communication aids.Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate word choice and
grammar in paper.There are many sentences with grammatical errors. Some
sentences are incomplete/halting, and/or vocabulary is somewhat limited or
inappropriate. Presenter mumbles and mispronounces several terms.There are a few sentences that are complete and grammatical.
Word choice is not always appropriate for paper. Presenter mispronounces some
terms.Sentences are generally complete and grammatical, and they
flow together easily. With a few exceptions, words are chosen for their
precise meaning. Presenter pronounces most terms correctly.All sentences are complete and grammatical, and they flow
together easily. Words are chosen for their precise meaning. Word choice
illustrates grasp of content and enhances paper. All terms are pronounced
correctly and precisely.Demonstrates the ability to make an effective paper that is
free from bias (e.g. sexism, racism, ageism, heterosexism, etc).Written language is inappropriate and exhibits bias. Uses
clichs, slang, jargon, racist, or sexist language. Some listeners may be
offended.Written language is free from bias with one or two minor
exceptions.Written language has no apparent bias. There is some
inappropriate language.Written language is completely free from bias.For guidance on writing papers,
citing sources, proper referencing, and so forth, visit Trident’s.trident.edu/files/Well-Written-Paper.pdf”>Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality
Academic Paper.In this paper, your ability to
think critically and provide insightful analysis is the key. You do not want to
just “rubber stamp” the organization and say they are doing great,
but you want to identify specific areas where they fall short as well as where
they do very well. Remember to organize your paper for clarity and document any
outside resources.This paper should include:An introduction stating the
thesis, position, or central theme you plan to take in your paper, a main body
discussing focusing on the key assignment specifications, and a conclusion
concisely stating the main points of your analysis and the conclusions you
reached.Be sure to document your
sources and provide in-text citations whenever you use information you obtained
from a background reading or other outside source, as well as a separate
reference list at the end of the paper. You may use footnotes instead, if you
prefer, but youmustdocument where you got the information
you are using in your papers!The following criteria will
also be used to assess your paper:1.
Precision: Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?2.
Breadth: Is the full breadth of the subject (i.e., all the keys
to the assignment) addressed?3.
Depth: Does the paper/report address all elements of the topic
in sufficient depth? Does it include and apply the background readings and
other background resources? Are they included as references?4.
Critical thinking: Are the concepts of this module applied
accurately, logically, and relevantly?5.
Organization: Is the paper organized in a coherent and
systematic manner? Are headings included in all papers longer than 2 pages?6.
Clarity: Is the writing clear and are the concepts articulated
properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of
response to the questions, or are thoughts conveyed through excessive use of
quotations?