Blackrocks: Craft brewing – from hobby to business article review
Blackrock Craft Brewing
The purpose for this assignment is to allow you the opportunity to apply key concepts from the course. These include application of Porter’s five forces model and completion of a SWOT analysis. The case is based on a small craft brew house in transition from start-up to success. Start by reading the article titled: Blackrocks: Craft brewing – from hobby to business: Applying strategic management to the small firm. Once you have read the article by Gnauck, Hart, and Pagel, read the article titled: Guidelines for applying Porter’s five forces framework: A set of industry analysis templates. This article will provide insights on how to apply Porter’s five forces to the Blackrocks case. Review your notes about SWOT analysis from readings in your text. Then begin the writing process. Reference all of the above while writing up your case.
When your case is completed, you must submit your final draft via the Turnitin.com link in the week 7 folder. Please be advised that submissions will not be accepted via email or any other method.
Part 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Part 2 6.
7.
Part 3 8.
Background
Who is the target market?
What is the mission of?
What is the organizational structure? Who is in charge?
Who are the competitors? Describe them?
What is the company’s market niche (competitive advantage)?
Analysis
What are the organizations Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats? (Please complete and submit a SWOT analysis with narrative explaining your findings)
Apply Porter’s Five Forces using Dobb’s article for guidance
Recommendations
List at least three specific recommendations for how Blackrock should proceed. Be sure to support your recommendations with evidence from your analysis.
Note: You may have to do additional web research specific to the industry discussed in the case when completing the five forces analysis – be sure to plan accordingly. Please answer these questions in narrative not bullet form. Please use graphics as well as narrative when communicating your application of Porter’s five forces and when completing your SWOT analysis. Weave your answers into a thoughtful paper. Take your time and thoroughly proof read and edit your writing prior to submitting.
FSM4160 Case Study #2
Paper Format: your paper must be typed and edited.
Total Length:
Font Size:
Line Spacing:
Margin:
Page Numbers: Bottom of page, center, starting on page 2
6-8 pages including a cover page, 4-6 pages of content, works cited 12 point font
Space and a half
1” maximum (L an R)
1. Cover Page Includes: Student Name, Professor’s Name, Class, Assignment, and Due Date 2. Introduction (Use Heading)
Your introduction provides the reader with the overarching perspective you will share
throughout your paper. Tell the reader what your paper is about. 3. Background & Analysis (Use Heading)
This is where you weave answers to the questions listed above into your paper. Make sure this section progresses logically from one paragraph to the next. An easy way to assure you maintain logical progression is to write up this section of the paper and analyze the content of each paragraph to confirm that the main points in one paragraph link with or properly set up the very next one. A well written paper flows from one paragraph to the next with intention and clarity.
4. Recommendations & Conclusion (Use Heading)
Review the highlights of the points you made in the body of your quick response. Make a final point or recommendation. This is where you restate your overarching perspective and make clear the link between the content provided in the body of the paper (as evidence) and your final perspective.
5. Works Cited Page (Proper MLA format is required)
Note: Spelling, Grammar and Format matter
The assigned readings include:
Gnauck, B., Hart, C., & Pagel, L. (2014). Blackrocks: Craft brewing – from hobby to business: Applying strategic management to the small firm. Journal of Business Case Studies (Online), 10(2), 103-n/a.
E. Dobbs, M. (2014). Guidelines for applying Porter’s five forces framework: A set of industry analysis templates. Competitiveness Review, 24(1), 32-45.
