Medicine Hat Meat Traders

Case Analysis Assignment Medicine Hat Meat Traders: Beefing up A Family Business (W20129)

This case is the first of three case analysis assignments in which each student writes a short case analysis brief of 800 – 1000 words in length (not counting cover page, references, exhibits, tables, or graphs) utilizing a business memo or report format. Each brief addresses specific questions provided by the instructor.

The student’s perspective and voice in the brief is that of a consultant asked by an executive (internal or stakeholder) to address or resolve several questions resulting from the case situation. Therefore, the focus is to not summarize the case or use descriptive writing. Rather, assume your executive audience is familiar with the case facts, and seeks a report that offers data supported analysis and concise insights. In short, use a critical analytical writing style that avoids wasted words (and reader time) to provide analysis and synthesis for data driven decision making.

Specific Case Analysis / Report Requirements:

Embedded graphs, charts, tables exhibits (NOTE: DOES NOT COUNT IN WORD COUNT)
• A minimum of two exhibits / graphs (embedded) that reflect case data analysis and synthesis of internal / external environment:

o PESTEL
o SWOT
o Risk evaluation (heat map)

• One table (embedded) that outlines analysis of key financial ratios and/or trends

Format of report / memo:

• INTRODUCTION: Paragraph containing problem statement or purpose of report / memo
• ANALYSIS: evaluation of case data highlighting key insights and takeaways from the exhibits, tables, graphs. Please don’t describe the information as this is a business report / format. Your reader audience is a college educated business exec and capable of reading data in a table. Your job is to synthesize, compare – contrast etc. and produce the key insights to provide a strong data-supported recommendation

• STRATEGIC OPTIONS: Based on the above analysis, outline two to three reasonable courses of action. Note: IF the optional courses of action are best presented in a table or exhibit, the words in the table or exhibit do NOT count toward the 800 to 100 word target.

• RECCOMENDATION: Identify your choice of the two to three possible options including summary of key rationale to support your option selection Key questions to answer in the case analysis:

• Should Greg Pahl puruse a growth strategy for Medicine Hat Meat Traders? Why or Why not?
• If yes, what specific strategy (i.e. outline the specific strategy for “how” to grow) should Pahl pursue for growth?

Please remember that the Medicine Hat Trader case analysis is a business memo format submission (only needs APA for references, proper labeling of graphs etc.). In particular – you are assuming the role of a consultant to Greg Pahl. Address your analysis and recommendations to Mr. Pahl.