Written Team Assignments for International Logistics

 

In preparing the written case analyses, please adhere to the following guidelines:

1.              Written assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of class on the day they are discussed.  Please keep a copy for your own use during class discussion if you wish.

2.              Written assignments should be at most 5 pages double-spaced (font size 12) and five pages of exhibits.  Exhibits should contain specific types of analyses, such as financial analysis, break-even charts, cost analysis, process-flow analysis, etc.  They should contain any relevant supporting information that is too detailed for the body of the paper.  Exhibits must not be simply an extension of the text.

 

We will not distribute written solutions to the write-ups, but rather will rely on the class session associated with the case to bring out the most important issues.  The case write-ups will be graded using the following criteria:

 

Strategic insights

1.              Are the recommendations based on sound strategic concepts?

2.              Are the recommendations consistent with the concepts of international logistics?

3.              Are the effects of any recommendations on the business well thought out?

4.              Are the recommendations feasible?

 

Analysis

1.              Does the paper contain analysis of the major issues?

2.              Does the analysis incorporate the relevant tools properly?

3.              Are assumptions made in the analysis stated explicitly?

4.              Does the analysis isolate the fundamental causes of problems in the case?

 

Recommended Actions

1.              Are the criteria for choosing among alternative recommendations stated?

2.              Are the criteria appropriate?

3.              Is the plan of action integrated in a logical way and linked to the analysis?

4.              Is the action plan specific, complete, and practical?

5.              Is it likely that the recommendations will achieve their intended results?

 

Exhibits

1.              Are the analyses in the exhibits done correctly?

2.              Do the exhibits support and add to the text on key points?

 

Presentation and coherence

1.              Is the paper too long?

2.              Is the presentation of professional quality?

3.              Is the paper logically consistent and effectively structured to sell its recommendations?