Assessment 2
Capstone Proposal
InstructionsResources Activity Attempt 1availableAttempt 2Attempt 3
InstructionsResourcesActivityAttempt 1 availableAttempt 2Attempt 3
Create a 2-3 page proposal that analyzes your business topic, defines the scope and strategy for how you will go about your capstone project, and explains how your proposed project allows you to demonstrate the MBA program outcomes.
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Introduction
Based on the feedback you received from faculty on your capstone summary in Assessment 1, you should now have a firm grasp on the scope of your project. In fact, if someone asks you what your project is about, you should have an “elevator speech” prepared. That is, you should have memorized 1–3 sentences that explain the topic, problem, and scope in a clear and concise way. With just these few sentences, explaining your project to someone while on a short elevator ride would be no trouble at all! Additionally, having such a clear vision will help you with this assessment and the project overall.
For this assessment, you will formally propose your capstone project.
Preparation
· Review the MBA Capstone Project Description [PDF] Download MBA Capstone Project Description [PDF].
Assessment Description
Write a business proposal that formally proposes your capstone project and ends by asking for permission to continue, just as you might propose a project to a supervisor or client.
Include, at minimum, the following information:
· Analyze a business challenge or opportunity.
o Include an introduction about your proposal.
o Summarize the capstone project topic, scope, and components; saying that your capstone will comprise a paper and presentation is not enough.
o Establish the premise of your paper; for example, if your plan is to talk about how Dillard’s department store can come back after a huge financial loss, you should include citations that establish its dramatic financial loss.
· Define the strategy, scope, and action plan that you will use to complete the capstone project.
o Provide a general action plan on how you will research, analyze, and identify recommendations or solutions to this business challenge or opportunity.
o Discuss the general type of data sources you will be using to inform your analysis. Provide at least two specific sources that you are considering. These resources should be from credible sources such as the Wall Street Journal, IBIS, et cetera. Use the excellent Research Guide – MBA for locating credible resources from the Capella library’s business databases and article collections.
o Include the process or steps on how you will access the data necessary for analysis of a business topic or challenge.
· Write a conclusion.
o Include a wrap-up that ensures your supervisor/client that your project will meet all requirements, be valuable to them, and be completed on time.
o Be sure to conclude by asking for permission to continue to the next step.
Your proposal should be organized using these sections:
· Introduction.
· Summary.
· Discussion of the Proposal.
· Strategy and Scope.
· Action Plan.
· Conclusion.
Submission Requirements
· Style: Your proposal should follow professional style, as described in the corresponding MBA Academic and Professional Document Guidelines (available in the MBA Program Resources), including single-spaced paragraphs. It should use subheadings and be well organized and well written.
· Communication: Ensure written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message and quality.
· APA guidelines: Format your citations according to current APA style.
· Resources: Use at least two citations from credible sources.
· Length: Your proposal should be 2–3 pages (single-spaced, professional style).
· Font and font size: Use 12 point, Times New Roman.
ePortfolio
You should consider adding this to your personal ePortfolio. Writing formal proposals is a business fundamental; this proposal deliverable demonstrates this skill, and you might consider showing it to potential employers and clients.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
· Competency 1: Apply foundational knowledge and an understanding of business systems, processes, and technology within and across core disciplines.
o Analyze a business challenge or opportunity.
· Competency 2: Integrate information across disciplines and from differing perspectives.
o Define the strategy, scope, and action plan that will be used to complete the capstone project.
· Competency 7: Communicate clearly and effectively in a business environment.
o Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a business professional.
Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.
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Analysis Tools
You might find that using analysis tools to analyze internal and external environments is an effective way of analyzing the chosen capstone organization. If you need to learn more about these types of analysis tools, check out the resources below.
Internal Analysis Tools
· tutor2u. (2016). PESTLE (PEST) analysis explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP2sDw5waEU
· SmartDraw. (n.d.). SWOT analysis. https://www.smartdraw.com/swot-analysis/
· SWOT Framework.
External Analysis Tools
· Applying VRIO and PESTLE.
· PESTLE Analysis. (n.d.). What is PESTLE analysis? A tool for business analysis. http://pestleanalysis.com/what-is-pestle-analysis/
· Study.com. (n.d.). What is PESTLE analysis? Definition and examples. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-pestle-analysis-definition-examples.html
· Management & Finance1 TU Delft. (2016). The five competitive forces that shape strategy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYF2_FBCvXw
Writing and Researching Tips
Use these resources as you see appropriate:
· Research Guide – MBA
o This research guide was custom created to help MBA learners. If you are feeling a bit lost on where to start, this would be a good starting point.
· James, N. (2007). Writing at work: How to write clearly, effectively and professionally. Crows Nest, Australia: Allen & Unwin.
o Use this as a general writing handbook. For example, there are chapters on tone, grammar, punctuation, style, et cetera.
