Business Question

Overview

The assignments in this course are framed around a scenario in which you are hired by a company as a consultant to provide recommendations on solving a problem or capitalizing on an opportunity. You will draw upon your knowledge and skills around operations, finance, marketing, leadership, etc. for each assignment. The assignments will be completed in a PowerPoint presentation template and will be combined into a final pitch deck for your business consulting plan that you can add to your portfolio.

In your course discussions so far, you’ve been asked to choose a company for your assignments and to start gathering data related to a challenge or opportunity the company is facing. Now you will assume the role of a consultant and provide critical data and insights that can inform your future recommendation for an effective business strategy for the company. This assignment is the first part of your business consulting plan pitch deck for the company leadership.

Instructions:

The assignment must be completed in the provided PowerPoint template.

Download and save the

Week 3 Assignment Template [PPTX]

Download Week 3 Assignment Template [PPTX]

.

Follow the guidelines provided in the Strayer Library:

SWS Guidelines for Slideshow Presentations

.

Review the rubric carefully before you begin working on the assignment.

Review your discussions and feedback from Weeks 1, 2, and 3. (These discussions provided specific directions on how to choose a company and how to gather important data)

Using the template, create a seven-slide presentation that will be part of a pitch deck for the company that hired you as a business consultant. Each slide should include 1-2 paragraphs of speaker notes that will be utilized to explain the content to the company leadership during your presentation. (Note: A video tutorial has been provided under the resources section below)

For Slide 1: Title slide:add the name of the company as a subtitle and your name and the date.

For slides 2 and 3 use the information and feedback from your Week 1 and 2 discussions:

Slide 2. Describe the company. When it was founded, what it does, who it serves, and its mission, and vision statements. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)

Slide 3.Explain the company’s operations, including its location, the number of employees, and the key internal executives. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)

For slide 4 use the research and feedback from your Week 3 discussion:

Slide 4.Summarize the company’s key financial data. For example, the annual revenue, cash flow, if they are operating net positive or negative, etc. In the speaker notes, clearly explain what the financial data tells you about the company. For example, what relevant insights does the data offer that could inform your recommendation in the next assignment?

For slides 5 and 6 locate or create a SWOT analysis for the company to assess its performance.(see the resources section below for help):

Slide 5. Provide a SWOT analysis for the company that can be used to assess what the company does well and where they could improve their product or service offering. The SWOT can be from an external resource or one you create. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)

Slide 6. Using the SWOT analysis determine at least two challenges or areas of opportunity the company may be experiencing. Provide supporting evidence as to why the company needs to address the challenge or opportunity. (Detailed explanations should be placed in the speaker notes.)

Slide 7. Sources slide. Use at least three quality sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source slide at least one time within your assignment.

For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library.

Upload your completed assignment template as a PowerPoint presentation file (PPT or PPTX) and submit using the provided link in Week 3.

Produce writing that is clear and well organized and applies appropriate Strayer Writing Standards (SWS) style. Writing contains accurate grammar, mechanics, and spelling.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the

Library site

for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

Resources

SWS Guidelines for Slideshow Presentations

The following tools available in the Strayer Library will help you with your research:

Company, Industry, and Market Research using Business Source UltimateLinks to an external site.

(This resource will provide custom guidance for your research in this assignment.)

Business Source Ultimate Library Guide

Business Source Ultimate Database (Tip: Search for case studies as a document type, could also add a NAICS code based on industry and then type the type of issue into the search bar.)

Market Line Company Profiles

– Type the company name in the 2nd field. (Note: Your company may or may not be listed here.)

SWOT analyses can often be found under publication type

Library of Congress Research GuidesLinks to an external site.

(See their left-hand menu.)

Strayer Library: SWOT Analysis Guide

Sample SWOT Analyses: (Click “PDF Full Text” in the left menu for each item)

Amazon.com, Inc

.

Apple, Inc.

The following websites can provide helpful data on budgets and spending:

U.S. National Debt: Implications for Organizations

Government spending (Mind map)

Fiscal Data US Treasury Dept.Links to an external site.

USA SpendingLinks to an external site.

There are also many other relevant internet resources (e.g., Yahoo Finance).

Video tutorial on how to add speaker notes to a PowerPoint presentation:

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is the following:

Analyze a business challenge or opportunity using data related to management, operations, finance, and/or marketing.

Week 1
The company that I have chosen is Patagonia, Inc., an American retailer of outdoor recreation
clothing founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard. Its headquarters are in Ventura, California, United States.
Patagonia is a company that focuses on the creation and marketing of outdoor clothing and equipment
used in sporting activities such as surfing, skiing, and snowboarding, among others. The company’s goal
is to protect the environment and spearhead actions that are aimed at addressing the growing
environmental concerns faced today. The mission is “We’re in business to save our home planet,” and
the Vision is “To use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. As part of
the company’s goal, they cater to an extensive variety of environmentally conscious consumers, ranging
from outdoor enthusiasts to everyday individuals searching for durable, ecological clothing (Ramos
&Naipauer, 2014).
I have chosen Patagonia, Inc. because my values and grasp of business initiatives align with the
organization’s commitment to sustainability. By using their knowledge in sustainability, innovation
management, and strategic planning, they can better support Patagonia’s objectives. Additionally,
Patagonia, Inc. is a prime example of some of the companies that have successfully implemented and
navigated the use of the S-curve by innovating and adapting to the changes seen in the market and the
environment.
Reference
Ramos, V. A., & Naipauer, M. (2014). Patagonia: where does it come from?.
https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/handle/11336/18481Links to an external site.
Week 2
Operations Overview
Patagonia, Inc. is a California-based firm that deals with the production of outdoor wear globally with a
key focus on environmental sustainability. At present, their offices are in Ventura, California, an
indication that the firm is very environmentally endearing. Currently, Patagonia opens many stores
globally; it has a strong market domination in North America, Europe, and Asia. These stores, the
company’s strong online sales facility, and its affiliations with other outlets guarantee that Patagonia has
quality outdoor apparel for consumers from all corners of the world.
According to the latest information, Patagonia has over 2,000 employees in the world, which also speaks
for its tendencies and its position in the outdoor apparel market. The top leadership of the company
consists of a team of motivated and innovative professionals, including Ryan Gellert, the CEO of the
company; Doug Freeman, the Chief Operating Officer; and Lisa Williams, the Chief Product Officer. This
leadership team spearheads Patagonia’s mission to make long-lasting apparel, accessories, and other
products that support environmental and social causes, according to Rattalino (2018). That is why the
company has become well-known and plays a significant role in the international outdoor clothing and
accessory market, focusing on high ethical standards, the protection of the environment, and the
production of qualitative products.
Consultation Focus
When preparing for my consultation, I expect that I will be mainly concerned with the area of
operations, namely the ways Patagonia can increase the sustainability of the company’s supply chain.
The knowledge and skills obtained during my business program, especially in operation management
and principles of sustainable business, will be quite relevant, as noted by Ims (2019). Environmental
concerns are something that I have a lot of experience in because of my course of study, and this makes
Patagonia a perfect place to be because I can easily work out the strategies that can help in free
improvement of efficiency as well as ecology.
Application of Knowledge and Skills
1. Operations Management: I can use Lean Management concepts in Patagonia and improve its
supply chain processes to contain wastage and improve on them. This is in line with the laiddown company’s objectives of reducing the impacts on the environment. Thus, analyzing and
eradicating waste in the processes applied by Patagonia will make its operation efficient and
friendly to the environment.
2. Sustainable Business Practices: Based on my knowledge of the selected frameworks, I will be
able to assist Patagonia in enhancing sustainable practices’ implementation within the company.
This could include such strategies as the acquisition of more sustainable raw materials, cutting
down on carbon emissions and improving the recycling process. That is why the adoption of the
circular economy model can be helpful for Patagonia in pursuing the minimization of its
ecological footprint and becoming an example of the best practice for the representatives of the
industry.
3. Strategic Planning: I am confident about how I can help Patagonia in the planning for sustainable
development by applying my skills in strategic planning. Some of these are cost leadership in
delivering goods and services which do not harm the environment. Thus, when the goals and key
performance indicators are defined in specific terms, a company like Patagonia can easily
identify its efficiency and guarantee that sustainability forms a part of the organizational culture.
4. Data Analysis: From a business analytics perspective, it is possible to explain how I could assist
Patagonia in identifying and quantifying the effects of sustainability efforts to improve the
process further. The evaluation of resource flow, waste outcomes, and carbon impact will enable
one to define the directions for change to further progress in contributing to Patagonia’s
sustainability agenda.
Therefore, applying the ideas from the chosen areas will allow me to assist Patagonia in increasing its
focus on sustainable development while maintaining the necessary level of performance. In this
consultation, I will give the company tips on how to improve its supply chain and how the firm can
further decrease its negative impact on the environment in order to remain the corporate sustainability
role model.
References
Ims, K. J. (2019). Caring Entrepreneurship and Ecological Conscience—The Case of Patagonia Inc. Caring
Management in the New Economy: Socially Responsible Behaviour Through Spirituality, 197-220.
Rattalino, F. (2018). Circular advantage anyone? Sustainability‐driven innovation and circularity at
Patagonia, Inc. Thunderbird International Business Review, 60(5), 747-755.
Week 3
As of the most recent data available for 2023, Patagonia Inc. reported an annual revenue
of approximately $1.5 billion indicating positive operational performance. This net positive cash
flow highlights efficient management and strategic market positioning, particularly in sustainable
product lines. Analyzing Patagonia’s financial data reveals potential challenges and
opportunities. While steady revenue growth signals consumer demand for sustainable products,
higher production costs associated with environmental commitments pose profitability
challenges. Moreover, expanding into new markets or product categories may require substantial
capital investments, impacting cash flow. To inform my recommendations in the consulting plan,
I will focus on leveraging Patagonia’s strengths in sustainable innovation and brand loyalty. This
includes proposing cost management strategies to mitigate environmental costs while sustaining
profitability. Additionally, I will recommend targeted investments in research and development
for new sustainable technologies to maintain competitive advantage and address emerging
market opportunities. Utilizing resources like Business Source Ultimate and financial databases
will enhance my understanding of Patagonia’s financial health, enabling strategic insights that
support sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive market landscape.
Reference
Truong, H. (2021). Environmental Sustainability: Impacts on Business Performance in Apparel
Industry (Doctoral dissertation).