Case Study Presentation and Analysis of Business Strategy and Competitive Analysis of Unilever Using

The assessment in Part A is a case study analysis; therefore, please note that a case analysis is not a conceptual explanation or discussion, but rather the application of concepts and frameworks to interpret case information, to analyse key events and statements, and to reach evaluative judgements or conclusions. The concepts and frameworks are covered in the lectures, tutorials, and prescribed reading; the guidance provided in the section below gives you a few pointers on how you need to use this knowledge to answer the questions. In developing your analysis and arguments, you should use supporting evidence from the information contained in the case study, corporate website, and the latest annual report.

Your answers should take into account and reflect the three sources listed above. The case study is the primary source of information. The corporate website should be used to obtain updated information. The annual report gives you an overview of the efforts undertaken by the organisation during its last financial exercise.

In terms of case presentation, you should introduce each question by stating how you will structure your answer and conclude each answer by referring to your previous arguments and the task required by the question. Do not present your answer as a rigid, “bulk” report; instead, divide your answer into sections with suggestiveheadings and sub-headings that reflect the key elements of your analysis.

The total word count of your answers to both questions must be 2,000 words and it must comply with the guidelines provided here:

The word limit for Part A does not include the cover page, reference list, and appendices. This is subject to a ±10% allowance to the allocated word count. Where a submission exceeds the stated word limit (allowing for the +10%), the maximum grade awarded will be P1. Appendices can be useful to provide  additional information from your analysis, but you must incorporate the key analytical arguments into the main body of your answer.

The assessment feedback sheet at the end of this section presents the marking criteria for the overall case analysis. Remember, when writing your answer to the questions, you must not reproduce or describe what the case already says, but rather use the concepts to analyse the information and draw on the evidence/facts provided in the case to support your analysis.

Question 1 requires you to apply the Porter’s Generic Competitive Strategies framework to determine the organisation’s business strategy to evaluate its competitive advantage. This question is the precise application of a framework to develop an analysis specifically for the company. You are encouraged to use visual diagrams and tables to illustrate your analysis. You should use headings and subheadings to structure your answer. Please note that the tables and diagrams are included in the word count.

Question 2 requires you to reflect on and analyse the framework. The aim is to identify the benefits and limitations of the framework, not the organisation. At the PG level, you should be able to critically analyse a framework and objectively assess its contribution as well as its limitations. You should use academic sources to support your arguments. You should use headings and sub-headings to structure your answer.

The case study gives you background information and overview of the company as well the opportunities and challenges it has faced in recent years. The corporate website provides information on the company’s history as well as some key facts and figures.

The annual report provides financial information about the organisation and its current strategic direction. The case study has been published a few years ago and you should use the corporate website and annual reports to access updated information.

1) Analyse Unilever’s business strategy using Porter’s Generic Competitive Strategies framework. Use the data and information from the case study, corporate website, and the latest annual report.

2) Critically evaluate Porter’s Generic Competitive Strategies framework by identifying its advantages and limitations, and then develop three recommendations on how its limitations might be overcome. Use academic sources to support your arguments.