Midterm Exam and Case Analysis Notes

• Midterms Week

• Acknowledgment of exam preparation and stress

• Asking students about their experience with the practice exam

• Practice Exam Feedback

• Students report issues with viewing results after attempting the practice exam.

• Instructor acknowledges potential technical problems and states intention to investigate

• Emphasizes importance of knowing correct answers, even if the exam is not graded

• Midterm Exam Logistics

• Format: 50 questions, 100 minutes, one sitting only

• Exam Timing: Opens Friday at 9 AM and closes Sunday at 11:59 PM

• Question Types: Mix of straightforward and scenario-based questions, including true/false

• Honor System: Camera not required; students can refer to their notes, but other sources are prohibited

• Study Recommendations

• Review lecture recordings and PowerPoint slides

• Focus on edited slides used in live sessions

• Utilize the textbook material for comprehensive understanding

• Individual Case Analysis Info

• Case analysis is due at the end of week 10, with 4 weeks for preparation

• Teams for group project will be assigned after the midterm exam

• Students encouraged to communicate with team members once groups are formed

• Case Analysis Overview

• Case is about Southwest Airlines, including its history, challenges, and operations

• Key Components of Case:

  • Business model

  • Business strategy

  • Significant issues faced

  • Financial performance, including ratio analysis

  • Recommendations for alternative strategies

• Analysis Frameworks

• Business Model Evaluation: Analyze if the model is appealing based on performance metrics

• Strategy Elements: Compare with company vision, mission, and objectives

• Industry Analysis: Use Five Forces model to understand competitive dynamics affecting Southwest

• Financial Ratios: Calculate and compare with industry averages and competitors

• Alternative Strategies: Propose additional strategies in response to identified issues

• Preparation for Financial Ratio Analysis

• Minimum of 10 ratios required

• Comparison with at least one competitor and industry averages

• Consider using reliable sources, including SEC filings and databases like IBISWorld

• Submission Guidelines

• Formatting: Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced, APA citations and references required

• Additional Clarifications & Interaction

• Instructor open to questions on last chapter about generic strategies—focus differentiation vs. differentiation discussed

• Emphasis on understanding distinct strategic approaches within industry context.

• Concludes session with encouragement for students in approaching the exam and case analysis

• Final Thoughts

• Be proactive about studying materials and forming groups

• Don't hesitate to reach out for help or clarification on topics discussed

• Good luck with the exam and further assignments!

Midterms Week

• Acknowledgment of exam preparation and associated stress that students may experience. Instructors recognize the importance of mental well-being during this time and encourage students to reach out if they feel overwhelmed.

Practice Exam Feedback

• Students report issues with viewing results after completing the practice exam, indicating potential barriers to effective study preparation.

• Instructor acknowledges these technical problems, expresses understanding, and states their intention to investigate promptly to resolve the issues.

• Emphasizes the importance of knowing correct answers for learning purposes even if the exam is not graded, encouraging students to reflect on their understanding.

Midterm Exam Logistics

• Format: The exam consists of 50 questions to be completed in 100 minutes, requiring students to manage their time effectively in a single sitting.

• Exam Timing: The exam window opens Friday at 9 AM and closes Sunday at 11:59 PM, providing students with a designated timeframe to complete the test, while encouraging preparation throughout the week.

• Question Types: A mix of straightforward questions and scenario-based questions to assess both direct knowledge and practical application, including true/false questions to gauge basic understandings.

• Honor System: While a camera is not required during the exam, students are allowed to refer to their notes. However, the use of any other external sources is strictly prohibited to uphold academic integrity.

Study Recommendations

• Review Strategies: Students are encouraged to thoroughly review lecture recordings and relevant PowerPoint slides, ensuring they understand the key concepts discussed. Special emphasis should be placed on edited slides that were used during live sessions, as these may contain highlighted material relevant for the exam.

• Textbook Utilization: In addition to lecture materials, utilizing textbooks will enable a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, encouraging in-depth exploration of topics.

Individual Case Analysis Info

• The case analysis for the group project is due at the end of week 10, providing students with a full 4 weeks for thorough preparation and team collaboration.

• Teams for the group project will be assigned after the midterm exam, fostering networking opportunities and collaborative learning among students.

• Students are encouraged to communicate with team members once groups are formed to establish working norms and objectives early on.

Case Analysis Overview

• The case focuses on Southwest Airlines, exploring its rich history, operational challenges, and unique business practices that have shaped its success.

• Key Components of Case:

  • Business model evaluation to define what makes Southwest Airlines successful

  • Analysis of business strategy concerning market trends and operational effectiveness

  • Identification of significant issues faced by the airline, including competition and market fluctuations

  • Financial performance review, including a comprehensive ratio analysis to measure success against industry benchmarks

  • Recommendations for alternative strategies based on identified challenges and growth opportunities.

Analysis Frameworks

• Business Model Evaluation: Analyze if the business model remains appealing based on specific performance metrics to understand its efficacy.

• Strategy Elements: Compare Southwest Airlines' strategies with the company's vision, mission, and overarching objectives to assess alignment.

• Industry Analysis: Implement the Five Forces model to understand competitive dynamics and challenges within the airline industry affecting Southwest Airlines.

• Financial Ratios: Students are required to calculate a minimum of 10 financial ratios and compare these to at least one competitor as well as industry averages, utilizing reliable sources such as SEC filings and databases like IBISWorld for accurate data.

• Alternative Strategies: Propose additional strategies to address identified issues, facilitating innovative thinking and application of strategy concepts.

Submission Guidelines

• Formatting Expectations: Assignments must be formatted with Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced, following APA citation and referencing requirements to ensure consistency and professionalism in submissions.

Additional Clarifications & Interaction

• The instructor remains open to any questions regarding the last chapter addressing generic strategies, focusing particularly on the comparative aspects of differentiation versus overall competition in strategic approaches.

• There is an emphasis on understanding the distinct strategic methods within the broader industry context to enhance analytical thinking.

Final Thoughts

• Students are encouraged to be proactive about studying from all the materials provided and forming effective study groups to facilitate learning.

• In case of any uncertainties or need for clarification on discussed topics, students should not hesitate to reach out for help.

• Wishing all students the best of luck with their exam preparation and upcoming assignments, reinforcing the importance of diligence and dedication in their studies.