SUGGESTIONS

The case assignment used in the Aspen Institute's Business & Society International MBA Case Competition is purposely complex, yet you are limited to a six page written response (plus up to two additional pages of charts, graphs and exhibits). A thorough consideration of all aspects of the assignment would obviously require more space. We suggest that you do not skimp on depth of analysis but rather respond to the questions fully in your preparation. Then, after arriving at your considered response to the assignment, we suggest that you pull out the key conceptual findings from your longer piece of work in order to prepare the shorter six page submission. A six page response that is based on a deeper, rigorous analysis will distinguish itself from one that has only six pages of thought in it.

For example, do not become bogged down in trying to list the impacts on each relevant stakeholder in your short six page written response. Instead do all of that analysis, which may require many more pages of work. Then, in your six page submission, pull out the points that are salient to and support your recommended answer to the case assignment, as well as those points that represent significant threats to your action plan, accompanied by your response to them.

Similarly, although your answer will require that you do a comparative analysis of different action options, you do not need to include all of that analysis in your submission. Rather, focus on the action option you select, explaining the criteria you used and why. In the course of this discussion, some of the options you considered and discarded will be revealed, of course.

Be sure that your analysis, recommendations and rationale are presented from the perspective of the case protagonist. Double-check that your recommendations are based on an articulated response to the questions in the assignment.

Remember, if your team makes it to Round Three, you will be able to draw on your longer analysis in the preparation of your oral presentation and in response to the judges' questions which may cover the entire assignment material.

Finally, have fun! While we expect first-rate submissions, we truly want this experience to be an opportunity for you to step back from your daily classes and routine and to think about the massive role of business in society. As a future executive or business owner, you will be the protagonist in this case-- facing challenging social, ethical, and environmental questions in a similarly time-sensitive situation. How will your innovation at the intersection of corporate profits and social impacts change the world for the better?

© The Aspen Institute

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