College of Doctoral Studies
MGT-805 Integrated Case Study
In this course, you will interact with Part II of a multi-year, integrated case study experience. This part of the case study focuses on organizational structure issues and related ethical decisions.
The Case
Purple Cloud was founded 15 years ago and has grown from a start-up security company to a small, but well-respected competitor in the rapidly growing security sector. The founder, A. Nathan Tecnoti, is a visionary leader who forecasted the need to develop robust software products that protected both individuals and companies. As the Internet grew, so did Tecnoti’s business. He could innovate rapidly, but Tecnoti could not keep up with the ever-changing technologies and was often out-maneuvered by larger companies who had larger and more proficient technical staffs and marketing budgets. Tecnoti began seeking a way to accelerate product development so that he could increase market share and take advantage of new market opportunities. It is for this reason that Tecnoti developed an acquisition strategy to rapidly acquire companies that offered promising security technologies.
Invoking that strategy, Tecnoti recently acquired ABCTech from its founders, Thunder Thompson (CEO) and Chris Christianson (COO). Video press coverage of this event can be viewed at https://lc.gcumedia.com/mgt805/business-acquisition-press-release-video/v1.1/. ABCTech was created in Thompson’s garage while he continued to work for a large computer programming organization. Although their specialty is application design, they understand the importance of safe data. As cybercrimes increased over the past few years, Thompson and Christianson came up with an idea that would change data and personal security. With just a few dollars in their pockets raised from family and friend investments as well as using the maximum amount available on some credit cards, the duo set out to build the necessary architecture that would provide them the opportunity to become the next technology magnates. As they got closer to an end-product, they started marketing their product and were surprised how sales were growing each month as they headed for a quarter million dollars in revenue their first year. Being programmers by day and new entrepreneurs by night, Thompson and Christianson quickly learned there was much they did not know about business. So when the opportunity was presented, they readily accepted the offer to be acquired by Purple Cloud.
The ABCTech product acquired by Purple Cloud is completely different than any other software security application offered in the market. The product offers an elegant solution that is implemented with a single update to the user's computer operating system thereby bypassing the need to distribute daily updates to address new security threats. The simplicity of the solution circumvents both the necessity to acquire capital to build or acquire extensive infrastructure and the requisite add ...
College of Doctoral StudiesMGT-805 Integrated Case Study.docx
1. College of Doctoral Studies
MGT-805 Integrated Case Study
In this course, you will interact with Part II of a multi-year,
integrated case study experience. This part of the case study
focuses on organizational structure issues and related ethical
decisions.
The Case
Purple Cloud was founded 15 years ago and has grown from a
start-up security company to a small, but well-respected
competitor in the rapidly growing security sector. The founder,
A. Nathan Tecnoti, is a visionary leader who forecasted the
need to develop robust software products that protected both
individuals and companies. As the Internet grew, so did
Tecnoti’s business. He could innovate rapidly, but Tecnoti
could not keep up with the ever-changing technologies and was
often out-maneuvered by larger companies who had larger and
more proficient technical staffs and marketing budgets. Tecnoti
began seeking a way to accelerate product development so that
he could increase market share and take advantage of new
market opportunities. It is for this reason that Tecnoti
developed an acquisition strategy to rapidly acquire companies
that offered promising security technologies.
Invoking that strategy, Tecnoti recently acquired ABCTech
from its founders, Thunder Thompson (CEO) and Chris
Christianson (COO). Video press coverage of this event can be
viewed at https://lc.gcumedia.com/mgt805/business-acquisition-
press-release-video/v1.1/. ABCTech was created in Thompson’s
garage while he continued to work for a large computer
programming organization. Although their specialty is
application design, they understand the importance of safe data.
As cybercrimes increased over the past few years, Thompson
and Christianson came up with an idea that would change data
2. and personal security. With just a few dollars in their pockets
raised from family and friend investments as well as using the
maximum amount available on some credit cards, the duo set
out to build the necessary architecture that would provide them
the opportunity to become the next technology magnates. As
they got closer to an end-product, they started marketing their
product and were surprised how sales were growing each month
as they headed for a quarter million dollars in revenue their first
year. Being programmers by day and new entrepreneurs by
night, Thompson and Christianson quickly learned there was
much they did not know about business. So when the
opportunity was presented, they readily accepted the offer to be
acquired by Purple Cloud.
The ABCTech product acquired by Purple Cloud is completely
different than any other software security application offered in
the market. The product offers an elegant solution that is
implemented with a single update to the user's computer
operating system thereby bypassing the need to distribute daily
updates to address new security threats. The simplicity of the
solution circumvents both the necessity to acquire capital to
build or acquire extensive infrastructure and the requisite
addition of high-priced support staff. If implemented rapidly
and with precision, Purple Cloud has the opportunity via this
acquisition to catapult itself to become a dominant market
leader with unprecedented revenue growth and dramatic profits.
However, for this plan to succeed, Tecnoti needs to carefully
integrate ABCTech’s executives and support staff. If they do
not assimilate into Purple Cloud and help implement the
technology, the investment and market leadership opportunity
will be lost.
Questions to Consider
Describe the post-acquisition organizational structure of Purple
Cloud. What do you notice? Is this structure influencing Purple
Cloud’s financials? Why or why not?
Should Purple Cloud restructure its organization? Why or why
3. not? Defend your position by establishing a theoretical
foundation that includes information regarding the propensity
for success of an acquisition using current (within the last three
years) or foundational references.
What ethical considerations arise in a restructuring process? Is
there an ethical way to restructure? Defend your position by
establishing a theoretical foundation using current (within the
last three years) or foundational references.
Background Information
Mission, Vision, Core Values
Purple Cloud
ABCTech
Mission
Purple Cloud exists to provide quality protection products to
ensure client online security.
ABCTech exists to create an affordable computer security
product for every person.
Vision
Safe movement in the cloud for all applications.
A world protected from cybercrime and personal security
breaches.
Core Values
Security
Honesty
Reliability
Teamwork
Efficiency
Honesty
Integrity
Diversity
Agility
4. Safety
Competitive Analysis
With 15 years of experience in the rapidly growing security
sector, Purple Cloud’s product technology monitors the Internet
for security bugs and then distributes software updates to
mitigate the risk. Unfortunately, Purple Cloud’s product
technology and pricing is a "me too" product that is virtually
identical to other products marketed by larger, more established
companies.
The market for data security is an established market led by
several well-known and dominant companies that focus both on
the consumer and business markets. Vendor reputation and
brand perception influence customer purchase decisions to a
greater extent than product cost. To continually promote brand
safety, dominant companies expend a significant portion of their
budgets on advertising and marketing expenditures.
Dominant companies offer single-user licenses, enterprise
contracts, and even customized safety applications. They have
built large, expensive technical infrastructures enabling them to
distribute daily security updates as needed. These companies
have national and international presence and are well respected.
They are financially profitable and are perceived by their
customers as offering products that provide great value.
Purple Cloud recently acquired ABCTech’s product, which is
completely different than any other software security
application offered in the market. ABCTech’s product solution
is implemented with a single update to the user's computer
operating system thereby bypassing the need to distribute daily
updates to address new security threats. The simplicity of the
solution circumvents both the necessity to acquire capital to
build or acquire extensive infrastructure and the requisite
addition of high-priced support staff. Purple Cloud now has the
potential to compete with well-established companies within
5. this sector. To succeed, Purple Cloud needs to determine
whether to update the organizational structure with the selective
addition of key staff from the acquired company, adjust product
development strategy, and/or re-align support staff all within
the context of closely monitoring and controlling expenses.
Member Biographies
Purple Cloud
A. Nathan Tecnoti, Founder and CEO
Tecnoti is a visionary. He started his company to help protect
the privacy of individuals and small companies. With this focus,
he has built a successful small business. However, with just
$50M in revenue, he is often out-maneuvered by larger
companies who have the marketing resources and technology to
block his expansion into this market. Andrew’s experience with
previous organizations allowed him to establish quick responses
to market situations, improve customer relevance, and create
better partnerships in the digital industry, especially in cloud-
based models.
With a B.S. in business and an M.S in information technology,
Tecnoti brings to the company significant experience working
globally as well as a strong IT background. In addition, Tecnoti
has extensive experience in the industry prior to Purple Cloud
where he worked in the roles of senior vice president of
technology for two other large corporations. He was responsible
for growth, marketing, and the companies’ office operations.
Tecnoti also has experience in licensing of software and
managing sales in the United States and Europe for previous
corporations.
Maria Preston, Chief Operational Officer
Maria Preston is responsible for driving profitable growth and
creating operational excellence. She has an excellent track
record of innovation and creating excellence in the operational
division. Preston oversees the national and global supply chain
of the company. Her innovative approach to problem solving
has put her at the top of her industry in her previous
organizations and now with Purple Cloud where she is charges
6. with innovating operational processes for maximum efficiency.
Preston’s previous experience shows she has held leadership
roles in IT and manufacturing. She has worked with a variety of
companies in Silicon Valley and is known for creating
partnerships that reshape and create cross-functionality for the
organization. Preston holds a B.A. in economics and an M.B.A.
in business administration.
Willie Taylor, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Willie Taylor comes to Purple Cloud with an abundance of
experience in the financial strategy and operations of IT
companies. He is tasked with creating value for shareholders,
upholding a balanced portfolio, and leading the growth
initiatives of the company. He believes integrity is critical in
creating a successful financial strategy.
Taylor's previous experience comes from working in business,
technology, operations, and finance for companies in Silicon
Valley. He has had experience partnering with organizations to
focus on long-range strategic planning, forecasting, and
working with budgets as high as $50M. Taylor has a B.S. in
finance and an M.S. in business with a specialization in finance.
He also has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions,
financial planning, and profit and loss.
ABCTech
Thunder Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder
Thompson is co-founder of ABCTech. As the CEO of ABCTech,
Thompson focuses on the company’s growth and technology
strategy. Thompson has a B.S. degree in computer programming
and a passion for creating safe data products and applications.
He brings more than 10 years of experience in enterprise IT
software, data analytics, security, and knowledge of cybercrime.
Thompson also has experience in technical operations and cloud
and data platforms. He is new to being an entrepreneur, but is
excited at the prospects of making a difference in the
technology world with his company’s safe data products.
Thompson believes in ABCTech’s vision: A world protected
from cybercrime and personal security breaches.
7. Chris Christianson, COO and Co-Founder
Christianson is the co-founder and COO of ABCTech. He is also
the company’s chief marketing officer. Christianson is
responsible for growing the company’s revenue. He has 12 years
of experience in HTML, Java, Python coding, and product
development, and is trained in software development, product
development, and product marketing. Christianson holds a B.S.
degree in computer programming and has certification in
marketing and product development. He too is new to
entrepreneurship, but has a passion to see ABCTech and its
products succeed. Christianson believes the company can
achieve its mission: To create an affordable security product for
every person.
John Smith, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
John Smith has extensive experience in financial planning and
analysis through working with teams on financial analysis,
business plan development, and corporate benchmarking. In his
previous company, Smith held leadership positions focusing on
supply chain management, finance, and operations. He has a
B.S. in finance and accounting and an M.S. in accounting.
Smith also has experience in the information technology and
technology strategy areas, which allows him to prudently
manage the cash flow and investment needs of the company.
Herbert VanderLugt, Marketing Director
Hebert VanderLugt has extensive experience in marketing.
Before joining ABCTech, he worked in Silicon Valley as head
of marketing operations for a large tech firm. VanderLugt has a
B.A. in business as well as an M.B.A from a prestigious
business school. He is also fluent both in writing code and in
website design. These skills complement his understanding of
ABCTech and its marketing needs within the tech industry.
Joan-Marie Taylor, Sales Manager
Joan-Marie Taylor heads up the sales operations for ABCTech.
She has extensive experience in the tech industry in marketing,
sales, and product design. Taylor worked in key leadership
positions at other tech companies that allowed her to design and
9. Purple Cloud Inc.
Income Statement
For Year Ending December 31, 20xx
Pre AcquistionPost Acquistion % ChangePost Comments
Revenue
Subscription Software Revenue$40,000,00042,500,0006.25%
ABC Product Line 750,00050%*
Professional Services$10,000,00011,000,00010.00%
Total Revenue$50,000,000$54,250,0008.50%
Cost of Goods
Customer Support$3,000,000$4,500,00050.00%
Pre Acquistion: 6% total revenue; Post
Acquistion: 8.3% total revenue
Hosting Expense$230,000$625,000171.74%
Pre Acquistion: 0.46% total revenue; Post:1.1%
total revenue
Professional Services$8,000,000$8,800,00010.00%
20% gross margin for professional services
Total Cost Goods Sold$11,230,000$13,925,00024.00%
Gross Profit$38,770,000$40,325,0004.01%
Gross Margin78%74%-4.14%
Operating Expenses
Sales$12,000,000$14,400,00020.00%
Pre: 24.0% of total revenue: Post: 26.5% of total
revenue
Marketing$4,000,000$6,000,00050.00%
Pre: 8.0% total revenue; Post: 11.0% total revenue
Product Development$7,500,000$9,250,00023.33%
Pre: 15% total revenue; Post: 17.0% total revenue
General and Administrative$1,500,000$2,100,00040.00%
Pre: 3.0% total revenue; Post 3.8% total revenue
Operating Expenses$25,000,000$31,750,00027.00%
One time acquistion expense$0$5,000,000
Total Operating Expenses$25,000,000$36,750,00047.00%
10. Net Income$13,770,000$3,575,000-74.04%
Tax @ 30%$4,131,000$1,072,500
Profit$9,639,000$2,502,500-74.04%
Purple Cloud Inc.
Post Acquisition Balance Sheet
December 31, 20XX
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash And Cash Equivalents$2,000,000
Accounts Receivable13,287,999
Prepaid Expenses841,000
Total Current Assets16,128,999
Goodwill2,500,000
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
Fixtures and Equipment7,195,333
Less accumulated depreciation155,000
7,040,333
TOTAL ASSETS$25,669,332
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable1,862,000
Advanced Payments on Orders1,020,000
Other Current Liabilities686,000
$3,568,000
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Retained Earnings4,855,000
Members Contributions271,500
Common Stock16,974,832
Total Stockholders Equity$22,101,332
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity$25,669,332
College of Doctoral Studies
11. MGT
-
805
Integrated Case Study
In this course, you will interact with Part
I
I of a multi
-
year, integrated case study experience.
This part of the case study focuses on
organizational
structure
issues and
related ethical
decisions.
The Case
Purple Cloud was founded 15 years ago and has grown from a
start
-
up security company to a
small
,
but well
-
respected competitor in the rapidly growing security sector.
The founder, A.
Nathan Tecnoti
12. ,
is a visionary leader who forecasted the need to develop robust
software
products that protected both individuals and companies.
As the Internet grew, so did
Tecnoti
’s
business.
He could
innovate
rapidly
, but
Tecnoti
could not keep up with the ever
-
changin
g
technologies and was often out
-
maneuvered
by larger companies who had larger and more
proficient technical staffs and marketing budgets.
Tecnoti
began seeking
a way to accelerate
product development so that he could increase market share and
13. take advanta
ge of new
market opportunities. It is for this reason that
Tecnoti
developed an acquisition strategy to
rapidly acquire companies that offered promising security
technologies.
Invoking that strategy
,
Tecnoti
recently
acquired
ABCTech
from its founders, Thu
nder
Thompson (CEO) and Chris Christianson (COO).
Video press coverage of this event can be
viewed at
https://lc.gcumedia.com/mgt805/business
-
acquisition
-
press
-
release
-
video/v1.1/
.
ABCTech
was created in
14. Thompson’s
garage while
he
continu
ed
to work for a large computer
programming organization.
Although their specialty is application design, they understan
d the
importance of safe data. As cybercrimes increased over the pa
st few years,
Thompson
and
Christianson
came up with an idea
that
would change data and personal security. With just a
few dollars in their pockets raised from family and friend
investments
as well as using the
maximum amount available on some credit cards, the
duo
set out to build the necessary
architecture that would provide them the opportunity to become
the next technology
magnates. As they got closer to an end
-
product, they started mark
15. eting their product and were
surprised how sales were growing each month as they headed
for a quarter million dollars in
revenue their first year. Being programmers by day and new
entrepreneurs by night,
Thompson
and
Christianson
quickly learned there was
much they did not know about business
. So when
the opportunity was presented,
they
readily
accepted the offer to be acquired by Purple Cloud.
The
ABCTech
product
acquired by Purple Cloud
is completely different than any other software
security application
offered in the market.
The product
offers an elegant solution that is
implemented with a single update to the user's computer
operating system thereby bypassing
the need to distribute daily updates to address new security
threats. The simplicity of the
16. so
lution circumvents
both
the necessity to acquire capital to build or acquire extensive
infrastructure
and
the
requisite
addition of high
-
priced support staff.
If implemented rapidly
College of Doctoral Studies
MGT-805 Integrated Case Study
In this course, you will interact with Part II of a multi-year,
integrated case study experience.
This part of the case study focuses on organizational structure
issues and related ethical
decisions.
The Case
Purple Cloud was founded 15 years ago and has grown from a
start-up security company to a
small, but well-respected competitor in the rapidly growing
security sector. The founder, A.
Nathan Tecnoti, is a visionary leader who forecasted the need to
develop robust software
products that protected both individuals and companies. As the
Internet grew, so did Tecnoti’s
business. He could innovate rapidly, but Tecnoti could not keep
up with the ever-changing
technologies and was often out-maneuvered by larger companies
who had larger and more
proficient technical staffs and marketing budgets. Tecnoti began
17. seeking a way to accelerate
product development so that he could increase market share and
take advantage of new
market opportunities. It is for this reason that Tecnoti
developed an acquisition strategy to
rapidly acquire companies that offered promising security
technologies.
Invoking that strategy, Tecnoti recently acquired ABCTech
from its founders, Thunder
Thompson (CEO) and Chris Christianson (COO). Video press
coverage of this event can be
viewed at https://lc.gcumedia.com/mgt805/business-acquisition-
press-release-video/v1.1/.
ABCTech was created in Thompson’s garage while he continued
to work for a large computer
programming organization. Although their specialty is
application design, they understand the
importance of safe data. As cybercrimes increased over the past
few years, Thompson and
Christianson came up with an idea that would change data and
personal security. With just a
few dollars in their pockets raised from family and friend
investments as well as using the
maximum amount available on some credit cards, the duo set
out to build the necessary
architecture that would provide them the opportunity to become
the next technology
magnates. As they got closer to an end-product, they started
marketing their product and were
surprised how sales were growing each month as they headed
for a quarter million dollars in
revenue their first year. Being programmers by day and new
entrepreneurs by night, Thompson
and Christianson quickly learned there was much they did not
know about business. So when
the opportunity was presented, they readily accepted the offer to
18. be acquired by Purple Cloud.
The ABCTech product acquired by Purple Cloud is completely
different than any other software
security application offered in the market. The product offers an
elegant solution that is
implemented with a single update to the user's computer
operating system thereby bypassing
the need to distribute daily updates to address new security
threats. The simplicity of the
solution circumvents both the necessity to acquire capital to
build or acquire extensive
infrastructure and the requisite addition of high-priced support
staff. If implemented rapidly
Case Study Presentation
1
Unsatisfactory
0.00%
2
Less than Satisfactory
73.00%
3
Satisfactory
82.00%
4
Good
91.00%
5
Excellent
100.00%
100.0 %Criteria
10.0 %Summary of the Business Issue
A summary of the business issue is not presented.
A summary of the business issue is included, but inaccurate or
19. incomplete.
A summary of the business issue is presented, but does not
focus on the organization structure concerns of the case.
A summary of the business issue is presented and focuses on the
organization structure concerns of the case.
A summary of the business issue is thoroughly presented and
strongly focuses on the organization structure concerns of the
case offering rich detail.
20.0 %Overview of at Least Two Viable Potential Resolutions
Reinforces C.2.3: Recommend the application of newly
developed or revised theories to specific business opportunities
and challenges.
An overview of at least two potential resolutions is not
presented.
An overview of at least two potential resolutions is presented,
but resolutions are ill-conceived and illogical. No research or
organization structure analysis support is offered.
An overview of at least two potential resolutions is presented,
but is cursory and lacking in depth. Resolutions may be viable
but appear hastily conceived and lack depth of thought.
Research and organization structure analysis support are limited
and from dated resources.
An overview of at least two potential resolutions is presented,
logical, and thorough. Resolutions are viable, appear
moderately well-conceived, and are logical. Research and
organization structure analysis support are limited but from
current resources.
An overview of at least two potential resolutions is thoroughly
presented with clear logic and rich detail. Resolutions are viable
and well-conceived and display exceptional depth of thought.
Research and organization structure analysis support are
thorough and from current resources.
20.0 %Overview of the Ethical Implications of Each Option and
the Influence from the Mission, Vision and Core Values of
20. Purple Cloud Reinforces C.2.2: Recognize that values and ethics
are fundamental to business success and sustainability.
An overview of the ethical implications of each option and the
influence from the mission, vision and core values of Purple
Cloud is not presented.
An overview of the ethical implications of one option is
presented, but inaccurate or illogical. The influence from the
mission, vision and core values of Purple Cloud is vaguely
addressed. No research support is offered.
An overview of the ethical implications of each option and the
influence from the mission, vision and core values of Purple
Cloud is presented, but is cursory and lacking in depth.
Research support is limited and from dated resources.
An overview of the ethical implications of each option and the
influence from the mission, vision and core values of Purple
Cloud is presented and thorough. Research support is limited
but from current resources.
An overview of the ethical implications of each option and the
influence from the mission, vision and core values of Purple
Cloud is thoroughly presented with rich detail. Research support
is thorough and from current resources.
20.0 %Overview of and Rationale for Recommended Resolution
Reinforces C.2.3: Recommend the application of newly
developed or revised theories to specific business opportunities
and challenges and C. 2.5: Validate and advance business
practice through the appropriate application of business theory.
An overview of and rationale for the recommended resolution
are not presented.
An overview of and rationale for the recommended resolution
are presented, but the recommendation is illogical. No
information of how the recommendation influences the long-
term organizational health of Purple Cloud is given. No
research support is offered.
An overview of and rationale for the recommended resolution
are presented and include information of how the
21. recommendation influences the long-term organizational health
of Purple Cloud. The resolution and rationale appear hastily
conceived and lack depth of thought. The overview is not
concise.
An overview of and rationale for the recommended resolution
are presented, logical, and moderately well-conceived and well
justified. Information of how the recommendation influences the
long-term organizational health of Purple Cloud is given and
appears relatively well-conceived. The overview is relatively
concise.
An overview of and rationale for the recommended resolution
are concisely presented with clear logic and appropriate detail
including well-conceived and well-justified information of how
the recommendation influences the long-term organizational
health of Purple Cloud. The overview conveys a thorough
understanding of the interconnected nature of business events.
10.0 %Integration of Instructor Feedback
Integration of instructor feedback is either missing or not
evident to the reader.
Integration of instructor feedback is vaguely attempted, but
does not address the majority of instructor comments and
suggestions.
Integration of instructor feedback is evident though it appears
as a disjointed, cursory addition. Most of the instructor
comments and suggestions are addressed.
Integration of instructor feedback is evident and relatively well
incorporated into the natural flow of the paper. All instructor
comments and suggestions are addressed.
Integration of instructor feedback is evident and meaningful. It
is seamlessly incorporated into the flow of the paper. All
instructor comments and suggestions are addressed.
10.0 %Thesis Development and Purpose
Presentation lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing
claim.
22. Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or
vague; purpose is not clear.
Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to
purpose.
Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development
of the presentation. They are descriptive and reflective of the
arguments and appropriate to the purpose.
Thesis and/or main claim are clear and comprehensive; the
essence of the presentation is contained within the thesis.
5.0 %Mechanics of Writing
Mechanical errors are pervasive enough that they impede
communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or
sentence construction are used.
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader.
Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence
structure, and/or word choice are present.
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly
distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and
audience-appropriate language are used.
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may
be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective
figures of speech are used.
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic
English.
5.0 %Layout
The layout is cluttered, confusing, and does not use spacing,
headings, and subheadings to enhance the readability. The text
is extremely difficult to read with long blocks of text, small
point size for fonts, and inappropriate contrasting colors. Poor
use of headings, subheadings, indentations, or bold formatting
is evident.
The layout shows some structure, but appears cluttered and busy
or distracting with large gaps of white space or a distracting
background. Overall readability is difficult due to lengthy
23. paragraphs, too many different fonts, dark or busy background,
overuse of bold, or lack of appropriate indentations of text.
The layout uses horizontal and vertical white space
appropriately. Sometimes the fonts are easy to read, but in a few
places the use of fonts, italics, bold, long paragraphs, color, or
busy background detracts and does not enhance readability.
The layout background and text complement each other and
enable the content to be easily read. The fonts are easy to read
and point size varies appropriately for headings and text.
The layout is visually pleasing and contributes to the overall
message with appropriate use of headings, subheadings, and
white space. Text is appropriate in length for the target
audience and to the point. The background and colors enhance
the readability of the text.
100 %Total Weightage
Case Study Presentation
1
Unsatisfactory
0.00%
2
Less than
Satisfactory
73.00%
25. incomplete.
A summary of the
business issue is
presented, but
does not focus on
the organization
structure concerns
of the case.
A summary of the
business issue is
presented and
focuses on the
organization
structure concerns
of the case.
A summary of the
business is
sue is
thoroughly
presented and
strongly focuses on
the organization
structure concerns
of the case offering
rich detail.
20.0 %Overview
of at Least Two
Viable Potential
Resolutions
Reinforces
C.2.3:
26. Recommend the
application of
newly developed
or
revised
theories to
specific business
opportunities
and challenges.
An overview of at
least two
potential
resolutions is not
presented.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
presented, but
resolutions are ill
-
conceived and
illogical. No
r
esearch or
organization
structure analysis
support is offered.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
presented, but is
cursory and lacking
27. in depth.
Resolutions may be
viable but appear
hastily conceived
and lack depth of
thought. Research
and organization
structure analysis
support are limited
and from dated
resources.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
presented, logical,
and thorough.
Resolutions are
viable, appear
moderately well
-
conceived, and are
logical. Research
and organization
structure analysis
support are limited
but from current
resources.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
thoroughly
presented with
clear logic and rich
detail. Resolutions
28. are viable and well
-
conceived and
display exceptional
depth of thought.
Research and
organization
structure analysis
support are
thoroug
h and from
current resources.
20.0 %Overview
of the Ethical
Implications of
Each Option and
the Influence
from the
Mission, Vision
and Core Values
of Purple Cloud
Reinforces
C.2.2: Recognize
that values and
ethics are
fundamental to
business succe
ss
and
sustainability.
An overview of
the ethical
implications of
29. each option and
the influence
from the mission,
vision and core
values of Purple
Cloud is not
presented.
An overview of the
ethical
implications of one
option is
presented, but
inaccurate
or
illogical. The
influence from the
mission, vision and
core values of
Purple Cloud is
vaguely addressed.
No research
support is offered.
An overview of the
ethical
implications of
each option and
the influence from
the mission, vision
and core values of
Purple Cloud is
presented, but is
cursory and lacking
in depth. Research
30. support is limited
and from dated
resources.
An overview of the
ethical
implications of
each option and
the influence from
the mission, vision
and core values of
Purple Cloud is
pre
sented and
thorough. Research
support is limited
but from current
resources.
An overview of the
ethical implications
of each option and
the influence from
the mission, vision
and core values of
Purple Cloud is
thoroughly
presented with rich
detail. Resear
ch
support is thorough
and from current
resources.
20.0 %
31. Overview
of and Rationale
for
Recommended
Resolution
Reinforces
C.2.3:
Recommend the
application of
newly developed
or revised
An overview of
and rationale for
the
recommended
resolution are not
presented.
An overview of and
rationale for the
recommended
resolution are
presented, but the
recommendation is
illogical. No
information of how
the
recommendation
influences the
An overview of and
rationale for the
recommended
resolution are
presented and
include
information of how
32. the
recommendation
influences
the
long
-
term
An overview of and
rationale for the
recommended
resolution are
presented, logical,
and mode
rately
well
-
conceived and
well justified.
Information of how
the
recommendation
An overview of and
rationale
for the
recommended
resolution are
concisely presented
with clear logic and
appropriate detail
including well
-
conceived and well
-
justified
information of how
33. Case Study Presentation
1
Unsatisfactory
0.00%
2
Less than
Satisfactory
73.00%
3
Satisfactory
82.00%
4
Good
91.00%
5
Excellent
100.00%
100.0 %Criteria
10.0 %Summary
of the Business
Issue
A summary of the
business issue is
not presented.
A summary of the
business issue is
included, but
inaccurate or
incomplete.
A summary of the
business issue is
presented, but
does not focus on
the organization
34. structure concerns
of the case.
A summary of the
business issue is
presented and
focuses on the
organization
structure concerns
of the case.
A summary of the
business issue is
thoroughly
presented and
strongly focuses on
the organization
structure concerns
of the case offering
rich detail.
20.0 %Overview
of at Least Two
Viable Potential
Resolutions
Reinforces
C.2.3:
Recommend the
application of
newly developed
or revised
theories to
specific business
opportunities
and challenges.
An overview of at
least two
potential
35. resolutions is not
presented.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
presented, but
resolutions are ill-
conceived and
illogical. No
research or
organization
structure analysis
support is offered.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
presented, but is
cursory and lacking
in depth.
Resolutions may be
viable but appear
hastily conceived
and lack depth of
thought. Research
and organization
structure analysis
support are limited
and from dated
resources.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
presented, logical,
and thorough.
Resolutions are
viable, appear
36. moderately well-
conceived, and are
logical. Research
and organization
structure analysis
support are limited
but from current
resources.
An overview of at
least two potential
resolutions is
thoroughly
presented with
clear logic and rich
detail. Resolutions
are viable and well-
conceived and
display exceptional
depth of thought.
Research and
organization
structure analysis
support are
thorough and from
current resources.
20.0 %Overview
of the Ethical
Implications of
Each Option and
the Influence
from the
Mission, Vision
and Core Values
of Purple Cloud
Reinforces
37. C.2.2: Recognize
that values and
ethics are
fundamental to
business success
and
sustainability.
An overview of
the ethical
implications of
each option and
the influence
from the mission,
vision and core
values of Purple
Cloud is not
presented.
An overview of the
ethical
implications of one
option is
presented, but
inaccurate or
illogical. The
influence from the
mission, vision and
core values of
Purple Cloud is
vaguely addressed.
No research
support is offered.
An overview of the
ethical
implications of
each option and
the influence from
38. the mission, vision
and core values of
Purple Cloud is
presented, but is
cursory and lacking
in depth. Research
support is limited
and from dated
resources.
An overview of the
ethical
implications of
each option and
the influence from
the mission, vision
and core values of
Purple Cloud is
presented and
thorough. Research
support is limited
but from current
resources.
An overview of the
ethical implications
of each option and
the influence from
the mission, vision
and core values of
Purple Cloud is
thoroughly
presented with rich
detail. Research
support is thorough
and from current
resources.
39. 20.0 %Overview
of and Rationale
for
Recommended
Resolution
Reinforces
C.2.3:
Recommend the
application of
newly developed
or revised
An overview of
and rationale for
the
recommended
resolution are not
presented.
An overview of and
rationale for the
recommended
resolution are
presented, but the
recommendation is
illogical. No
information of how
the
recommendation
influences the
An overview of and
rationale for the
recommended
resolution are
presented and
include
information of how
the
40. recommendation
influences the
long-term
An overview of and
rationale for the
recommended
resolution are
presented, logical,
and moderately
well-conceived and
well justified.
Information of how
the
recommendation
An overview of and
rationale for the
recommended
resolution are
concisely presented
with clear logic and
appropriate detail
including well-
conceived and well-
justified
information of how
