Fitbit: Business About Wrist

Details for Individual Case Hand-in

“Fitbit: Business About Wrist” available from Ivey Publishing Number 9B16A012

• Value: 20%
• Due: at the beginning of class Week #9, Thursday, March 9th
• Hard copy due in class, soft copy submitted to Turnitin
• 5-8 pages, 3-5 pages of exhibits, 12 point font, double spaced

Recommended Approach:

Read the case through twice.  On the second reading make notes on your question terms: who, what, where and when as these will be the underpinning of your analysis and your SWOT which in turn, will help you with the Problem Statement.

Once you understand the Problem and ‘why’ it is exists, then the Recommendation, which is your ‘how’, can be developed and defended to provide a vision for how the company will look after the recommendation is implemented.

Do all of the analysis, thinking and recommendation development before you begin to write.  

Suggested write up and page allocations are simply a guideline for those of you who have asked.  You may certainly create your own format to achieve the necessary flow and clarity for your reader.  In the business world, the recommendation up front rather than the murder mystery style is the norm. Remember that your audience is James Park, CEO of Fitbit and so he is aware of the facts in the case and is interested in the insights that come from those facts as a result of your analysis.  You need not repeat any facts or information straight from the case.

Problem Statement                         ½ page

Key Issues                                1 page

Recommendation and Rationale                3-5 pages

Key implementation and Timing                ½ page

Conclusion                                ¼ page

Exhibits                                        3-5 pages as needed

Component Details

Problem Statement:

A statement of a strategic problem or decision to be made. Understanding your client’s goals will help you frame the problem.  Build some context in this section so that your reader sees the case from your perspective. Building connective conclusions between different facts will create insights that help your client see the true problem and its root.

Key Issues are the ‘Why’ behind the Problem:

Draw from your SWOT to understand the forces behind the problem and the major hurdles your recommendation will have to overcome to ensure future success. Building connective conclusions between different facts will create insights that help your client see the true problem and its root.

Recommendation:

What should the company do and why should they do it.  Show how your recommendation is logical, addresses the problem and satisfies the key stakeholders.