Case Study Assignment
In this course, you will complete a case study. This case study is worth 150 points, or 15%
of your grade. The instructions for completing this case study are as follows:
Please download and read the case study: Scotts Miracle-Gro: The Spreader Sourcing Decision
After reading the case (which I suggest you do multiple times), you should begin to take some
notes to generalize the facts. Watch this video on how to perform a Business Case Study, it might
be helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxyQKUzvuhA
For this assignment, you will write a 3-5 page paper (not including the cover page and references
page) that will provide an overview of the facts of the case, answer the questions below, and
finally provide some basic overview of the recommendations that you would make.
Remember, this case study should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font, doublespaced.
What to Write
1. To begin, you will want to highlight the main points of the case. You should provide a
summary of the company history, the organization's current situation, an overview of the
choices presented in the case, any dilemmas or risks, and any other relevant information
to set the stage for the reader. This section will likely take up approximately 1-2 pages.
2. Then, in your own words, please answer the following questions in paragraph form, again
being sure to cite any sources that you use:
a. First, prepare and defend a recommended path for the Scotts Miracle-Gro
company. At a minimum, you should consider (through your analysis) the
different implications of a make–buy decision, the cost implications of those
different options, and how such a decision might impact the competitiveness of
the business.
b. Specifically, you should define and describe the following:
i. What are the exact activities under consideration?
ii. Does performing those activities in-house or outsourcing them make sense
theoretically?
1. Is in-mold labeling truly unique? Does it add value to the
customers?
2. Can you argue that keeping the spreaders in-house is essential,
even if you do not believe in-mold labeling is important and
unique?
iii. What are the financial differences between Scotts’ options in the case: of
continuing production in Temecula, contracting to a manufacturer in
China, or establishing a plant for in-house manufacturing in China? (Feel
free to articulate these findings generally - no significant calculations are
required…but feel free to be as detailed as you’d like).
iv. What are the nonfinancial differences between the three options given in
this case?
v. What do you recommend? Given the financial and nonfinancial
considerations, what process did you use to reach a conclusion?
Case Report Grading Criteria
Reports will be evaluated as if they resulted from a paid consulting contract. The findings should
add value beyond what management already knew from the facts in the case. Rhetorically
speaking, was the report worth the fee paid to the consultant? Would the consultant be rehired or
offered a position within the company based on the value of their work?
1. Do you adequately understand the facts in the case? Did you read the case carefully enough
to identify the critical aspects of the organization's internal and external circumstances? (25
pts)
2. Did you organize your report well, and is it internally consistent? Are the strengths and
weaknesses you identify consistent with the organization's mission? Have you dealt
adequately with the constraints and opportunities facing decision-makers? Are your
recommendations feasible, given your assumptions? (25 pts)
3. Is your analysis deep enough? Does your analysis go into sufficient depth to identify and
deal with the critical underlying issues, or is your analysis superficial and trivial? Would a
CEO pay you for this report? (25 pts)
4. Have you used theories and concepts from this class in making your analysis? Are you trying
to get by on your intuition and common sense alone, or can you use theories, research, and
concepts from the management literature to improve your analysis? (25 pts)
5. Have you used the information in the case creatively? Have you integrated different pieces of
information in the case to develop new insights into the situation, or have you merely
followed a formula and repeated what was already stated in the case? (25 pts)
6. Have you presented your analysis and recommendations in a literate and effective manner?
Is your report well written and communicates clearly; is it free of unnecessary jargon and
obfuscation? Are you using a scalpel or a shovel in shaping your analysis? (25 pts)
Grammar, Writing Style, and Editing
Spelling, punctuation, grammar, as well as the overall appearance and readability of the report
will also significantly influence your grade. Every written product or presentation you turn out,
now and in the future, will be judged on both its content and appearance. As such, it will reflect
directly on you as a professional and influence your presentation's effectiveness. Do not submit
any report to me that you would not be willing to give to a client or your manager. Prepare your
case assignments carefully and turn in a quality product.
Every report should be typed, spell-checked, and reviewed for errors spellcheck may have
missed. Make sure that you PROOFREAD YOUR REPORTS before submitting them.
Spelling and grammatical errors create an awful impression and detract from the impact of your
report.
Please note: I have purchased the right to reproduce and distribute the Scotts Miracle-Gro case
study. You may not distribute it further.