LDRS 501
Strategic Leadership Case Study
This case study is an integrated application of the Appreciative Strategic Inquiry (ASI)
process explored in this course. It may be completed individually or in groups. Your
instructor will provide additional instructions about how groups can form and complete
their work. The following are guides and instructions detailing the expectations for this
study.
Review the Grading Rubric
Criteria
Exemplary
Competent
Developing
Clear, sufficiently
Adequate detail,
detailed and easily
Very limited detail, difficult
Description
moderately clear
understood description
to understand description
Component
description of each
of each topic case
of each topic case study.
topic case study.
study.
Strong effort to engage An attempt to engage
in reflection on the
in reflection on the
Limited reflection on the
topic(s) with a focus on topic(s) with a focus on
Reflection
topic(s), with little
personal otherspersonal othersComponent
personal others-focused
focused thinking, and focused thinking, and
thoughts.
considerations of
considerations of
underlying reasons.
underlying reasons.
A strong effort is made
Evidence of attempts
to apply content from
to apply content from Limited attempts have
the course and course
the course and course been made to apply
readings. This is
readings are present content from the course
Application evidenced by
but inconsistent.
and course readings OR
Component thoughtful synthesis of
Quotes, references,
there is limited synthesis
meaningful and
and examples are
of quotes/references, or
relevant quotes,
evident with some
examples.
references, and
synthesis.
examples.
Tightly integrates a
Loosely integrates a Minimally integrates a
description of the topic description of the topic description of the topic
with reflection on its
with reflection on its
with reflection on its
Integration
implications for the
implications for the
implications for the
Component
subject of the case and subject of the case and subject of the case and
applying these insights applying these insights applying these insights to
to practical scenarios. to practical scenarios. practical scenarios.
Consistently uses
Small number of minor Consistent evidence of
APA/Writing correct APA style,
APA style, grammatical APA style, grammatical or
Mechanics grammar, spelling, and
or other writing errors. other writing errors.
punctuation.
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Select an Organization to Study
As individuals or teams (as determined by your instructor) you will select (or be
assigned) a particular organization to study. You must either have internal access to
information about the organization or public information must be available. Specifically,
you need select an organization that (at a minimum) you can access it annual financial
reports. If you select a multi-business company that you focus on only one of its
businesses. For example, if you choose Amazon, you might focus on its Prime Video
business. You instructor may also set additional requirements for the organization that
you choose.
Study Objective
Assess the strategic leadership of your selected organization and propose the
strategic direction for the future over a period of the next 5 to 10 years.
Take a Servant Leadership Perspective
The overarching expectation for this case study is to demonstrate an others-focused
perspective in crafting and communicating a compelling vision, navigating future
possibilities, fostering strategic innovation, and executing strategies with a commitment
to cultivating a positive organizational culture to achieve and sustain success. Thus, as
you work through each part of the study ensure you consistently demonstrate this
approach.
Make Two Submissions
There are five parts to your case study which you will complete and submit sequentially
as you work through the course. You will make two submissions:
-
First Submission (Parts 1 & 2)
Final Submission (Parts 1-5)
Follow the Five Part Structure
Use the following five-part structure—plus an introduction and a summary—to organize
your case study report. Your report should also include a title page with all the names
and student numbers of your team, a table of contents, references, and appendices (if
any).
-
Introduction
Part One: Subject & Scope
Part Two: Environment Scan
Part Three: SOAR Analysis
Part Four: Strategic Plan
Part Five: Execution Assessment
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-
Summary
Introduction
Instructions:
Use (and personalize) the following text as the introduction for your case study.
This case study explores the comprehensive strategic analysis and planning for
[Organization Name], focusing on its internal capabilities and external environment. Part
One defines the subject and scope, outlining the organization’s mission, vision, and the
geographic, industry, and market boundaries within which it operates. Part Two presents
an Environmental Scan, identifying major PESTEL trends and assessing their VUCA
impact on the organization. In Part Three, a SOAR Analysis (Stavros & Cole, 2014)
evaluates strategic options based on the organization’s strengths, opportunities,
aspirations, and results. Part Four designs a high-level strategic plan using the Strategy
Diamond framework (Hambrick & Fredrickson, 2001). Part Five assesses the plan’s
viability through Lepsinger’s (2010) strategy execution principles, ensuring actionable
and sustainable success.
Note: You have permission to use this introduction text in your case study paper. The
intent is to provide you with a clear structure to systematically organize your inquiry and
ideas.
Part One: Subject & Scope
Wordcount: 2 pages, double spaced
This introductory part of the case study involves identifying the organization to be
analyzed and defining the parameters of its operating environment. This foundational
step ensures a clear understanding of the organization's existing mission, vision, core
values, and the geographic, industry, and market boundaries within which it operates.
Instructions:
1. Organizational Subject:
o Select a strategic entity (individual, team, or organization) to study. The
recommendation is an organization that you have worked for/with, or an
organization with publicly available information. For example, publicly
traded companies have detailed annual reports you can access.
Alternatively, you can select an individual or team with the instructor’s
permission.
o Provide a brief overview of the organization, including its history, mission,
vision, core values, and primary offerings (products/services).
2. Scope of Operating Environment:
o Define the geographic, industry, and market boundaries within which the
organization operates.
1. Geographic Boundary Question:
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1. Where does the organization currently operate, and what are
the key geographic regions that contribute to its revenue?
Example: A global beverage company operates in multiple
regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin
America, and Africa.
2. Industry Boundary Questions:
1. What is the broader industry within which the organization
operates and its key segments?
Example: A healthcare provider operates within the broader
healthcare industry, which includes hospitals, clinics,
telemedicine services, pharmaceuticals, and medical
devices.
2. Who are the main players/competitors within the industry?
Example: The competitive landscape involves other
hospitals, private clinics, telehealth companies,
pharmaceutical companies, and medical device
manufacturers.
3. Market Boundary Questions:
1. What are the primary market segments that the organization
targets?
2. What are the key characteristics and needs of these
segments?
Example: An online retailer targets various market segments
within the e-commerce market. These segments include
consumer electronics, fashion and apparel, home goods,
and groceries. The retailer defines its market boundaries by
customer demographics such as age, income level, and
shopping preferences. For instance, it might target techsavvy young adults for electronics, fashion-conscious
individuals for apparel, and homemakers for home goods
and groceries.
Part Two: Environmental Scan
Wordcount: 3 pages, double spaced
Building on the previous scope setting of the organization’s operating environment part
two will identify the major trends shaping the environment and impacting the
organization. The intent, here, is to understand the environmental factors that influence
the organization.
Instructions:
1. PESTEL Analysis:
o Identify the major Political, Economic, Social, Technological,
Environmental, and Legal trends in the organization’s environment. There
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should be a total of 10 trends that either drive change or keep things the
same. Identify at least one trend for each factor.
2. VUCA Impact Assessment:
o Assess each trend for its Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity.
o For each trend, describe its potential impact on the organization.
Where to find information on relevant trends:
- Annual reports of the organization and competitors in the same industry
- Industry associations and research institutes
- Government research and policy agencies
- Trend analysis publications like The Economist and Foreign Affairs
Part Three: SOAR Analysis
Wordcount: Between 5-6 pages, double spaced
Conducting a SOAR analysis is the core element of this case study. This analysis
involves evaluating the organization's Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results
to identify strategic options. The intent is to identify internal capabilities and external
opportunities that can be leveraged to align with the organization's vision and drive
positive outcomes. This section should clearly build on the findings and insights of parts
one and two.
Instructions:
1. SOAR Framework:
o Conduct a SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results)
analysis for the organization.
o Identify the organization’s key strengths and opportunities.
o Define the organization’s aspirations and the desired results it aims to
achieve.
2. Strategic Options:
o Based on the SOAR analysis, outline potential strategic options the
organization can pursue.
o Discuss how these options align with the organization’s strengths and
opportunities.
Part Four: Strategic Plan
Wordcount: Between 3-5 pages, double spaced
Building on the prior strategic insights and decisions this part uses the strategy diamond
to write a high-level strategic plan detailing the organization's strategic choices across
five facets: Arenas, Differentiators, Vehicles, Staging, and Economic Logic. This
structured framework ensures a comprehensive and coherent approach to strategy
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formulation and communication, aligning all aspects of the organization’s strategic
direction.
Instructions:
1. Strategy Diamond Framework:
o Develop a high-level strategic plan for the organization using the Strategy
Diamond framework.
o Address the five facets of the Strategy Diamond: Arenas, Differentiators,
Vehicles, Staging, and Economic Logic.
2. Strategic Initiatives:
o Identify a few key strategic initiatives that support the strategic plan.
o Provide a timeline and outline the resources required for each initiative.
Part Five: Execution Assessment
Wordcount: Between 2-4 pages, double spaced
Assess your part four strategic plan in terms of the organization's strategic execution
readiness. Use Lepsinger's (2010) gap-closer and bridge-building principles. The
intent is to ensure your strategic plan is actionable with considerations to critical
factors such as action, focus, accountability, trust, communication, and learning
for successful implementation.
Instructions:
1. Lepsinger's Execution Principles:
o Evaluate the viability of the strategic plan using Lepsinger's (2010) gapcloser organizational characteristics and bridge-building competencies.
o Assess the plan’s alignment with the following bridge-building principles:
 Action. Ensure plans are actionable and drive execution.
 Focus. Ensure strategic priorities are clear and well understood.
 Accountability. Establish clear roles and accountability
mechanisms.
 Trust. Build a culture of trust and empowerment.
 Learning. Promote continuous learning and adaptation.
 Communication. Facilitate open and transparent communication.
2. Implementation Recommendations:
o Provide recommendations to enhance the plan’s execution potential
based on your assessment.
o Discuss any potential obstacles to execution and how they might be
overcome.
Summary
Write a summary that succinctly encapsulate the key findings and recommendations
from each part of your report. Begin with a brief overview of the organization’s subject
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and scope, followed by a summary of the major environmental trends and their impacts.
Highlight the strategic insights derived from the SOAR analysis and outline the highlevel strategic plan developed using the strategy diamond. Conclude with an
assessment of the strategic execution readiness, emphasizing how Lepsinger’s (2010)
principles validate the plan’s viability. Aim for clarity and conciseness, ensuring that the
summary provides a cohesive snapshot of your strategic insights and proposed designs
for action.
Submission Requirements
Ensure your submissions meet the following requirements:





The case study should be between 15-20 pages, excluding title page, table of
contents, and appendices.
Use APA formatting for citations and references.
Include 15 scholarly sources, plus additional organizational and environmental
data sources (such as, annual reports and reports on industry trends).
Include visual aids (charts, graphs, tables) to support your analysis.
Submit your case study as a Word document or a PDF.
References
Include these references if you use the suggested introduction text.
Hambrick, D. C., & Fredrickson, J. W. (2001). Are you sure you have a strategy?
Academy of Management Executive, 19(4), 51–62.
Lepsinger, R. (2010). Closing the execution gap: How great leaders and their
companies get results. John Wiley & Sons.
Stavros, J. M., & Cole, M. L. (2014). SOARing towards positive transformation and
change. The ABAC ODI Journal Vision. Action. Outcome., 1(2).
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