Running head: LEARNING TEAM PROJECT SELECTION

Learning Team Project Selection

Juanita Askew, Christine diBenedetto, Lori Isaac, James Miller
STR/581
July 27, 2015
Lisa Diesel

LEARNING TEAM PROJECT SELECTION

Learning Team Project Selection

For week 6 Learning Team Assignment Team C was to create four different strategic plan
that was developed for a company of their choice. The scope of the individual assignment was a
Strategic Plan and Presentation. As in previous weeks, the businesses evaluated are: E*Trade,
Green Corporate Catering (GCC), Inland Golf Academy (IGA), and USAA.
Comparative analysis (1)
Overall, the selection of E*Trade as a partner with a major market portal would be the
easiest selection of the teams proposals due to the notoriety of the company, the cross-segment
appeal of E*Trade as a company and the overall ease of integration of E*Trade, an internet based
company, with another major market internet portal. The management and staff at E*Trade
would have to endure little change within the company to simply partner with another, and the
company would not have to change any of its core values, or management ability to make the
addition.
The strategic plan for E * trade provides a detailed look into the marketplace, competitors
and weakness of the organization. As an investment and banking institution that provides the
majority of its serves to consumers from its online platform, the strategic plan identifies the
unique, necessary processes in place such as online backup systems as well as computer
applications. The strategic plan also identifies issues that are relevant to an IPO such as having a
focus on shareholder profits. The plan identified that the organizations success was contributed
to the teamwork, integrity, and efficiency of the brokerage and its employees, which should be
included in the processes and procedures utilized as the organization focuses on growth. While
there are many positive attributes, the strategic plan identifies the organizations weaknesses as
well.

LEARNING TEAM PROJECT SELECTION

As the brokerage continues to identify innovative ways to provide consumers with

superior financial performances and services, it must also ensure its efforts are properly marketed
to the consumer. The analysis identified that the organizations acquisition of Barclays helped to
foster growth and stability, yet, in order for it to surpass its competitors and stand out within its
market, must reevaluate its structure, and make the necessary changes that help it to reconnect
with its target market. The plan also identifies the organizations competitors such as Schwab
Company. It points out the differences between the organizations such as Schwab providing
customers with in person service as well as online services. While the strategy does not advise as
to the best plan of action it does identify issues that E * trade should assess as it develops a plan
of action.
Comparative analysis (2)
The strategic plan for Green Corporate Catering (GCC), a start-up under consideration.
The plan for the corporate catering service focuses on resources that can be utilized from within
the owners family. Starting out as a family-owned and operated business, the plan identified
potential issues such as access to monetary support and other resources. The strategic plan was
interesting because it provides a platform for assessment. The plan identifies the areas the
organization must address in order to ensure it evaluates all risks and develops a strong strategic
plan that can be implemented and monitored. The organization plans to provide consumers with
what they need and are currently demanding. While these waters can be seen as blue, they will be
red in no time which is why it is essential that the organization identify its resources and ability
to market said products to its consumer base.
The strategy identifies that in order to be competitive within the marketplace, it will have
to provide consumers with the best quality of food at competitive costs. The plan has identified

LEARNING TEAM PROJECT SELECTION

the organizations competition and the differences thereof which can be assessed for value. As a
start-up organization, the plan identifies lean strategies that will be implemented as the
organization is developed into an organization of value to its consumer base. The evaluation also
stresses the importance of team building and a strong, positive culture. While the efficient use of
technology is also identified as a key aspect of the lean development of the organization, the
strategy encompasses all aspects that must be assessed in order to implement short and long-term
goals of the organization.
Justification
The justification to select E*Trade as the strategic plan preferred by the team was based
on the completeness of the proposal itself. Each team member did a good job, but only one of the
proposals could be selected. The selection was not based on E*Trade being a known company.
That is not the purpose of this course. This strategic course is oriented to learning about the
process of planning a strategy, regardless of company size or reputation. Of all the proposals
uploaded to the teams folder, the one that was complete and detailed was the E*Trade proposal.
Hence, that was the one selected.
Conclusion
Each learning team member discuss the strengths and weakness, did a
comparative analysis of the top 2 strategic plans, selected one of the strategic plans, and showed
justification for the team's selection, of the chosen companies above, each member also reviewed
any ideals that needs to be consider for the above businesses Strategic Plan and Presentation.