Read the case, “Bank of America’s Acquisition of Merrill Lynch” (enclosed)
CASE FORMAT
1. Write the Executive Summary
one to two paragraphs in length
on cover page of the report
Briefly identify the major problems facing the manager
Summarize the recommended plan of action and include a brief justification of the recommended plan
2. Statement of the Problem
State the problems facing the manager
Identify and link the symptoms and root causes of the problems
Differentiate short term from long term problems
Conclude with the decision facing the manager
3. Causes of the problem
Provide a detailed analysis of the problems; identified in the Statement of the Problem
In the analysis, apply theories and models from the text
Support conclusions and/or assumptions with specific references to the case and/or readings
4. Decision Criteria and Alternative Solutions
Identify criteria against which you evaluate alternative solutions (i.e. time for implementation, tangible costs, acceptability to management)
Include two or three possible alternative solutions
Evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative against the criteria listed.
Suggest additional pros/cons if appropriate
5. Recommended Solution, Implementation and Justification
Identify who, what, when, and how in your recommended plan of action
Solution and implementation should address the problems and causes identified in the previous section
The recommendd plan should include a contingency plan to back up the ‘ideal’ course or action
Using models and theories, identify why you chose the recommended plan of action – why it’s best and why it would work
6. External Solution
2 to 3 external sources should be referenced to back up your recommendations or to identify issues.
The requirements below must be met
Write between 750 – 1250 words (approx 3 – 5 pages) using Microsoft Word in APA Style
Include cover and reference pages
Use at least 3 references
Cite all reference material (data, dates, graphs, quotes, paraphrased words, value, etc) in the paper
and list on the reference page in APA Style
References must come from sources such as, CNN, The Wallstreet Journal, govt websites, etc. Sources such as Wikis, Yahoo Answers, eHow, blogs, etc are not acceptable
