As with Units 2 through 6, please begin by deconstructing the assigned readings. Then, for the Fortune 500
company you chose, analyze selected aspects of the cost structure and key resource elements of the Business
Model Canvas to assess the financial performance of that company:
Cost structure looks at the size of the investments needed to run a company’s business model. For example,
Amazon.com has significant investments in IT equipment, software development, distribution, and
warehousing.
What types of key resources would you expect for Amazon.com: intellectual property? Brand-name
recognition? Cloud capacity to run server networks for commercial storage? Human capital? R&D
investments?
Here are some keys to evaluate:
MarketLine report SWOT analysis. Look closely for comments on financial performance and sources of
revenue growth.
Similar information on the strength of the industry will be in Hoovers D&B Reports and IBISWorld.
Annual report and/or 10k; read the management comments as they review growth trends and profitability. You
will be able to find both on the Investor page of the company website.
Use APA headings to format your initial discussion post. Use the APA Module, linked in Resources, to guide
your formatting. Use the following list to develop your post and include the information you gather under its
corresponding headings:
Introduction: Tell the reader the purpose of the post and what will be covered.
Article Deconstruction: Evaluate each article using the MEA model: Main points/claims; Evidence (data); and
Analysis (Are the claims supported by the evidence?).
Case Example: Use a case example to demonstrate the application of the main points.
Conclusion: Identify the key takeaways.
Your post must be 250–900 words in length and incorporate content from the readings. You may also include
additional research you have done. Remember to list your references in APA format at the end of your post. To
allow other learners time to respond, you are required to post your initial responses in the discussion area by
11:59 p.m. central standard time Thursday.
References
Battersby, M. E. (2013). Funding your business expansion. Convenience Store Decisions, 24(10), 130–134.
Mankis, M., Harris, K., & Harding, D. (2017). Strategy in the age of superabundant capital. Harvard Business
Review, 95(2), 66–75.
Use the Internet to read the following:
Barton, D., Manyika, J., & Williamson, S. K. (2017). Finally, proof that managing for the long term pays off.
Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–8.
Sample Solution
