Assignment Description

For my final assignment, I$\text{'}$d like you to conduct an in$-$depth strategic analysis of Airbnb $($being most interesting and exciting business with the highest growth potential$).$

I need to submit a paper that presents a succinct analysis of the causal reasons of success of Airbnb, as well as the resulting recommendations that I am making to the company.

The paper should clearly show my contribution as a manager$/$consultant to understand the key reasons of success and identify potential pathways of improvement.

Assignment Structure

The assignment will contain two main parts:

$$ Part $1-$ Analysis of the company $(50\%).$ Explain WHY this business is so fantastic $($needless to say, that you should phrase this in the language, concepts and logics of this class$*).$

$*$Note: The course is $$Foundations of Strategy$$ a part of IE university Business program $($Course Description: In this course, we will examine strategy not as a tool or model, but as a way of approaching and understanding complex business situations. We will cover$$the three foundational pillars of strategic thinking,$$analyze the logic of strategy and start to develop the basic methods of strategic analysis, examine the concepts of internal resources and capabilities and their role in the firm's competitive advantage, discuss the concepts network externalities and platform markets and, finally, understand$$the main frameworks that underlie corporate and international strategy.$)$

$$ Part $2-$ Recommendations for the company $(50\%).$ Explain WHAT this business could do even BETTER going forward.

Assignment Format

Your paper should be written in a concise style, limited to max. $6$ pages plus a reasonable appendix if needed $(12$ pt$.$ Times Roman font, $1\mathrm{.}5$ spaced, $2\mathrm{.}5$ cm margins all around; please do not use your formatting skills to squeeze more words on these pages $$ the point of the restriction is that you focus on what is essential, i$.$e$.$ analysis, interpretation and recommendation!$)$

Grading

Your paper will be graded as follows:

Understanding and application of strategy logics $18$ points

Industry analysis $18$ points

Understanding of network externalities as they affect the selected company $18$ points

Identification of key capabilities and drivers of value $18$ points

Strength and logic of overall predictions $18$ points

Appropriate company selection $5$ points

Length of report and technical requirements $5$ points