Final Simulation $($Part $1$: PowerPoint Deliverable$)$

Due Sunday by $11$:$59$pm Points $85$ Submitting a file upload

Overview

This assignment will be broken down into two parts: completing the simulation and sharing$/$discussing your approach.

Please read the instructions carefully. There will be a live kick$-$off session for this project. I will review the assignment, clarify expectations, and answer any questions you may have. If you cannot attend I highly suggest watching the video before beginning the assignment.

Part $1$: Completing the Simulation

The simulation is part of the course pack you purchased at the beginning of the course. You can access the simulation using the link in the syllabus.

Once you enter the simulation, you will be taken to a background page, which includes a how$-$to$-$play guide and the case. Take the time to carefully read both documents. The case document provides great background information on the brands, the competitive situation, product positioning, and differentiation. Be sure to use it to guide your decisions!

Then, spend time reviewing the existing data from previous years $($mostly found on the Data Explorer page of the simulation$).$ Once you are comfortable with the information available to you, you can start to make decisions moving forward. You must make decisions for the four yearly cycles; this will be completed on the Make Decisions page.

Begin by formulating a potential strategy for managing this brand toward better performance over the course of four years. Then, test your ideas in the simulator. Once you have made decisions for all four years, you may elect to restart the simulation and try a different strategy. You may complete the simulation as many times as you'd like, until you're satisfied with your performance outcome. If you are interested in this option, click on the New Game page. $($Note that this only appears after all four years are complete.$)$

Submitting Your Results

Once you are satisfied with your performance outcome, you will be developing a PowerPoint presentation to share your results and approach with the instructor. Please create a presentation that includes the following things:

your final decisions from the four$-$year run, showing data for the following things $($screenshots will work$)$:

decision history

income statement

production$-$versus$-$demand statement

pricing statement

your performance outcomes $($screenshots will work$)$

market share chart

revenue chart

profit chart

overall dashboard

your decision$-$making strategy

Explain and justify your decisions; don't just give a play$-$by$-$play. Provide a rationale that is tied back to the case and to course learning $($branding$,$ STP$,$ product positioning, pricing, etc.$).$ All initial allocations should be explained, along with any YOY changes. Rationalizations must tie back to course learning; do not rely on data explanations alone $($e$.$g$.,$ "Because the data said so$").$

What was your overall strategy? $($Did you try to lower the price to gain market share? Focus on a high$-$value target market? And so on; there are many strategies that you could have taken.$)$

Based on your strategy, clarify the following:

What was your brand positioning? How is it differentiated from the competitors?

Who was your specific target? Why did you select them?

What elements of the product did you select to align with this positioning and target? This includes formulation, features, and price.

What did you set the initial media and trade allocations to and why?

What process did you follow for adjusting the allocations by year? Explain all changes you made and why you made them.

What do you think were your strengths in this process? Where do you feel that you needed improvement?

Put all your discussion on the slides, writing more than you normally would for a business presentation. Put nothing in the notes section, as it cannot be seen in Canvas.

This should be a client$-$ready deliverable: polished, with an organized flow, template, and graphics.