Shark Tank episode
general article writing
Description
Watch any Shark Tank episode that aired within the last three seasons. Shark Tank airs
on ABC and is available on YouTube and in many other places such as Hulu, On Demand,
etc.
Prepare a written assignment (typed and double spaced) which addresses each of the
following requirements. All written assignments should follow APA guidelines. Click here
for APA resources.
Part of the grading rubric is the quality of your writing so please proofread carefully and
pay close attention to proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It is encouraged to
utilize Grammarly.com and/or the Writing Centers available on each FSW campus.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. A description of the show. What is its purpose? Which season/episode did you view?
2. A summary of each deal presented that includes a brief business description, the amount of
funding requested, the percentage (%) of equity offered to the venture capitalists (the Sharks) by
the owner(s), and what deal was ultimately accepted (or rejected).
3. For each deal, include qualitative assessments using SWOT analysis (see below) to identify
the strengths and weaknesses of the management team and business strategy as identified by the
Sharks. What was positive about the business or deal? What were the issues raised by the
Sharks? How will this deal or the planned business strategy affect the roles of the management,
finance and marketing functions in the business.
4. What did you learn from this assignment?
STRATEGIC PLANNING USING SWOT ANALYSIS: Planning is the management
function that drives all other functions. It must come first in the management cycle as all
other functional decisions are based on the plan. As a result, it is the most important
function. Strategic planning is what determines the long-term goals and the course(s) of
action that the firm will take to accomplish its objectives. Because strategic planning is
such an important issue it is usually reserved for the most senior management. One of the
most widely used tools by management is the SWOT analysis. This tool directs the manager
to data and questions that can then be worked into strategic plans. The chart below gives a
visual picture as to SWOT works.
