- 14 Mar, 2021
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Chemistry
In the Individual Written Brief (IWB Memo), students learn to apply PESTLE analysis by
using assigned library databases — to research and identify critical issues of an industry.
We use PESTLE early in the semester to help students understand real-world issues
that impact industries and businesses.
This assignment is to research an industry and succinctly but accurately analyze
external issues facing that industry. A list of industries has been developed and is
located on page 3 of this document. Each student will identify their top three preferred
industries from the list and will email their request to their TA using proper email
etiquette (see Course Syllabus for due date and time).
After being assigned an industry, each student will work individually to conduct their own
research. They will use the IBISWorld database, Statistica, eMarketer, Factiva, Google
searches and their industry’s trade association(s) to identify and cull through various
data. Using the PESTLE framework, the goal of the research is to identify the three most
urgent issues (problems or opportunities) in the industry. Each issue will be supported
with an analysis by the student, supported by three to four supporting third-party (cited)
data points in bullet form and using APA reference citations. Your first issue (the most
urgent) identified will also include a brief write up of recommended next steps for action.
These will all be submitted in a two-page memo with a third page listing all in-text APA
citations.
There are two submissions of the IWB memo.
• The first is a graded memo draft with feedback provided by the instructor, TA,
and CBC peer consultants. The CBC runs one of our class sessions on writing
memos, including peer review of this document.
• Students then revise their IWB Memo and submit a final memo version for a
second grade, which includes instructor and TA review. (See Timeline for IWB
Memo, page 3)2
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In IWB Memo, the students will learn:
• How to access the library resources;
• How to apply PESTLE to conduct basic industry research;
• How to work with the IBISWorld, Statistica, eMarketer, and Factiva
databases that students use throughout their time at Kogod;
• How to conduct critical analysis of research;
• How to rank and prioritize findings;
• How to write a well-researched, persuasive memo;