Posted: May 7th, 2015

McDonald's and Its Critics 1973 – 2009

James D. Lux – LDR6140 – Case #2 Paper – Page 1
LDR 6140 – Developing the Strategic Leader
~~ CASE #2 – ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS ~~
Assignment Overview
Using the information found in the McDonalds and Its Critics 1973 – 2009 case found on page
C53 in the course textbook and various course materials; answer all elements of the following topic
areas completely. Your answers should be based on the facts in case and course materials only and
not on any outside research or personal opinion.
The entire case paper can be effectively written in between four (4) and five (5) pages.
Make sure to carefully review the Grading & Evaluation Standards sections of the course syllabus.
It is critical that you follow the guidelines as outlined in these sections.
All papers must be submitted through the appropriate TurnItIn link in Blackboard by
11:59pm on Friday, course-week #6. Papers submitted after that time will not be accepted
and will receive a grade of zero.
Topic #1
The case covers the evolution of McDonald’s through the tenure of five different CEOs, each with
his own focus and strategies. The various CEOs had their personal strengths and weaknesses,
differing philosophies and approaches and achieved varying degrees of success for the company.
For each of the CEOs – Ray Kroc, Fred Turner, Michael Quinlan, Jack Greenberg & Jim Skinner –
discuss at least one of their strategic initiatives. Your discussion should include the following:
1. A definition of the course concept that is most closely related to the strategic initiative.
2. A discussion of what specific elements of the strategic initiative relate to the course concept.
3. An assessment of why you believe the strategic initiative was or was not successful.
James D. Lux – LDR6140 – Case #2 Paper – Page 2
Assignment Grading
Grading Area Points
Case Paper Follows Writing Papers Guidelines
 Name, date, course name & paper title (1)
 Line spacing, font and margins (1)
 Appropriate use of headings (1)
 References & citations (1)
 APA formatting for references & citations (1)
5
Topic #1 – Analysis of McDonald’s CEOs
 For each CEOs strategic initiative:
o Definition of course concept related to CEO strategic
initiative ( 1 – incomplete, 2 – clear & complete)
o Discussion of specific elements of strategic initiative that
relate to the course concept (1 – incomplete, 2 – clear &
complete)
o Assessment of strategic outcome (1 – incomplete, 2 – clear
& complete)
30
Writing Proficiency – High = 4; Moderate = 2; Minimal = 0 4
Total 39