Bank of America’s Acquisition of Merrill Lynch

Read the case, “Bank of America’s Acquisition of Merrill Lynch” (enclosed)

CASE FORMAT

1. Write the Executive Summary

    one to two paragraphs in length

    on cover page of the report

    Briefly identify the major problems facing the manager

    Summarize the recommended plan of action and include a brief justification of the recommended plan

2. Statement of the Problem

    State the problems facing the manager

    Identify and link the symptoms and root causes of the problems

   Differentiate short term from long term problems

   Conclude with the decision facing the manager

3. Causes of the problem

    Provide a detailed analysis of the problems; identified in the Statement of the Problem

    In the analysis, apply theories and models from the text

    Support conclusions and/or assumptions with specific references to the case and/or readings

4. Decision Criteria and Alternative Solutions

    Identify criteria against which you evaluate alternative solutions (i.e.  time for implementation, tangible costs, acceptability to management)

    Include two or three possible alternative solutions

    Evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative against the criteria listed.

    Suggest additional pros/cons if appropriate

5. Recommended Solution, Implementation and Justification

    Identify who, what, when, and how in your recommended plan of action

    Solution and implementation should address the problems and causes identified in the previous section

    The recommendd plan should include a contingency plan to back up the ‘ideal’ course or action

    Using models and theories, identify why you chose the recommended plan of action – why it’s best and why it would work

6. External Solution

    2 to 3 external sources should be referenced to back up your recommendations or to identify issues.

The requirements below must be met

Write between 750 – 1250 words (approx 3 – 5 pages) using Microsoft Word in APA Style

Include cover and reference pages

Use at least 3 references

Cite all reference material (data, dates, graphs, quotes, paraphrased words, value, etc) in the paper

and list on the reference page in APA Style

References must come from sources such as, CNN, The Wallstreet Journal, govt websites, etc.  Sources such as Wikis, Yahoo Answers, eHow, blogs, etc are not acceptable