Due Date: 11:59 pm EST Sunday of Unit 4

Points: 100

Overview: In this assignment, you will review Case Study #12: SpaceX. This case describes Elon

Musk’s unique approach to strategy when creating SpaceX. Think about the types of

strategies from chapters 5 and 6 that Elon Musk utilized.

Instructions: You will need to review the case study in your textbook, then answer the following

questions utilizing topics covered in previous chapters.

• What were Elon Musk’s motives for creating SpaceX? How do these motives

influence the kinds of decisions he made in creating the firm?

• Thinking about Musk’s prior experiences, capabilities, and motives, what do you

think are his strengths and weaknesses in creating SpaceX?

• What did SpaceX do differently from other space companies?

• Discuss whether you believe the incumbent space companies will adopt

elements of SpaceX’s model (be specific about which). Do you think the

incumbents will survive? Do you believe Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin is a significant

threat?

Requirements:

• Submit a two-three page Word document covering the elements of the

assignment.

• Develop a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use paragraph format and

transitions.

• Focus on the quality of writing and content.

• Use APA format with a title page, in-text citations, and references. Abstract is not

required. The title page, reference page, and appendices are excluded in page

length requirement.

• Research and cite at least two credible sources in APA format.

Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.

BUS411 – Business Policy Seminar

SpaceX

Evaluation Rubric for SpaceX Assignment

CRITERIA Deficient Needs Improvement

Proficient Exemplary

0-11 points 12-15 points 16-17 points 18-20 points

Introduction Unclear or incomplete.

Introduction with a partially developed thesis.

Introduction with a mostly developed thesis.

Clear, well-developed, introduction and thesis.

0-17 points 18-23 points 24-26 points 27-30 points

Supporting Evidence/ Analysis

Lacks specific, credible, and relevant support. Development of position/argument is inadequate or missing.

Not adequately supported with a limited spectrum of specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Development of position/argument is somewhat thoughtful and persuasive but lacks detail.

Adequately supported with a limited spectrum of specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Development of position/argument is thoughtful and persuasive but lacks some detail.

Well-supported with a broad spectrum of specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Position/argument is well-developed, very thoughtful, and persuasive.

0-11 points 12-15 points 16-17 points 18-20 points

Conclusion Conclusion not included.

Some attempt at a conclusion, but it is not well written.

Good attempt at a conclusion, but more development needed.

Well written and fully developed conclusion.

0-8 points 9-11 points 12-13 points 14-15 points

Clear and Professional Writing

Writing is frequently difficult to understand because of several errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Word choice

Writing is somewhat difficult to understand with errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Appropriate word choice is

Writing is easy to understand despite minor errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Appropriate word choice is used for an

Writing is free of almost all punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors. Appropriate word choice is used for an academic

is sometimes inappropriate for an academic setting. Sentence structure is unclear.

somewhat used for an academic setting. Sentence structure is somewhat clear.

academic setting. Sentence structure is mostly clear.

setting. Sentence structure is clear.

0-8 points 9-11 points 12-13 points 14-15 points

APA Formatting and References

Paper has no APA formatting, or paper has an APA cover, but no references or in-text citations. No academic references present or reference formatting has significant errors.

Paper lacks multiple elements of APA (cover, references, or in-text citations). One academic reference present but errors in formatting.

Paper lacks one element of APA (cover, references, or in-text citations). Two academic references present but may have a few errors in formatting.

Paper has all elements of APA formatting (cover, references, and in-text citations). Two or more academic references are present and formatted properly.