My professor insists on a narrow case study focus—how should I choose a topic that satisfies both depth and relevance?

Choosing a topic that feels both manageable and insightful is definitely the trickiest part of this assignment. To hit that sweet spot, I’d suggest picking a well-known company but narrowing your focus to a specific, recent strategic pivot or a single failed initiative rather than trying to analyze the entire business. Think of it like a photographer using a macro lens; instead of trying to capture an entire forest, you focus on the intricate patterns of a single leaf. By zooming in on one specific decision, you’ll have plenty of high-quality data to work with, but you’ll also satisfy your professor’s demand for depth because you can dissect the "why" and "how" behind that one move in great detail. I know it’s frustrating when you feel like you’re stuck between a generic topic and an information desert, but remember that your professor is looking for your ability to apply strategic frameworks, not necessarily your ability to discover brand-new information. If you choose a mid-sized company that has enough public press releases or annual reports to support your analysis, you’ll avoid the guesswork of a startup while still having enough room to show off your critical thinking. Don’t let the fear of being too "common" stop you, because a brilliant, well-supported analysis of a popular company is always going to score better than a shaky, under-researched deep dive into a mystery firm. You have a solid grasp of the requirements, so just trust your analytical skills and pick the subject that gives you the most evidence to work with.