Strategic Management Case Analysis
Firm Analysis
Roy L. Simerly
Department of Management
3106 Bate
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
(252) 328-6632 (Work)
(252) 328-4094 (Fax) simerlyr@mail.ecu.edu Strategic Management Case Analysis
Firm Analysis
Abstract This is the second part of a two part series dealing with the complexities of case analysis in Strategic Management courses. One of the primary function of Strategic Management is to serve as a cap-stone course integrating the material students have accumulated throughout their course of study within a business school. There is a need for instruments that will provide the necessary integration and opportunity for application of
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The learning objective for the written case analyses is: to arrive at a point where they can develop a sound business plan to ensure the survival of their chosen firm within its competitive environment. Also, to appreciate the complexities of collecting and understanding the relevance of the vast amount of information available. The learning objective for the industry analysis is: to determine the opportunities and threats that exist for firms within a competitive environment. They should be able to appreciate how the various forces operating in an industry create or limit the chances for survival. The learning objective for the firm analysis is: to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a firm; and, to determine the core competence that can be built on to establish a competitive advantage. The final step is to develop a business plan that will align the capabilities of the firm with the requirements of the competitive environment. Students are required to work in teams to complete the two major case write-ups. They will later make a presentation of their findings. I require teams because the most difficult part of management is the management of human resources. By setting specific guidelines for students I make their grade contingent on their management abilities as well as their ability to complete the projects. Team size is limited to 3 or 4 members. They are free to choose their firm and its
Teams consist of personnel with varied backgrounds, experience, education, and intellectual ability. These differences will, by nature lend themselves to varying perceptions in business, its problems and solutions, which result in
Pearce, John A. , & Robinson, Richard B. . (2009). Strategic management. formulation, implementation, and control. United States: McGraw-Hill.
L; and Jones, Gereth, R. (2013, 2010, & 2008). Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach, (Tenth, Ed). Mason, OH. South-Western Cengage learning.
Distinguishing one 's firm from the alternatives is a major concern for any business. Strategic analysis provides the starting point in the strategic management process organizations use to evaluate and choose the competitive advantages that distinguish them from other organizations within the market. Dominating businesses should also "choose among alternative grand strategies to guide the firm 's activities, particularly when they are trying to decide about broadening the scope of the firm 's activities beyond its core business (Robinson & Pearce, 2009)."
¿Use the strategic goals to develop a goal for each of the four aspects. Now, be creative, what should the critical success factors and measurements be?
The Business Strategy and Policy course relies on conceptual and analytical skills to examine the challenges of firms. We apply and integrate analytical techniques from accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, and related business disciplines. Two capabilities are of particular importance: (1) the ability to critically evaluate the profit potential of industries or environments and deal with the threats and opportunities presented by each; and (2) an
Competitive analysis main objective is to research, analyze, and compare the competition in relation to the company. Analytical tools used for competitive analysis include the five forces framework, value net, driving forces, strategic groups, competitor analysis, and key success factors are analytical tools. The competitive analysis will enable the trucking company to understand more about the industry and the competition, to be able to develop a competitive strategy that will give the company a competitive advantage by taking into account the actions and responses of the competitions (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble & Strickland, 2016).
Teams are an integral component of organizational success. They take on many forms and functions and can have various structures. Teams also conduct a wide variety of projects with goals of innovation or mitigation. An example, from my experience, of a project that required the execution from a team was the establishment of a finished goods inventory program within a paper manufacturing company. A project of this magnitude required that a diverse and multifaceted team be assembled.
Competitor analysis is a serious part of the organization therefore; Target must identify and address all issues pertaining to the business. Target must pinpoint the tangible competitors, and substitutes, evaluate opponents’ objectives, strategies, strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities and threats, and uncover what opponents Target should take on or stand clear of. Therefore, Target must analyze the company’s economic, sociocultural, technological, political, and future.
1. The objective of the strategic analysis was to identify which products were world-class in terms of “competitive position and potential,” products which could become world-class, and products which have no hope of becoming world-class.
To better understand a firm and its placement of its strategies, we must conduct an analysis of factors that might affect its selection of strategies.
After reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Pat Lencioni, discussing the function of effective teams in class, and completing various team building exercises, I have developed a much better understanding of the importance of a proper team in a business setting and how good team work can produce more efficient and productive results.
Hubbard, G, Rice, J and Beamish, P 2008, Strategic Management, Pearson Education Australia, 3rd, Frenchs Forest, Australia.
All business needs to take action which helps them keep good position on the market. Before taken any action analysis has to be made. Answers and data which were obtained during analysis can help chose strategies, which help achieve objectives.
This reflection paper will cover the lessons that I have learned from the cases and readings. Most importantly it will expand on classroom discussions with Professor Dew and my peers; it is here where I believe that I found the most valuable education. I will conclude with how this course has influenced my way of thinking and how I will plan to apply these acquired Strategic Management lessons in my future assignments and military billets.