Strategic Managment

BUAD 4980

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

REPORT #1: STRATEGY ANALYSIS

GENERAL MOTORS

1. INTRODUCTION

In few sentences, introduce your report.

2. CONCEPTS

2.1. SWOT analysis

In one sentence, define SWOT analysis. In one sentence each, do the following: give the purpose of the external analysis, define an opportunity, and define a threat. In one sentence each, do the following: give the purpose of the internal analysis, define a strength, and define a weakness.

2.2. Value chain analysis

In one sentence each, define the following: value, value chain, core competencies, value chain analysis. In two to three sentences, explain why outsourcing needs to take place

2.3. Performance analysis

In one sentence each, define the following: performance analysis, effectiveness, financial measures, strategic measures. In three to five sentences, explain the balanced scorecard.

2.4. Competitive advantage analysis

In one sentence, define competitive advantage. In two to five sentences, explain what a firm must do to create a competitive advantage.

3. ANALYSIS

3.1. SWOT analysis

Table 1 General Motors’ external analysis

Directions for Table 1: Inside Table 1: (1) Identify four opportunities (two in the industry environment, and two in the general environment) as follows: give the name of each opportunity, and then for each, write one sentence that explains why it is an opportunity. (2) Identify four threats (two for the industry environment, two for the general environment) as follows: give the name of each threat, and then for each threat, write one sentence that explains why it is a threat. NOTE: To better understand these instructions, refer to my Report #1 (InstructorReport1.doc).

Table 2 General Motors’ internal analysis

Directions for Table 2: Inside Table 2: (1) Identify two strengths as follows: give the name of each strength, and then for each, write one sentence that explains why it is a strength. (2) Identify two weaknesses as follows: give the name of each weakness, and then for each, write one sentence that explains why it is a weakness. NOTE: If needed, you can refer to my Report #1.

Right after Table 2 (i.e. outside the table): In three to five sentences, discuss your company’s SWOT analysis (SWOT analysis is based on what you have done in Table 1 and Table 2).

3.2. Value chain analysis

Have two paragraphs as described below:

First paragraph: In one sentence, give the name of your firm’s core business (if your firm has several core businesses, please choose one). In one sentence, give the name of one or two core competencies. In one sentence, give the name of three activities your firm performs along its value chain. In one sentence, give the name of two activities your company has outsourced.

Second paragraph: For your firm’s core business, give, in one sentence, the name of ONE brand your analysis will focus on (if the brand you have chosen has several models, then give the name of ONE model you will focus on). In one sentence, give the name of the value your company seeks to create for that brand or model (NOTE: value can only be either low cost or differentiation). In two to five sentences, provide specifics to explain the value you have name.

3.3. Performance analysis

Have two paragraphs as follows (please choose relevant financial and strategic indicators):

First paragraph: In three to five sentences, analyze the financial performance of your company

Second paragraph: In three to five sentences, analyze the strategic performance of your company

3.4. Competitive advantage analysis

Based on points 3.1., 3.2., and 3.3 above, state (in one sentence) whether your company has achieved a competitive advantage for the brand or model you have chosen (e.g.: For its Corvette model, General Motors has achieved a competitive advantage). In two to five sentences, explain your answer (focus your explanation on whether your company has excelled in creating the value that the brand or model you have chosen is seeking).

4. EVALUATION

4.1. Problem

In one sentence, state ONE problem your company is facing (e.g.: The problem General Motors is facing is lack of strategic focus). In one sentence, identify ONE cause of the problem (e.g.: One factor that has caused the lack of focus is that General Motors has more than 95 models of vehicles). NOTE: the factor you identify must come from your analysis (Section 3).

4.2. Solution

In one sentence, propose ONE solution that can resolve the problem. In three to five sentences, explain how your proposed solution will correct the problem.

5. CONCLUSION

In few sentences, conclude your analysis.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

To help you write a good report, please do the following:

- First, open this file (Report1.doc) and print it

- Second, keep the cover page (see page 1 of this file, but make sure to write your company name and your team members’ names). Also, keeping ONLY headings (e.g. 2. CONCEPTS), sub-headings (e.g. 2.1. SWOT analysis), and the same tables (with your company name in the title), delete all directions and these additional instructions. Then save the file

- Third, write your report using the file you have saved, as it meets all formatting requirements

- Fourth, have transitions so that ideas flow smoothly. Specifically: After headings 2, 3 and 4, but before sub-headings, have a transition paragraph that tells what comes next (a paragraph MUST have at least two sentences). Where relevant, after sub-headings, have a transition sentence (or sentences if appropriate) that tells what you are going to do under sub-headings

- Fifth, with the exception of tables, write your report in paragraph form (no listing, no bullets), with complete sentences. A table cannot stretch over two pages, so format your text accordingly

- Sixth, when your report is done, print 1 (one) copy and staple it. Make sure to print on one side of the paper (in the computer lab, the default setting is both sides, so please change to one side)

- Last, for long answers (which may be the case when there are several issues to be addressed), have more than one paragraph, each paragraph making a distinctive point.

NOTE: Do not provide answers that go beyond what is being asked. Specifically:

- If I ask one question, do not provide answers to five questions

- Besides transitions, pay attention to the number of sentences as indicated

- Make an effort to avoid very long sentences, as they tend to lead to grammatical problems

- DO NOT SKIP A QUESSTION (if you skip a question, I deduct 10 points)

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