Discussion Question 1 - (CLOs covered : CLO 3, CLO 7)  Describe how some of Porter's competitive force has an effect on organization relating to the external environment. Explain what factors you woul

Discussion Question 1 - (CLOs covered : CLO 3, CLO 7) 

Describe how some of Porter's competitive force has an effect on organization relating to the external environment. Explain what factors you would analyze (supplier power, new entrants, etc.)

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 Discussion Question 1 - (DQ directed at upcoming CLA1) Graduate level 

Prior to reading this DQ, please read the CLA1 assignment and understand what the assignment is asking you to complete. Once you have an understanding of the CLA1 assignment, please continue to the paragraph below to complete DQ1.

Using the Library Information Resource Network (LIRN), JSTOR, or any other electronic journal database, research one (1) peer-reviewed article that can be used to answer your upcoming CLA1 assignment. Your discussion should summarize the article in such a way that it can justify any arguments you may present in your PA1 assignment and should be different than the abstract.  In addition to your researched peer-reviewed article, you must include an example of the article researched as it is applied by industry (company, business entity, etc.).

Please note: This article summary should not be the only article researched for your CLA1 assignment. You may (and should) have several other articles researched in order to fully answer your CLA1 assignment. The concept of this DQ is to allow students to be proactive in the research necessary to complete this assignment. You may use your article summary, partially or its entirety in your CLA1 assignment.

Important: Please ensure that you insert your citation for the article as your reference in your discussion post. Depending on which electronic database you use, you should see a "Cite” selection for your article. In addition, there should be a variety of articles summarized and as such, students should havedifferent articles summarized. Your summary MUST include ALL of the following (include every item in the bullet list below, or you will not receive full credit):

• Clearly state what the article is about and its purpose
• How the article and/or author(s) support your argument(s)
• Most important aspects of the article
• Any findings and conclusions
• Approximately 250 to 350 words in length
• Include the article "Abstract” in your posting (your summary should be original)
• Include the industry example demonstrating the application of your researched article
• "IMPORTANT” - Include the citation for the article

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DC (QP) - Discussion Question 1 – CLA2 Preparation & Course Learning Outcomes

Welcome to week 5 of your course. This discussion question will help you prepare for your CLA2 paper and final CLA2 PPP and as such, will have a fair amount of detail. Read the CLA2 assignment listed in week 8 of the course. Then, please provide an outline that itemizes the concepts that you will include in your CLA2 paper and final PPt. Please be sure to include concepts learned in the course and information (findings, conclusions) from your PA1, CLA1, and PA2 papers. Provide some brief details for each item that is outlined. Please keep in mind that you should have place-holders for material not yet covered in lecture from week’s 6 and 7. Here is an itemized list that summarizes the requirements of this DQ (include every item in the bullet list below, or you will not receive full credit):

• Outline that itemizes concepts learned in the course
• Include information (findings, conclusions) from your PA1 and CLA1
• Brief details for each item that is outlined
• Place-holders for material not yet covered

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Prior to reading this DQ, please read the PA2 assignment and understand what the assignment is asking you to complete. Once you have an understanding of the PA2 assignment, please continue to the paragraph below to complete DQ1.

Using the Library Information Resource Network (LIRN), JSTOR, or any other electronic journal database, research one (1) peer-reviewed article that can be used to answer your upcoming PA2 assignment. Your discussion should summarize the article in such a way that it can justify any arguments you may present in your PA2 assignment and should be different than the abstract. In addition to your researched peer-reviewed article, you must include an example of the article researched as it is applied by industry (company, business entity, etc.).

Please note: This article summary should not be the only article researched for your PA2 assignment. You may (and should) have several other articles researched in order to fully answer your PA2 assignment. The concept of this DQ is to allow students to be proactive in the research necessary to complete this assignment. You may use your article summary, partially or its entirety in your PA2 assignment.

Important: Please ensure that you insert your citation for the article as your reference in your discussion post. Depending on which electronic database you use, you should see a "Cite” selection for your article. In addition, there should be a variety of articles summarized and as such, students should have different articles summarized. Your summary MUST include ALL of the following (include every item in the bullet list below, or you will not receive full credit):

• Clearly state what the article is about and its purpose
• How the article and/or author(s) support your argument(s)
• Most important aspects of the article
• Any findings and conclusions
• Approximately 250 to 350 words in length
• Include the article "Abstract” in your posting (your summary should be original)
• Include the industry example demonstrating the application of your researched article

"IMPORTANT” - Include the citation for the article

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1. Assume you are in charge of developing the strategy for an international company selling products in 50 different countries around the world. One of the issues you face is whether to employ a multi-domestic strategy, a global strategy, or a transnational strategy. 
2. a. If your company's product is mobile phones, do you think it would make better strategic sense to employ a multi-domestic strategy, a global strategy, or a transnational strategy? Why? 
3. b. If your company's product is dry soup mixes and canned soups, would a multi-domestic strategy seem to be more advisable than a global strategy? Why? 
4. c. If your company's product is large home appliances such as washing machines, ranges, ovens, and refrigerators, would it seem to make more sense to pursue a multi-domestic strategy, a global strategy, or a transnational strategy? Why?
5. If your company's product is apparel and footwear, would a multi-domestic strategy, a global strategy, or a transnational strategy seem to have more appeal? Why?

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Discussion Question 1 - Summary & Critical Thinking - Week/Course Learning Outcomes

Welcome to the last week of your course. In this discussion question you have the opportunity to be creative and to relate what you have learned to your professional lives. Please explore and critically think about some of the learning outcomes and concepts presented in this course. Please effectively communicate how you would lead an organization (or a group of people within the organization) by applying the knowledge you have learned ethically and responsibly.Your discussion should also include innovative thinking, and information-technology aspects (such as the Internet, social-media, computers, etc.) that may assist you in decision-making. You may frame your discussion around any functional component of business, and in any context; problem-solving, management, leadership, organizational behavior, etc.

Professional Assignment 2 - (CLOs covered : 5) 

In a 2 to 3 page APA formatted paper: 

Go to www.google.com, and do a search on "outsourcing." Identify at least two companies in different industries that have entered into outsourcing agreements with firms with specialized services. In addition, describe what value chain activities the companies have chosen to outsource. Do any of these outsourcing agreements seem likely to threaten any of the companies' competitive capabilities? Are the companies using strategic alliances to manage their outsourcing?

*Please refer to the Grading Criteria for Professional Assignments on page 10 of the syllabus for specific guidelines and expectations.

Professional Assignment 1 - CLO 1, 2

In a 2 to 3 page APA formatted paper:

Open your textbook to Tables 2.2 and 2.3 from chapter 2: Critique the adequacy and merit of the vision statements on page 34 of your textbook, listing effective elements and shortcomings. Rank the vision statements from best to worst once you complete your evaluation.

Wells Fargo: We want to satisfy all of our customers' financial needs, help them succeed financially, be the premier provider of financial services in every one of our markets, and be known as one of America's great companies.

Hilton Hotels Corporation: Our vision is to be the first choice of the world's travelers. Hilton intends to build on the rich heritage and strength of our brands by: 

• Consistently delighting our customers 

• Investing in our team members 

• Delivering innovative products and services 

• Continuously improving performance 

• Increasing shareholder value 

• Creating a culture of pride 

• Strengthening the loyalty of our constituents

BASF: We are "The Chemical Company” successfully operating in all major markets. 

• Our customers view BASF as their partner of choice. 

• Our innovative products, intelligent solutions and services make us the most competent worldwide supplier in the chemical industry. 

• We generate a high return on assets. 

• We strive for sustainable development. 

• We welcome change as an opportunity. 

• We, the employees of BASF, together ensure our success.

CLA 2 - CLO 1, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, CLO 7 

Compare and contrast the strategic management of the following companies: 

• Walmart, the world's largest retailer who specializes in being the low-cost provider;
• Nordstrom, the largest volume fashion retailer in the Western United States. 

While there may be other factors, the most obvious and significant difference between these two retailers is their very different position on price and value. Some aspects of each company that you could consider in your analysis follow. 

Mission Statements: Compare Walmart's and Nordstrom's mission statements. What do they say about the companies? How does the mission statement affect your impression/expectation of what the customer experience might be for each store? If you have ever shopped at either, did your experience match your expectation created by the mission statement? Why or why not? Refer to Chapter 2 of the course text for Walmart's mission statement; for Nordstrom, use the following: 

NORDSTROM'S COMMITMENT 

In store or online, wherever new opportunities arise, Nordstrom works relentlessly to give customers the most compelling shopping experience possible. The one constant? John W. Nordstrom's founding philosophy: offer the customer the best possible service, selection, quality and value.

Price Points & Positioning: How do the companies' selected price point affect the following:

Their image to their customer? To competitors? 

Their relationship with their employees? 

The customer experience for purchases? For questions? For problems?

Competitive Strategies: Which of the five generic competitive strategies do each use for their: 

Overall brand? 

For their retail stores? 

For their online stores? 

Why might they use a different strategy for their "bricks-and-mortar” versus their online stores? 

How does each store respond to competitive threats?

Long-term Strategies for Growth and Sustainability: Where are the opportunities for growth for each store? Are these growth opportunities sustainable? What factors affect growth and sustainability for each store? Note growth can refer to sales/revenue, volume of sales, number of locations, market share, number of employees, etc.