10 Jan The instructor’s goal is

Forum 3

DQ#1: Using the Five Forces Model of Competition (250+ by Thursday; 100+ by Sunday) ( 65 messages – 22 unread )

Introduction:

Figure 3.3 in your textbook shows the analytical tool that aids in understanding the various competitive forces that affect strategic planning. Although all organizational sectors potentially face similar kinds of competitive forces, each sector and/or organization may face unique factors that affect competitive pressure at any given time, depending on varying circumstances.

In this forum, you need to investigate any one element of Figure 3.3 from the perspective of organizations in the same sector. There may be some variance in the issues examined, and more than one organization may be involved, but you need to deal essentially with the same area of competitive pressure in the same sector of organizations. For instance, you may investigate “supplier bargaining power from foreign markets” or “dealing with emerging companies in the cell phone (or tech) industry.” You may utilize your textbook as needed to support your informed assertions.

[Suggestion: You may want to know more about the developer of the Five Forces Model—Michael Porter, who is a premier strategy professor at Harvard. Check him out on YouTube.]

Instructions:

What is the purpose of a forum?

Think of the forum as a classroom experience where you “meet” with your instructor and peers to discuss the weekly topic in terms of the readings, assignments and resources that have been assigned. The desired outcome is that you are able to (1) collaborate with peers and the instructor, (2) demonstrate your understanding of the material, and (3) participate as a member of an online community.

What are the responsibilities of the instructor?

The instructor’s goal is to create an engaging and safe environment for students to learn. In addition, instructors should pose questions promoting deeper thought as well as encourage students to interact with their peers in the classroom. There should be an active instructor presence throughout the week.

What are the responsibilities of the student?

Each week, you are required to make a 250 word initial posting and respond to a minimum of 2 students. Responses should be a minimum of 100 words and include direct questions. Please review the forum grading rubrics in order to understand how your responses in the forum will be graded.

If you met the above-mentioned requirements, you will be graded at the proficient level. However, if your desire is to be graded at the exemplary level, please provide more than what is required. To receive 100% as a grade (the exemplary level) for the weekly forums, you should ensure that your responses meet the following criterion: