01 Jan Describe an offensive tactic

Embry MGMT436 Module 1.5 Homework Assignment

Three assignments during the course will draw on different parts of the strategic audit. This should make the entire process much easier. The final strategic audit is due in Module 8. You will have the ability to create your own assignments for the other modules for this activity.

For this activity, analyze both the Mission and Vision Statements of the approved firm you will use in your Strategic Audit Report. This analysis could consist of the following steps for both your Mission and Vision Statements:

Identify your firm’s Mission and Vision Statements.
Describe if the current Mission and Vision Statements are effective and why.
Recommend new Mission and Vision Statements, if need be, and support your work.
Develop a Mission Statement and or a Vision Statement, if your firm does not have one. Support the new statement.
Embry MGMT436 Module 2.5 Homework Assignment

Identify the Board of Directors serving your Strategic Audit firm. Tell if the Board members are internal or external directors. If external directors, mention what organizations they represent, and which country they are from. Indicate when the directors were elected to the Board. Relate what Board Committees they serve on

Embry MGMT436 Module 3.5 Homework Assignment

External Factor Analysis Summary Guidelines

Here are some guidelines for completing an EFAS (and IFAS):

External Factors (Column 1):

Select five strategic opportunities and five strategic threats that are facing your company of choice.
List each of these factors as either opportunities or threats.
Give a short description of each factor.
Weight (Column 2):

The total weight for all of the factors should be 1.00.
Decide how strategic each of the ten factors is in comparison to each other. As an example, a factor that might have a high strategic significance to the firm may have a weight ranging from .15 to .20. On the other hand, a factor that may have little in the way of strategic significance, when compared to the other nine factors, might have a weight of .05.
Rating (Column 3):

In this column you are to rate how effective the firm has been in meeting the opportunities and threats, with 5.0 being the top score for any factor. As an example, if you feel a firm is doing a super job of moving into Asia then give a rating of 5.0.
Weighted Score (Column 4):

Now multiple the scores you have in Columns 2 and 3 for each factor.
This will produce a weighted score for each factor.
Comments (Column 5):

Give a short description that reflects why you gave the rating (Column 3) you did to each factor.
Total Scores:

At the bottom of the matrix you are to record the totals of each Column- Weight (Column 2), Rating (Column 3), and Weighted Score (Column 4).
The Total Weighted Score should indicate how effective your firm has been in handling its opportunities and threats.

EXTERNAL FACTOR ANALYSIS SUMMARY (EFAS) – Microsoft Corporation

FACTORS

WEIGHT

RATING

WGTD

SCORE

COMMENTS

OPPORTUNITIES

O1

Tablets and Smartphones

.15

3

.45

Tablets and Smartphones have provided a brand new market avenue for Microsoft. Microsoft is competing in this new sector via their Surface and Windows 8 phone, but they have not quite met market expectation with this.

O2

Gaming –Xbox and Kinect

.15

5

.75

Until 2010 Microsoft has been struggling in the gaming sector behind Sony (PlayStation) and Nintendo (Wii). But the launch of Kinect in late 2010 turned the corner in Microsoft’s favor and Microsoft has excelled in Gaming sector ever since launch of Kinect.

O3

Online Service offerings via cloud

.10

4

.40

The cloud computing has brought a new era of service offering across the software industry that enable small and medium companies to make use of advance software technologies without large investment. Microsoft has a dedicated online services division to compete in this sector and has been performing relatively well.

O4

Emerging Markets

.05

4

.20

The technology sector in north America and Europe has matured, but there is enormous business to be tapped in emerging economies such as India and China as well as South America. Microsoft has done relatively well in getting their foothold in those markets.

O5

Global Talent pool

.05

4

.20

Attracting and retaining a very advance technical workforce is the key for success for any technology company. Microsoft has done relatively well to attract technical workforce from across the globe and created an environment to nurture and foster that talent to new heights.

THREATS

T1

Competition

.15

3

.45

Competition is the biggest threat for a technology company. In 80s and 90s Microsoft had performed very well compared to its competitors, but in the new millennium Microsoft had to face fierce competition in every sector from companies such as Apple, Google and so on.

T2

Piracy

.05

3

.15

Piracy has been a threat to Microsoft and othersoftware companies ever since beginning of the software industry. Piracy does make significant dent in Microsoft revenue. Companies like Microsoft have to keep developing new safeguard to prevent piracy as best as they can.

T3

Legal challenges

.10

3

.30

Government regulation and legal challenges cause significant loss of revenue for Microsoft. Most recently Microsoft was fined €561 million ($732 million) buy European Union for failing to respect an antitrust settlement with regulators.

T4

Cyber security

.10

4

.40

Over last decade cyber security has become one of the key challenges for any large corporation and more so for technology companies like Microsoft. Microsoft has done relatively well not only to protect itself from cyber threats but has partnered with its customers including government organization to fight against cyber threats.

T5

Dynamic and volatilenature of the information and technology sector

.10

3

.30

The biggest challenge for a technology company is the ever changing nature of the business. Microsoft was originally focused on Windows operating system and Microsoft office softwarebut over last few years has to change its business model to compete in services (cloud computing) and devices (Tablets, Smartphones). Microsoft has done well to adapt to new business model but often seem to lag behind its competitors such as Apple.

TOTAL SCORES

1.00

3.60

EXTERNAL FACTOR ANALYSIS SUMMARY (EFAS)

FACTORS

WEIGHT

RATING

WGTD

SCORE

COMMENTS

OPPORTUNITIES

O1

O2

O3

O4

O5

THREATS

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

TOTAL SCORES

Embry MGMT436 Module 4.5 Homework Assignment

Internal Factor Analysis Summary Guidelines

Here are some guidelines for completing an IFAS:

Internal Factors (Column 1):

Select five strategic strengths and weaknesses that are facing your company of choice.
List each of these factors as either strengths or weaknesses.
Give a short description of each factor.
Weight (Column 2):

The total weight for all of the factors should be 1.00.
Decide how strategic each of the ten factors is in comparison to each other. As an example, a factor that might have a high strategic significance to the firm may have a weight ranging from .15 to .20. On the other hand, a factor that may have little in the way of strategic significance, when compared to the other nine factors, might have a weight of .05.
Rating (Column 3):

In this column you are to rate how effective the firm has been in meeting the opportunities and threats, with 5.0 being the top score for any factor. As an example, if you feel a firm is doing a super job of moving into Asia then give a rating of 5.0.
Weighted Score (Column 4):

Now multiple the scores you have in Columns 2 and 3 for each factor.
This will produce a weighted score for each factor.
Comments (Column 5):

Give a short description that reflects why you gave the rating (Column 3) you did to each factor.
Total Scores:

At the bottom of the matrix you are to record the totals of each Column- Weight (Column 2), Rating (Column 3), and Weighted Score (Column 4).
The Total Weighted Score should indicate how effective your firm has been in handling its strengths and weaknesses.

INTERNAL FACTOR ANALYSIS SUMMARY (IFAS)

FACTORS

WEIGHT

RATING

WGTD

SCORE

COMMENTS

STRENGHTS

S1

S2

S3

S4

S5

WEAKNESSES

W1

W2

W3

W4

W5

TOTAL SCORES

FACTORS

WEIGHT

RATING

WGTD

SCORE

COMMENTS

STRENGHTS

S1

Windows and Windows Live

.15

4.5

.675

Windows & Windows Live Division offerings consist of the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating system, software and services through Windows Live, and PC hardware products. Windows operating system has been bedrock of Microsoft corporations, and has consistently fended off and serious competition from the industry and has been clear leader for personal computing sector.

S2

Enterprise Server and Tools

.15

5

.75

Enterprise Server and Tools product and service offerings include Windows Server, Windows Azure, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Embedded device platforms, and Enterprise Services. Enterprise Services comprise Premier product support services and Microsoft Consulting Services. And like Windows operating system for personal computing, Microsoft has dominated enterprise computing via its Windows server and SQL server platforms.

S3

Gaming and Entertainment (Xbox and Xbox live)

.10

4.5

.45

Microsoft’s gaming and entertainment offerings include the Xbox 360 entertainment platform, including Kinect for Xbox 360. Microsoft also offersXbox LIVE service, which enables online gaming, social networking, and access to a wide range of video, gaming, and entertainment content. Kinect in particular has provided Microsoft much needed edge over its competitors in the gaming sector.

S4

Diverse and global talent

.05

4.5

.225

Success of any company is highly dependent on their ability to attract and retain qualified employees, Microsoft has done relatively well to attract technical workforce from across the globe and created an environment to nurture and foster that talent to new heights. The diversity of their workforce in terms of technical breadth as well as the geographical spread provides Microsoft completive edge with the research and development of wide range product and services.

S5

Brand Image

.05

3.5

.175

Over last 38 years since its inception in 1975, Microsoft had clearly developed a brand image and reputation for itself. Even though it has faced fierce challenge and attacks from its competitors, Microsoft still is popular global brand. Bill Gates’ vision for Microsoft “A personal computer in every home running Microsoft software” has become close to reality and, Microsoft has become a true household name across the world.

WEAKNESSES

W1

Innovation

.15

2.5

.375

Over last decade or so Microsoft seems to be losing the battle of innovation over it competitors. More often than not, Microsoft seems to be following its competitors’ innovation that leading the pack. For Microsoft to retain its global leadership, it really need to re-vigor the innovative powerhouse that Microsoft once was.

W2

Lack of clear direction

.10

2.5

.25

The recent change in Microsoft’s business model from being primarily a software company to that of software, services and devices company has created lack of direction for the ranks and files, particularly because every division is targeted to handle all three aspect of business. To be successful Microsoft really need to re-organize itself across the new business model, and in recent days they have started initiative in that direction.

W3

Windows Phone and Tablet

.10

2

.2

Microsoft launched itself in the smartphone sector in 2010 with its Widows 7 phone, and Surface was Microsoft’s attempt to get into the tablet business. They haven’t performed very well in either of these two; Window 8 phone has performed relatively better than its predecessor but overall has not come even close to the competition.

W4

Search Engine sector

.10

3

.3

Microsoft has been trying to compete in the search engine sector for long time. Microsoft’s original search engine MSN Search never really got any traction and they launched their current search engine BING in 2009. BING has done relatively better than MSN Search and has taken over the 2nd place from Yahoo, but still way behind than Google.

W5

Web browser (Internet Explorer)

.05

2.5

.125

Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) was the leading web browser until it was ousted by Google Chrome just over a year ago. For now IE is maintaining 2ndplace ahead of Firebox. Even though IE by itself is not a major revenue source but it can certainly help steer customers towards other Microsoft products and services.

TOTAL SCORES

1.00

3.525

Embry MGMT436 Module 5.5 Homework Assignment

Select a Fortune Top 50 Company, then select a firm within that company.

Discuss which of Porter’s Business Strategies this firm follows to stay competitive.
Explain why you think it is the best business strategy to take, or should the Company change to another business strategy.
Please provide at least 300 words in this assignment.

Embry MGMT436 Module 5.6.2 Alternative Case Study

For students not in the College of Business, your instructor will assign you a case study either from the textbook or another source. The case assignment needs to be at least two pages, excluding any title page and references page, of analysis. This assignment will be worth 10% of your final grade.

Embry MGMT436 Module 6.5 Homework Assignment

TOWS Guidelines

Start with your SFAS matrix.

Identify what you believe to be the two most strategic S,W,O, and T factors facing your firm.

Place these eight factors on your TOWS matrix, with the two Opportunities and the two Threats going down the first right column. Place your two Strengths and your two Weaknesses in the first row at the top of the TOWS matrix.

Review a sample TOWS matrix to make sure you have your S,W,O, and T factors correctly positioned.

Designate each factor as either #1 or #2.

Now create what you think are the four best strategies using the S,W,O, and T factors.

You will create a SO Strategy using either one of your Strengths and Opportunities.

You will create a WO Strategy using either of your Weaknesses and Opportunities.

You will create a ST Strategy using either of your Strengths and Threats.

You will create a WT Strategy using either of your Weaknesses and Threats.

Designate which factor (S2/T1, W1/T1) you are using.

Each of these strategies should incorporate the two factors you have selected. See the TOWS matrix examples. You can use the same factor, say S1 in both strategies.

See the attached examples of TOWS matrixes.

SFAS Guidelines

· Start with your EFAS and IFAS assignments.

o Make all corrections to these assignments.

· The SFAS matrix is to contain the ten most strategic factors from your EFAS and IFAS.

· You need to include at least two factors from your S,W,O, and T factors in your EFAS and IFAS assignments.

· Label each factor on your SFAS matrix, such as S1, S2, W1, etc. These numbers need not corresponding with the numbers you used on your EFAS and IFAS assignments.

· So now you have the “SWOT #” for each SFAS factor and ten “SFAS factors”, develop a “Weight” for each factor.

· Make sure the total weights for these ten factors equals 1.0.

· Now work on your “Comments” for each factor. You may have to revise your comments to reflect the instructor’s remarks on your EFAS and IFAS assignments.

· Use your comments to develop your “Ratings” for each factor.

· Remember, good comments should be reflected in ratings of 3.8 and higher, average comments should have ratings of 3.3-3.5, and poorly performed comments tend to have ratings below 3.3.

· Multiple your “Weight” and “Rating” for each factor, and place these numbers in the “Weighted Score” column.

· Total up the “Weighted Score” column and enter at the bottom of the matrix.

· Make sure the “Total Weighted Score” matches your perception of how well a firm is operating.

STRATEGIC FACTOR ANALYSIS SUMMARY (SFAS)

SWOT

#

FACTORS

WEIGHT

RATING

WGTD

SCORE

COMMENTS

TOTAL SCORES

STRATEGIC FACTOR ANALYSIS SUMMARY (SFAS)

Progressive Auto Insurance

SWOT

#

FACTORS

WEIGHT

RATING

WGTD

SCORE

COMMENTS

S1

Claims Handling

.15

4.8

.72

Progressive is considered a leader in the industry

S2

Customer Service

.05

3.5

.18

Progressive policy holders rate high but none policy holders rate low. Gap needs bridged.

S3

Employee Satisfaction

.10

3.5

.35

Most employees are happy but limited advancement opportunities frustrates some

W1

Out Dated Technology

.10

2.5

.25

Progressive operating systems are over 10 yrs old

W2

Claims Errors

.05

2.5

.13

Progressive has a goal of below 10% currently around15%

O1

Technology

.15

2

.30

Progressive needs to grow its technology reach by using more social media and other online support tools to consumers vs. the competition.

O2

Department of Insurance

.05

2

.10

Progressive has had a difficult past with the DOI. Improvement on relationship needed to make business easier.

T1

Competition

.10

2.5

.25

Progressive needs to diversify its product offering. Many other companies offer multiple lines of coverage for easy to the consumer.

T2

Stock Market

.10

3.5

.35

Progressive’s profitability is tied to the stock market heavily. If the market falls, so do Progressive’s profits. This accounts for a large sum of profits.

T4

Weather

.15

4

.60

Progressive sets aside a certain reserve each year. If weather is more damaging than predicted the cash flow of the company is put in serious jeopardy.

TOTAL SCORES

1.00

3.23

US Airways (USA) TOWS ANALYSIS

Internal Factors

External Factors

Strengths (S)

S1: Innovative Thinking

S2: Employee Incentives

Weaknesses (W)

W1: Fleet Variety

W2: West Coast Presence

Opportunities (O)

O1: Merger & Acquisitions

O2: Special Events

SO Strategies

S1/O1-USAused an innovative thought process by talking to the unions of American Airlines (AA), which gained their support for a merger with USA prior to going into negotiations with AMR, parent company of American Airlines.

WO Strategies

W2/O1- A merger between USA and AA would increase the routes and presence of the consolidated airlines on the west coast. In addition, a hub would be gained in Dallas – Forth Worth that would present stronger routes in the mid-west.

Threats (T)

T1: Government Regulations

T2: Fuel Prices

ST Strategies

S2/T2- There is not much the airlines can do about the price of fuel. However, innovative thinking on the part of employees has developed ways of reducing fuel consumption of the aircraft.

WT Strategies

W1/T2- USA operates a number of different aircraft. The use of smaller aircraft in many cases result in the consumption of less fu

Embry MGMT436 Module 7.5 Homework Assignment

Identify a global strategic alliance or a joint venture by a firm that is not your Strategic Audit firm, nor being studied by another student in your class.

Explain the rationale for the strategic alliance or joint venture.
Discuss how the strategic alliance or joint venture worked out.
Please provide a minimum of at least two full pages of analysis, not counting your title and reference pages.

Embry MGMT436 Module 8.5 Homework Assignment

Describe an offensive tactic and a defensive tactic that either your Strategic Audit firm has used or should use to gain a competitive edge. Explain if these tactics were successful, if used by the firm in the past.

Please provide a minimum of at least two full pages of analysis.