...Imagine coming from a new country alone, escaping a war and a genocide, learning a new language and having nowhere to stay. Many immigrants from Burundi or other countries can relate to Deo’s story in a book called Strength In What Remains by Tracy Kidder. These book is a nonfiction story about a third year medical student, Deo, twenty four years old immigrating to New York City with a business visa card in the United States Of America with no family, no place where to stay, running away from the genocide, only speaking French and passing cold nights in Central Park of New York City. Deograticias immigrated from Burundi, Africa to New York in 1994, because it was his only way out to survive from the genocide time period a period, when the...
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...Google’s Strategy in 2012: A Strategic Case Analysis BUS 5480: Strategic Management Professor: February 6, 2014 Executive Summary The origin of the name Google might explain the excess in capture of vast business verticals by Google’s internet and technology services. ‘Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin named the search engine they built "Google," a play on the word "googol," the mathematical term for a 1 followed by 100 zeros’ (Bhatia, 2012). Through our strategic analysis of Google Inc. we provide for a discussion on profitability of Google. Based on competitive advantage, strategic management and the Five-force model of competitive forces, we better understand the nature and strength of competitive pressures within the internet and technology industry. Google must remain a differentiator among competitors to retain market share. The evolution of “search” capabilities on the internet has been the driving force from the beginning. In 2012 Google is the leading search firm with nearly ‘67% market share in search from home and work and 95% market share performed from mobile devices’ (Thompson, et al, 2013). For Google to remain profitable is to focus on the key business model that is still driving hard revenue and to reach into those verticals that are working, while leaving the losers behind. In the year of 2012 Google captured 67% of search in the U.S., with 29% of the balance going to Yahoo and Microsoft. Advertising revenues from search drove over $36...
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...October 31, 2013 Mario Ducret Strategic Management Process The strategic management process is a valuable process to any organization wanting to remain competitive, profitable, and remain in business. General Motors is such an organization that has used the strategic management process to turn itself around from failing in the automobile industry to being back on top of its game. Primary Components The primary four components of strategic management process are environmental scanning or analysis, strategy formulation, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and evaluation and control. According to Wheelen and Hunger (2010), “Strategic management is a set of managerial decisions and actions that determines the long-run performance of a corporation” (p. 5). The first component of environmental scanning or analysis which simply put is looking at the organization as a whole and identifying what the organizations strategic factors are both in externally and internally. The best way to do this is a SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis will identify the opportunities and threats that are external to an organization and in addition will identify the strengths and weaknesses that are internal to an organization. After identifying the organizations strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, the next component in the strategic management, the strategy formulation, process can begin. In this phase, the organization can define its...
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...Executive Summary This report will list out Kraft Foods’ perceived strengths and weaknesses. Some of the sources used in this report were taken from Kraft Foods 2012 annual report, government data, and other news agencies. Kraft does not willing list its own strengths and weaknesses for the general public to see. Some of the information in this report is inferred upon the results of various financial articles. From the information available, Kraft has more strengths than weaknesses and has the capacity to turn many of its weaknesses into strengths provided some guidelines are followed. Introduction Every company throughout the world has from time to time completed an internal analysis of itself. Kraft Foods is no different. To remain profitable in this economy, Kraft cannot remain stagnate. This report will accomplish an internal view of Kraft Foods’ strengths and weaknesses. After analyzing these strengths and weaknesses, Kraft can use the strength of innovation and the weakness of supply and turn them both into good opportunities. Strengths Innovation: One of Kraft Foods’ greatest newfound strength is innovation. However, this was not always the case. In 2008, Kraft ranked next to last in its peer group in new product successes. (Goudreau, 2013) For the rest of 2008 and 2009, 17 of 19 new products introduced into the market were considered failures. There is even a quote from an outside company consultant who was brought in to report on Kraft’s innovation...
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...Culture ........................................................................................................................ 5 Mission Statement .......................................................................................................................... 5 Mission and Corporate Culture....................................................................................................... 6 Employees and the Mission ............................................................................................................ 7 The Importance of the Mission Statement and Corporate Vision................................................... 7 Strategic Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 8 External Environmental Analysis (EFE) for Southwest ................................................................. 8 EFE Opportunity Results ................................................................................................................ 8 EFE Threat Results...
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...regular television. Since 1998, Netflix has set goals, implemented plans and strategies to become the leader of television network on the Internet and to maintain that industry position. This paper will examine the company’s strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT) as well as recommend a strategic and operational plan to ensure Netflix remain the leader in Internet television networking. SWOT ANALYSIS A SWOT, which is strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis is a snapshot assessment of the current state of the company. It can highlight what the company does well or better than others as well as present the things the organization does poorly and areas in which improvements are necessary. Such analysis can also determine the various opportunities that a company can capitalize on. Just as important as the previous reasons, the analysis can provide information regarding the current threats that may potentially injure the organization. Below is a SWOT analysis of Netflix conducted by Marketline.com in a 2013 company profile report. Strengths One of Netflix’s strengths according to the report is the company’s business model in which the company believes provides a high value scheme. Another highlighted strength is the Netflix’s relationship with...
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...acquired $40 of overdue fees on an Apollo 13 movie rental from Blockbuster (A brief history of Netflix - CNN.com, n.d.). The business model for Netflix was created upon the methodology that customers will receive the movies of their choice in the mail while never incurring late fees. (Abraham, 2012 p. 1.8). Netflix added customer value and convenience by using processes already in place such as the US Postal Systems to capitalize on the delivery of their product. In this paper, I will outline a SWOT analysis of Netflix as well as prepare a strategic plan to grow the business over the next three years. Using SWOT analysis and strategic planning an organization performs organizational forecasting similar to advice given to a US hockey player once made concerning hockey, “skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” (Schwartz, n.d.) Strategic planning is a systematic way of planning for the organizational future but upon the data based decisions from the SWOT analysis. The distinctive aspect between Netflix and their competition rests with the concept of Netflix bypassing the physical storefront retail route and dedication the business model around order fulfillment and distribution from a warehouse directly to the consumer. This entire retail process reduces the upfront cost of establishing stores throughout the target markets. In the beginning, Netflix...
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...Pryer, MGT578 Strategy Formulation and Implementation University of Phoenix Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Company Background 4 Vision Statement 4 Recommended Vision Statement 5 Mission Statement 5 Values Statement 7 Environmental Analysis 7 Long Term Objectives 14 Strategic Analysis and Choice 15 Plan Goals and Implementation 18 Financial Projections and Analysis 20 Critical Success Factors 24 Controls and Evaluation 25 Conclusion 26 References 28 Executive Summary Starbucks Coffee Company, Seattle, Washington, is in an enviable position – high growth, few competitors, strong financials, loyal customers, talented management and employees, and brand recognition – so why create a strategic plan? The company faces many threats and opportunities, and if Starbucks wants to continue its success story, a strategic plan will help them continue to achieve stellar results. Starbucks’ vision is to have coffeehouses in every neighborhood around the world, and will continue to grow by finding and delivering the world’s best coffee to the world’s best customers without compromising our world-class principles. An internal analysis shows Starbucks has more strengths than weaknesses, while an external analysis points to several threats and many obvious opportunities. The key is in choosing the right strategies to minimize threats and maximize opportunities. Starbucks should focus on the following three strategies: (1) expand the U.S. market, (2) broaden...
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...Case questions What are the strengths and weaknesses of scenario planning? What is your evaluation of UPS’s 1997 scenario planning exercise? Its Horizon 2017 planning exercise? How do the two efforts compare? Evaluate the following elements of UPS’s approach to strategic planning: The UPS charter The Centennial Plan The Strategy Road Map Why was John McDevitt put in charge of “strategic integration?” Should he remain in that role? What is the strength and weakness of scenario planning? Strength Build foundation for source of long term competitive advantage Provide backdrop of strategic decision (pg.6) • Acquisition of Mail Boxes Etc. Change mind-set • Make people think beyond the operational mind • Prepare to be proactive and creative Enable to be sensitive for change in external environment Alternative views of the future Provide and prepare the company for potential change in the future’s market. Weakness Lack of realism Requires learning curve to have adequate result Too abstract and difficult to apply Indirect linkage to daily operation or strategy Depend on participants’ motivation and knowledge Not point out the strengths and weakness of company What is your evaluation of UPS’s 1997 scenario planning exercise? Evaluation on 1997 Scenario planning Initiative to build foundation for source of long term competitive advantage Positive aspects • Become backdrop of UPS Charter and changed mission statement • Initiate...
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... The second part of the proposed athletic apparel company will consist of a SWOTT analysis. SWOTT is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and trends. One of the strengths for JC's athletic apparel is location, location, location. South Texas, particularly Corpus Christi Texas, is currently a hot bed for all kinds of sports and prospective customers are all over the place. Customers range from toddlers all the way to high school aged athletes, not to mention the older fans and supporters that will no doubt purchase apparel to support the team. It has been said to strike while the iron is hot and now is the time for JC's to take off and attack the market. Strength for the company is the demand for professional grade athletic apparel here in the coastal bend. Many customers have been forced to either make bulk purchases online and pay an arm and leg in shipping or travel to another town in order to find reasonable quality athletic gear. Unfortunately with strengths there are also weaknesses. Although there is a high demand in the city for athletic apparel it is a particularly small city and additional businesses in the same market could cause saturation of the market which could decrease demands and force us to lower prices. JC's prices could be perceived as another weakness since we have chosen to remain steadfast in not lowering our prices in an effort to provide continued high quality products. As previously mentioned...
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...Running Head: STRATEGIC PLAN Strategic Plan, Part II SWOTT Analysis Jennifer Jones BUS/475 Derek Webster January 23, 2012 SWOTT Analysis SWOT Analysis is an acronym to the internal strengths and weaknesses of a firm and the environmental opportunities and threats affecting them. Pearce and Robinson (2009). This type of analysis is used to analyze and evaluate an organizations current situation and environment. An internal and external analysis was performed on Super Diva Kid Spa, a proposed business venture. The analysis will cover critical areas essential for the growth and development of Super Diva. In the following synopsis, several internal and external forces will be discussed. Those forces include goals, resources, competitive analysis, economy, environment, legal and regulatory and culture. Additionally, major issues and opportunities Super Diva face will be included in this paper. Circumstances surround each issue will also be addressed. Goals When starting up a business, setting goals are essential to the growth and well-being of the company. Goals are internal strengths and forces that are observable and measure results. Goals can be described as short-term or long-term. Short-term goals are detailed, assessable and time specific. These types of goals involve a direct mission and are fulfilled in a short time frame. Long-term goals are those goals that take place in the future or within a timeline usually three to five...
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...Wendy’s Analysis Khalid Al-Ajmi Neil Commerce Terrell Matthews Anil K Cheerla MBAD 271: Strategic Management Professor Gary Bojes Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Background 4 Mission Statement 4 Vision Statement 4 Analysis of Strengths: 5 Strength 1 5 Strength 2 6 Strength 3 7 Analysis of Weaknesses 8 Weakness 1 8 Weakness 2 9 Weakness 3 10 Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses 11 Internal Factors Framework 12 Three Core Elements of Wendy’s / Arby’s Strategy: 14 Scope: 14 Distinctive Competencies: 14 Competitive Advantage: 14 SWOT Analysis Matrix: 15 Internal-External Matrix: 17 Grand Strategy Matrix: 18 SPACE Matrix Analysis: 19 PARTS Analysis: 21 Count Summary Analysis: 22 Further Analysis 23 The Strategy 23 The Strategy Map 24 Financial Perspective 24 Customer Perspective 25 Internal Perspective (Operations) 26 Learning and Growth Perspective 27 Appendix 1-Strategy Map 29 Appendix 2- Balanced Scorecard 30 Executive Summary Wendy’s historically has fared very well within the fast-food industry; they have led or been the front runners in a number of key areas that are of extreme importance to customers. However, while Wendy’s has excelled since inception and been a key member in the big four of the fast-food industry inclusive of Wendy’s, McDonalds, Burger King, and YUM Brands, there are a number of area’s that Wendy’s could improved upon and areas of focus the company should examine more deeply in order...
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...In Mary Oliver’s poem “The Summer Day” the author ask the reader “What is it you plan to do with your one and precious life?” This question has perplexed thousands if not millions of people over the years, and even if someone thinks they know the answer they may find that they were wrong later on during their career. As most college aged students I immediately thought of a job title that I knew would make money and is seen as successful in society. During the course of this class I was forced to analyze my interest, skills, and personality in order to pin point what it was that I wanted to do with my one and precious life. Based on my research I have come to the conclusion that I am meant to lead people within the hospitality industry by working...
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...Applying SWOT Analysis for Effective Planning Introduction The objective or purpose in applying a SWOT diagram as a planning tool is to assist in organizational performance (Daft, 2012). A SWOT analysis is beneficial in helping an organization identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats during the planning process of creating new goals within the organization. Strengths are positive internal characteristics that the organization can exploit to achieve its strategic performance goal, weaknesses are internal characteristics that might restrict the organization’s performance, threats are external characteristics that may prevent achieving a goal, and opportunities are external characteristics that may help the organization to achieve the goal (Daft, 2012). When an organization considers all these factors it will help them in creating a goal based on all areas of consideration during their planning process. The organization can than create a goal that will be successful for both the internal aspects and the external aspects of an organization. When creating a SWOT analysis a company also opens up opportunity to learn more about what is beneficial and what is not to the organization. Problem The organization that I currently work for provides care to individuals with Developmental Disabilities. The department is Support Services. There are currently seven services that we provide within the department. These services include 24 hour care in individual...
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...Environment 2 SWOT Analysis in the Internal Environment 2 Strengths 3 Weaknesses 4 Opportunities 4 Threats 5 Recommendation 5 Conclusion 6 References 7 Introduction SWOT is an acronym used to describe the internal Strengths and Weaknesses of the firm and the environmental Opportunities and Threats. By description, Strengths (S) and Weaknesses (W) are considered to be factors within the control of the firm. Opportunities (O) and Threats (T) are external factors over which the firm has essentially no control. It is the most prominent tool for assessing and analyzing the overall strategic position of the business and its environment. Its main purpose is to ascertain the strategies that will create a firm specific business model that will best align an organization’s resources and capabilities to the requirements of the operating environment. It is the foundation for evaluating the internal potential and limitations and the likely opportunities and threats from the external environment. It examines all positive and negative factors inside and outside the firm that will affect its success. A steady analysis of the environment in which the firm operates aids in predicting the changing trends and includes them in the decision-making process of the organization. If accurately applied, information gained through SWOT analysis can be utilized by the firm to determine its most desirable options in matching its resources (strengths and weaknesses) to...
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