Resource and Competitive Position Analysis

Assignment 2: Discussion: Costco Wholesale

Using your text book, the AUO library and the Internet, research Costco Wholesale Corporation.  Discuss the following in 2-3 paragraphs:

How does Costco’s business strategy provide value to the consumer?
How does Costco’s strategy provide a competitive advantage over their primary competitors?
What recommendations could you provide regarding Costco’s strengths and opportunities for improvement?

Assignment 3: Resource and Competitive Position Analysis

Using your text book, the AUO library and the Internet, research Panera Bread Company.

You have been hired by Panera Bread Company as a consultant to assess their internal and external environments in relation to their current competitive strategy. You are scheduled to meet executives at Panera Bread this week to discuss your assessment and recommendations. In preparation for your meeting, discuss the following in 2 pages:

Prepare a SWOT analysis of Panera Bread and discuss what your analysis revealed about the overall attractiveness of the company’s situation.
Does the company possess core competencies or distinctive competencies? Support your response with examples.
What recommendations will you provide to the executives regarding the actions Panera Bread needs to take to strengthen its competitive position?