Company Report "Exxon mobil"

BUAD 4980

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

REPORT #1: STRATEGY ANALYSIS

GENERAL MOTORS

Richard Mpoyi

1. INTRODUCTION

In few sentences, introduce your report.

2. CONCEPTS

2.1. SWOT analysis

In one sentence each, define the following: an opportunity, a threat, a strength, a weakness.

In two to five sentences, explain the purpose of SWOT analysis.

2.2. Value chain analysis

In one sentence, give the types of value. In one sentence each, define the following: value chain, core competency, distinctive competency. In two to five sentences, explain the purpose of value chain analysis

2.3. Competitive advantage analysis

In one sentence, define competitive advantage. In two to five sentences, explain how competitive advantage can be achieved.

3. ANALYSIS

3.1. SWOT analysis

Table 1 General Motors’ external analysis

Opportunities	Threats
Industry environment: - -	Industry environment: - -
General environment: - -	General environment: - -

Directions for Table 1: Inside Table 1: In one sentence each, identify four opportunities (two for the industry environment, two for the general environment). Also, in one sentence each, identify four threats (two in the industry environment, two in the general environment). Make sure to specify the type of each opportunity and each threat (e.g. threat of entry, intensity of rivalry among existing competitors, economic forces, global forces, etc.).

Table 2 General Motors’ internal analysis

Strengths	Weaknesses
- -	- -

Directions for Table 2: Inside Table 2: in one sentence each, identify two strengths and two weaknesses. Make sure to specify the type of each strength and each weakness (i.e. tangible resources, intangible resources, or organizational capabilities).

SWOT analysis discussion: After Table 2 (i.e. outside the table): In not more than five sentences, discuss your company’s SWOT analysis (SWOT analysis is based on what you have done in Table 1 and Table 2).

3.2. Value chain analysis

Have two paragraphs as described below:

In the first paragraph: In one sentence each, identify (1) your company’s core or main business, (2) the activities your company performs along its value chain, (3) your company’s core competencies, and (4) your company’s distinctive competencies (if any)

In the second paragraph: For your firm’s core/main business, give, in one sentence, the name of ONE brand your analysis will focus on (if the brand you have chosen has several models, then give the name of ONE model you will focus on). Then for that brand (or model), identify, in one sentence, the value (low cost or differentiation) your company seeks to create. In not more than five sentences, provide specifics to explain the value you have identified.

3.3. Competitive advantage analysis

Based on points 3.1 and 3.2 above, state (in one sentence) whether your company has achieved a competitive advantage for the brand or model you have chosen. In two to five sentences, explain your answer (focus your explanation on whether your company has excelled in creating the value that the brand or model you have chosen is seeking).

4. EVALUATION

4.1. Problem

In one sentence, state ONE problem your company is facing (for example: The problem General Motors is facing is organizational complexity). In one sentence, identify ONE factor that has caused the problem (for example: One factor that has caused organizational complexity is that General Motors has so many models of vehicles (more than 90) that a huge bureaucracy with several hierarchical layers of management is needed for coordination and control purposes. NOTE: the factor that has caused the problem must come from your analysis (Section 3).

4.2. Solution

In one sentence, propose ONE solution that can resolve the problem. In three to five sentences, explain how your proposed solution will correct the problem.

5. CONCLUSION

In few sentences, conclude your analysis.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

To help you write a good report, please do the following:

- First, open this file (Report1.doc) and print it

- Second, keep the cover page (as the one on page 1 of this file, but make sure to write your company name and your name). Then, keeping ONLY headings (e.g. 2. CONCEPTS), sub-headings (e.g. 2.1. SWOT analysis ), and the same tables (with your company name in the title), delete all directions and these additional instructions. Then save the file

- Third, write your report using the file you have saved, as it meets all formatting requirements

- Fourth, have transitions so that ideas flow smoothly. Specifically, do the following:

After headings 2, 3 and 4 , but before sub-headings, have a transition paragraph that tells what comes next (please be aware that a paragraph MUST have at least two sentences)

After each sub-heading , have a transition sentence (or sentences if appropriate) that tells what you are going to do under that sub-heading

- Fifth, with the exception of tables (see directions for tables), write your report in paragraph form (no listing, no bullets), with complete sentences

- Sixth, when your report is done, print 1 (one) copy and staple it. Make sure to print on one side of the paper (in the computer lab, the default setting is both sides, so please change to one side)

- Last, for long answers (which may be the case when there are several issues to be addressed), have more than one paragraph, each paragraph making a distinctive point.

NOTE: Do not provide answers that go beyond what is being asked. Specifically:

- If I ask one question, do not provide answers to five questions. DO NOT skip a question

- Besides transitions, pay attention to the number of sentences as indicated

- Make an effort to avoid very long sentences, as they tend to lead to grammatical problems.