Posted: June 26th, 2015

What is causing the industry’s competitive structure and business environment to change?

Group External Industry Analysis

Assignment Instructions

Complete my part which is only questions 4, 5 and 6

Group Assignment: In order to demonstrate your understanding of a particular industry, prepare a group industry analysis as described below. Also identify and elaborate opportunities and threats facing that industry. This report must be in narrative form, i.e. not simply an outline. The group external analysis is due at the end of week 7.

Audience: This analysis should be addressed to other members of the class based upon the assumption that they know nothing about the industry or environment.

Content: Read Chapter 3 in the text. Prepare an industry analysis following the format presented in the text. At a minimum, your analysis must answer the following questions:

1. What is the industry? How do you define it? What is the main product or service of the industry? (5 points)
2. What are the industry’s dominant economic features? (See Chapter 3, page 76) Answer as many of these questions as possible for your industry. (20 points)
3. What is the competition like and how strong are each of the competitive forces? (See Chapter 3, page 78). Perform a “Porter’s Five Forces” analysis for a business in this industry. (20 points)
4. What is causing the industry’s competitive structure and business environment to change? (See Chapter 3, page 92-98) Identify which of these forces is causing change in your industry. Be sure to read the last paragraph on page 98 about environmental factors. Include in this discussion social, political, economic, ecological and technological issues that could affect your industry. (20 points)
5. Which companies are in the strongest/weakest positions? (See Chapter 3, page 99) Prepare a strategic group map for a company in your industry. (20 points)
6. What strategic moves are rivals likely to make next? (See Chapter 3, page 102-104). Using each of the categories in the chart on page 104, forecast what competitors in this industry would likely do next. (20 points)
7. What are the key factors for competitive success? (See Chapter 3, page 105) List the “Key Success Factors” for your industry. (20 points)
8. Is the industry attractive and what are the prospects for above average profitability? Don’t just present a list. This section requires your analysis. The definition of “analysis” for the purposes of this report is, “An integration of the information gathered in the previous sections of this report. This information and analysis will help you make intelligent decisions opportunities in this industry. This is the opportunities and threats section of a SWOT analysis. This is the meat of the report and should be the most comprehensive section. (20 pts)
9. Spelling, grammar, format, etc. (5 Points)

Total Points Possible = 150

Information: Information for this analysis will come from all appropriate sources such as the library, industry publications, statistical reports, chamber of commerce, competitors, and similar businesses, customers or any other appropriate source.

Format of Report: Your report should be printed double spaced using a 12-point font. Use no cover page. Margins for the paper must be one inch on top, bottom and left side, and 1.75 inches on the right. Length of the report should not exceed 25 pages. Points will be deducted for failure to follow the report format.

Evaluation: This written assignment is to be completed and turned in on the date indicated in the course outline. It will be evaluated for thoroughness, thoughtfulness, organization and use of evidence. Remember all members of the group will receive the same grade. See your course outline for the number of points given this assignment.