Week 3 Environmental Influences – Dell Inc. Dell Inc SWOT
Business Finance
There are a variety of influences that can have a significant impact on the success of a business strategy. To understand these influences, tools such as a SWOT analysis are typically used across the world of business and research to gain valuable insight into the current and potential opportunities for strategic planning and success. Further, by taking factors such as marketing selection into account, strategic planners can create a comprehensive and effective plan for the continued competitive advantage of an organization.
This week, you will utilize a SWOT analysis to assess its potential strategic planning value. Also, you will analyze the influence of market selection within the development of a business strategy.
Learning Objectives
Independent scholars will:
- Assess the value of SWOT analysis data from a strategic planning perspective
- Analyze the influence of market selection in business strategy development
Required Readings
Dyer, J. H., Godfrey, P., Jensen, R., & Bryce, D. (2016).
Strategic management: Concepts and tools for creating real world strategy. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
- REVIEW Chapter 2: “Analysis of the External Environment: Opportunities and Threats” (pp. 20–45)
- Case 03: “Intel (A): Dominance in Microprocessors” (pp. C-22–C-31)
- Case 05: “Harley-Davidson: Growth Challenges Ahead” (pp. C-45–C-53)
- Case 06: “Intel (B): Responding to the Smart Phone Threat” (pp. C-54–C-61)
- Case 09: “Samsung: Overtaking Philips, Panasonic, and Sony as the Leader in the Consumer Electronics Industry” (pp. C-82–C-91)
Addams, L., & Allred, A. T. (2013). The first step in proactively managing students’ careers: Teaching self-SWOT analysis. Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, 17(4), 43–51. Retrieved from http://www.alliedacademies.org/academy-of-educatio…
https://services.hbsp.harvard.edu/api/courses/6086…
https://hbr.org/video/3590615226001/the-explainer-…
Ding-Hong, P., Tie-Dan, W., & Chang-Yuan, G. (2014). Integrating nonhomogeneous preference structures in SWOT analysis to evaluate multiple alternatives. Economic Computation and Economic Cybernetics Studies and Research, 48(3), 40–63. Retrieved from http://www.ecocyb.ase.ro/
Mbachu, J., & Frei, M. (2011). Diagnosing the strategic health of an organization from SWOT analysis results: Case study of the Australasian cost management profession. Construction Management and Economics, 29(3), 287–303. doi:10.1080/01446193.2010.547865
Discussion: Getting the Most Out of a SWOT Analysis
The SWOT analysis is a tool widely used by many organizations and business leaders throughout the world; however, a critical component of the effective use of a SWOT is the appropriate application of the information gathered from the analysis. For this Discussion, you will investigate opportunities for applying a SWOT analysis for effectiveness in both the strategic planning process and encouraging innovation within a selected organization.
To prepare for this Discussion, select a strategy practice case from Dyer, Godfrey, Jensen, and Bryce (2016) presented in the week’s Required Readings, and consider how SWOT data can be effectively used within strategic planning initiatives to gain or maintain a competitive advantage for this specific organization. Be sure the case you select provides an exhaustive overview of the organization’s business climate for strategy.
By Day 3
Post an assessment of the value of SWOT analysis as a contextual strategic planning tool. Your assessment should include the following:
- A brief description of your chosen case, including industry and relevant background information
- An explanation of which parts of a SWOT analysis could provide the greatest value from a strategic planning perspective, including specific examples from your chosen case
- An analysis of how SWOT data could be used to increase this organization’s competitive advantage
- An analysis of how the SWOT data could be used to increase innovation within this organization
Be sure to support your work with a minimum of two specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and at least one additional scholarly source.
