AutoZone Case
AutoZone Case: 1.) In a narrative format, discuss these firms from a strategic perspective. Information concerning recent changes in the firms is readily available online and should be accessed. Strategic issues should be discussed in “real time.”
Note: Narrative Format: Review what I wrote in my guidance for Unit 1, and continue to perfect the narrative format. Remember to focus on what are truly key facts and critical issues. Remember as well that you are writing a summary on the AutoZone case. In other words, “these firms” refers only to Auto Zone In Unit 2. Your summary for each unit should be on the assigned real time case. You need to find additional “real time” information from the internet and integrate the information into your summary.
Case Analysis
2.) How would you define Auto Zone’s industry? Would you include new car dealerships and/or discount stores in the industry? Why or why not?
Note: This question requires you to analyze the industry. Please do not just discuss AutoZone because AutoZone is an individual organization, not an industry. Review what the textbook author says about industry, i.e., the definition of industry.
To illustrate, assume you have a friend named John, and John is in the mortgage business. If you were asked to define John’s industry, you would not write a paper about John, would you? Of course not! You would write about the finance industry. So apply the same logic in this question and write about AutoZone’s industry, NOT about AutoZone as an organization.
Hint: Research the NAICS category.
3.) How has Auto Zone responded to changes in its macroenvironment? Is Auto Zone immune to threats associated with economic downturns? Why or why not?
Note:
The first part of this question requires that you perform a PEST analysis with respect to AutoZone. In your analysis, please use a new paragraph for each of the four categories of macro-environmental forces. In other words, discuss each word in the PEST acronym in a new paragraph. Do not forget to indicate how AutoZone has responded to changes in each element of the PEST. Again, the question here is not “how would…” but “how has…”
Also, do not forget to address the second part of the question, i.e., is AutoZone immune…?
Application
4.) Review the discussion in the reading on changes in social forces associated with automobiles. Suppose that you are the CEO of Auto Zone. What changes present opportunities for your firm? Which changes concern you the most?
Note: Application: The application question is specifically about changes in social forcesassociated with automobiles. Please make sure that your response aligns with the question. In other words, focus on social forces, not political, economic, or technological.
Helpful tips and follow these guidlines please.
The case assignment for each unit can be found at the bottom of the “Read” assignment, and is titled Real-Time Case. You will answer four essay questions per case. Each of your essays should be no less than 200 words and no more than 400 words long. Your case study assignments are divided into three parts: Summary, analysis, and application.
Summary. In your summary essay, please focus on recent changes/issues of strategic significance that you have found online. Identify the key facts and critical issues in terms of Strategic Management. Do not include any analysis in this summary essay; reserve all analyses for the two analysis essays. Remember to focus on “Real Time” strategic issues. This means about two-thirds of your essay should be focused on real time issues (within the past three months is best, but certainly not older than 12 months). Do not rely on a ready-made SWOT analysis. You need to write your own summary of primary sources.
Analysis. Your case analyses will be accomplished by answering two essay questions per case. Use appropriate citations to support your claims, but avoid repeating details that should have been part of your case summary (the first essay). Limit the use of direct quotations; paraphrase instead of quoting directly. Do not rely on a ready-made SWOT analysis. You need to perform your own analysis.
Application. In the application essay, you will apply strategic management concepts to specific situations. The essay questions require you to write what you would do in each situation; make sure you demonstrate the ability to integrate concepts you have learned in the course. Evaluation of each unit will be completed within one week of the specified deadline.
Reference: Parnell, J.A. (2008). Strategic management: Theory and practice (3rd ed). Cincinnati, OH: Cengage. Electronic version retrieved from https://www.betheluniversityonline.net
Answer Preview
AutoZone operates in the automotive aftermarket industry which is a subsidiary market to the industry of automobile manufacturers. The industry aims at keeping the vehicles of the consumers on the road through supplying parts and providing…
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