The Internal Environment, Corporate Strategy
Case Summary
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: Case Summary and the Narrative Format: The case summary is supposed to be on the Real time case assigned for the unit. In Unit 3, it is Real-Time Case 23: Nike (page 334). In other words, “these firms” refers only to Nike in Unit 3. Do not base your summary on any other firms. Refer to the syllabus for instructions on how to find the case for each unit. Remember to use the narrative format in your summary.
Case Analysis
2.) Some critics—citing previous allegations of sweatshops—have argued that Nike has not been ethical in its approach to production in developing countries. Is this criticism warranted? Why or why not? Additional Internet research may be required to support your position.
Note: Case Analysis #1: This question is very straightforward. The crux of the matter in this analysis question is, “Is this criticism warranted? Why or why not?” You need to open your essay with a clear thesis statement in the style, “This criticism is warranted (or not warranted) because…” Make sure you cite appropriate views of ethics as discussed in Chapter 5 to support your answer. Note also that additional research may be required to make a convincing case.
3.) How has Nike accomplished considerable growth over the past two decades? Can this continue? Why or why not?
Note: Case Analysis #2: In this essay, you will identify the strategies that have led to Nike’s growth. Hint: Growth is part of Corporate Strategy. Again, you should open with a clear thesis statement such as, “Nike has accomplished considerable growth over the past two decades through ….” Note that growth strategies are discussed in your READ assignment for this unit.
In response to the second part of the question you need to identify Nike’s core competencies and assess the ability of such competencies to sustain the growth.
Application
4.) Suppose you are the CEO of Nike and the world is coping with an economic recession. Would you change the corporate strategy? If so, what changes would you make and why? If not, why not?
Note: Application: The application question is specifically about changes you would make to the CORPORATE STRATEGY as a result of worldwide ECONOMIC recession. Be very clear in your focus on the corporate strategy rather than the other two levels of strategy, and be sure that you are addressing the correct part of the SWOT analysis. Remember, Strengths and Weaknesses are internal to the organization, whereas Opportunities and Threats are external. Therefore, where does economic recession fall? Internal or External? Think about it, and choose the correct focus to be sure you are accurately applying corporate strategy to external opportunities/threats. Note that the options available under corporate strategies are discussed in Chapter 6 of the textbook. Even if you recommend no change, you still need to identify the current corporate strategy and give reasons why it would serve well in an economic recession, and thus needs not be changed.
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. Eachof 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). Cincinn
Answer Preview
Nike’s was founded by Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman as Blue Ribbon Sports and has developed to be the largest marketer in the world in athletic footwear and apparel. Nike’s first retail outlet was opened in 1966 and in 1968, Nike was incorporated from Blue Ribbon Sports shoes. During the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials, Nike promoted its brands for the first…
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