academic writing

• Fast food • Private hospital • Mobile phone (not telecommunication provider) • Cinema This assignment will help you to understand key concepts in strategic management by conducting a real world analysis of an organisation and external environments. There is a strong focus in developing an understanding of the issues associated with the choice of business level strategic direction. It is suggested that this be written as a business report – as such well-developed dot points can be used. Task Requirements (i) External Environment Analysis You are to undertake an analysis of the external environment of the industry you have selected. This will require you to asses both the macro environment and the specific industry. You MUST use some of the tools discussed in this unit to undertake this analysis. Remember – it is NOT a description of the external environment – but an ANALYSIS. This will provide you with a good understanding of the external environment – remembering that the external environment covers both the macro and industry levels. It also includes key groups such as suppliers, customers, competitors and complementors. (ii) Firm Level Analysis You are to choose ONE (1) firm in the selected industry and undertake a detailed analysis of that firm’s key resources, capabilities and competencies. This will require identifying some of the key strengths and weaknesses of the firm. This will enable you to understand the key sources of sustainable competitive advantage for the chosen firm. As with Part (a) you are required to develop your answer drawing on some of the tools/frameworks of the unit. It is an analysis – not just a description of the firm. (iii) Analytical Frameworks You are to review/critique the tools of analysis you have used to undertake Parts (i) and (ii). Your responses should address key areas including – but not restricted to: • Origin and very brief overview • Key outputs generated from use of the tool • Key application areas – especially related to understanding and decision making • Limitations and benefits of the tool • Issues in using the tool • Rationale for your use of the tool You might want to also discuss – in less detail – some of the other tools that you might have used.