Assignment

1. Create a SWOT analysis for Tesla. List Tesla's strengths, weaknesses, and potential opportunities and threats. Be sure to include these in your paper by either listing them or creating a diagram similar.

Then write your conclusions and implications of the analysis. Lastly, provide at least two recommendations based on this analysis. Explain your reasons for these recommendations.

2. Based on what you've read about Mercedes-Benz acquiring a stake in Tesla and strategic partnerships from your text, what are the potential pitfalls of this alliance? Do these pitfalls apply in Tesla's case, given their patent policy? Explain why.

3. What type of diversification strategy does the launch of Tesla Energy represent: related or unrelated? Explain why. Does Tesla Energy's new business meet the three tests of corporate advantage?

4. What kind of vertical integration strategy did Tesla choose for its distribution and supply chains: backward or forward integration? What are the advantages of its chosen strategies? What are the disadvantages?

5. In reviewing Tesla's manufacturing strategy, does the part of Tesla's value chain it outsources make strategic sense? Explain why or why not.

6. Which of the five generic strategies is Tesla pursuing with its marketing strategy? Explain.

7. What are the key elements of Tesla's culture? What problems do you foresee that Elon Musk will have in sustaining that culture amid growing competition? Explain.