Description of Task

This task focuses on a study of the Competitive Environment and Business Level Strategy for a chosen Strategic Business Unit within a larger corporation. You are required to write a report with reference to at least 20 separate scholarly journal articles and your subject core text. This report will include the following headings and response categories:

0) Hurdle requirement Pass/Not Pass:

a. The item has been presented in the medium of written English. Sentences are structured and conform to academic writing guidelines. The paper has an identifiable structure including an introduction, a main body, and conclusion. The paper follows the Harvard Referencing Style. The examiner can proceed with further assessment.

1) Corporation Identification

a. Identify a corporation with product or service portfolios that span multiple business units.

i. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the term "corporation".

ii. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the terms "product portfolio" and "service portfolio".

2) Business Unit Research

a. Business Unit Identification.

i. Identify a single strategic business unit within the corporation.

1. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the term "Strategic Business Unit".

b. Identification of Product and Service Lines.

i. Identify the product and or service lines of the business unit.

1. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the terms "product lines" and "service lines".

3) Business Unit Revenue

a. Identification of Revenue Centre.

i. Identify the largest revenues created for the corporation by the chosen business unit.

1. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the term "revenue".

4) External Environment Analysis

a. Identify the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal operating environment of the selected business unit.

i. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the terms Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal.

1. Provide a definition for the term "operating environment".

5) Source of Sustainable Competitive Advantage

a. Identify the source of sustainable competitive advantage for the selected business unit.

i. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the four factors of sustainable competitive advantage.

6) Strategic Direction

a. Make recommendations for the future strategic direction of the selected business unit.

i. In your discussion define, with reference to scholarly articles, the term "strategic direction".