Discussion: Learning Objectives for Identifying, Selecting, and Implementing Strategies
Post
Discussion choose one of the following three discussion topics. Your post should be 225-250 words and APA formatted.
1. Compare the attributes of each of the five generic competitive strategies and the type of competitive advantage each can produce. Also, explain the impact of the "Blue Ocean" strategy on the classic generic strategy approach.
2. Explain when a company should consider using a vertical integration strategy to extend its operations to more stages of the overall industry value chain.
3. Analyze the uses of the various "grand" or "line-of business" strategies in achieving competitive advantage.
Discussion and Participation Guidelines
Discussion Participation
1. Weekly discussion participation with your colleagues students and the Instructor for each question occurs over a minimum of three different days. You are required to engage in discussions with a minimum of three different colleagues. To be sure you are addressing all of the Learning Objectives for the week, respond to colleagues who selected different questions than you did for their initial post. Each response should be 100-125 words. One-line responses will not earn any points.
After your initial post, engage with colleagues and the Instructor in clarifying and mastering any concepts not fully understood. Points to explore in the first discussion topic could include:
o How is the concept(s) used in your current or past place of employment and/or career?
o How does the concept(s) relate to other concepts in the Learning Objectives?
o Why is it important for you to know and master these concept(s)?
Learning Resources
This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week's assigned Learning Resources.
Required Resources
Readings
o Thompson, A. A. (2014-2015). Strategy: Core concepts and analytical approaches(3rd ed.) [BSG electronic edition]. Burr Ridge, IL: McGraw-Hill Education.
- Chapter 5, "The Five Generic Competitive Strategy Options: Which One to Employ?" (pp. 90-109)
- Chapter 6, "Supplementing the Chosen Competitive Strategy-Other Important Strategy Choices" (pp. 110-130)
Business Strategy Game (BSG) Simulation website:
o Thompson, A. A., Jr., Reidenback, M. A., Stappenbeck, G. J., Harms, C. C., & Thrasher, I. F. (2014). The Business Strategy Game: Competing in a global marketplace. Retrieved from https://www.bsg-online.com/
Visit this website to read Chapters 5 and 6 of the course e-book and to continue your progress in the Business Strategy Game (BSG). This simulation provides opportunities for you to make some of the difficult decisions often encountered by managers as they seek to execute the strategy that has been established by senior executives who are responsible to the shareholders.
Media
o Minh, T. Q. (2013a). Michael Porter on competitive strategy, Part 1 [Harvard Business School series][Video file]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/c4ZBVp8-9gA
o Minh, T. Q. (2013b). Michael Porter on competitive strategy, Part 2 [Harvard Business School series][Video file]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/znzCtevIRLQ