Ashford University Strategic Analysis Acer Inc Assessment

Complete a VRIO or Value Chain analysis, a PESTLE analysis, and a Five Forces model for an organization. Prepare a 5-7 page executive report that analyzes the internal and external environments of the organization and recommends a course of action based on the analysis.

Introduction

AFI, VRIO, and value chain are just three concepts you need to understand as a business strategist. This assessment focuses on these important facets of business analysis.

Introduction

For this assessment, you will analyze the internal and external factors that shape and influence an organization’s strategy. Your work on this assessment will demonstrate your understanding of industry forces and how an organization can leverage its strengths to its advantage. This portfolio work project asks you to analyze the strategic process using the AFI framework. This analysis will clearly demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically, and to use evidence to support your thinking.

Scenario

The vice president of strategy has asked you to prepare an objective analysis of the internal and external environments of the organization. She is hoping that your insight can be used to plan for the future direction of the company.

Your Role

You are a strategic analyst for the company you have selected to use in this course. The company has recently started the strategic planning process and needs to analyze the current internal and external environments.

Requirements

To complete this assessment, be sure you understand the AFI framework as presented in your text. Conduct your own research to find recent articles on the value of strategic planning and the role of leadership in the strategic planning process. (Note that the Strategic Management Process Map on pages 30 and 31 of the course text will be very helpful in completing this assessment.)

For this assessment, you will need to complete a VRIO or Value Chain analysis, a PESTLE analysis based on research of the organization (not conjecture or opinion), and a Five Forces model (pay attention to the relationships of elements from both PESTLE and Five Forces). Your prior discussion work should help here. These must be included as appendices in the document you submit. You should also research the industry your company is in, as well as the company’s website for information and supporting evidence. Once you have this research completed, prepare an executive briefing report that will be distributed to senior executive leadership. In your report, address the following:

• Analyze the key components of the AFI strategic planning framework. Assess the value of using a strategic planning framework for long-term success and sustained competitive advantage.
• Analyze the internal environment of the organization.
  • What are the key findings from your VRIO or Value Chain analysis?
  • How well does the organization leverage its strengths to execute the business strategy?
  • How effective is the organizational structure and management system design?
• Analyze the external environment of the organization.
  • What are the key findings from your PESTLE analysis?
  • What are the key findings from your Five Forces analysis?
  • How can the organization respond to these forces to better position itself?
• Explain the role of leadership in the strategic planning process. Be sure to address the ethical responsibilities of leaders in the strategic planning process.
• Recommend a course of action for leadership based on your analysis.

Deliverable Format

The strategic process and analysis is a professional document and should therefore follow the corresponding MBA Academic and Professional Document Guidelines, found under Writing in the MBA Program Resources, which you can find in the Tools and Resources for this course. Pay attention to the sections on APA formatting and citing references.

In addition to the analysis, include:

• Title page.
• Table of contents.
• Executive summary.
• References page with APA formatted references from at least five sources.
• Appendices: VRIO or Value Chain analysis, PESTLE analysis, and Five Forces analysis.
• Target length of 5–7 content pages in addition to title, references pages, and appendices including your VRIO/Value Chain, PESTLE, and Five Forces analyses.
• Written for an audience of executive leaders.

This resource will help you understand the AFI Framework:

• Rothaermel, F. (2012). Why do we need the AFI framework? Analysis, formulation, implementation [Video]. | Transcript Retrieved from

  The following resources provide greater insight into competitive advantage:

  • Johnson, M. W., Christensen, C. M., & Kagermann, H. (2008). Reinventing your business model. Harvard Business Review, 86(12), 50–59.
  • Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1992). The balanced scorecard – measures that drive performance. Harvard Business Review, 70(1), 71–79.
  • Rothaermel, F. (2021). Strategic management (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
    • Chapter 5, “Competitive Advantage, Firm Performance, and Business Models.”
  • Amadeo, K. (2019). What is competitive advantage? Three strategies that work. Retrieved from https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-competitive-adv…
    
  • The following resources provide a thorough examination of PESTLE and Five Forces:
    • tutor2u. (2016). PESTLE analysis [Video]. | Transcript Retrieved from
    • Harvard Business Review. (2008). The five competitive forces that shape strategy [Video]. | Transcript Retrieved from
    • Rothaermel, F. (2021). Strategic management (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
      • Chapter 3, “External Analysis.”
      • The following resources explain VRIO and Value Chain models:
        • Barney, J., & The Middle Ground. (2009). Resource based view of the firm by Jay Barney [Video]. | Transcript Retrieved from
        • Business-to-You. (2016). VRIO: From firm resources to competitive advantage. Retrieved from https://www.business-to-you.com/vrio-from-firm-res…
        • Van Vliet, V. (n.d.). Porter’s value chain analysis. Retrieved from https://www.toolshero.com/management/value-chain-a…
      • The following resources are somewhat old, but the information is still relevant and the authors are considered to be leading authorities on the topic.
        • Prahalad, C. K., & Hamel, G. (1990). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79–91.
        • Peteraf, M. A. (1993). The cornerstones of competitive advantage: A resource-based view. Strategic Management Journal, 14(3), 179–191.
      • Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99.
        • This article is considered to be the seminal work on VRIO.
      • Rothaermel, F. (2021). Strategic management (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
        • Chapter 4, “Internal Analysis.”
        • The VRIO Framework, page 128.