Competitive Strategy and Innovation
Purpose of the Assessment
The purpose of this assignment is to
- test the student’s knowledge of the core concepts, models and frameworks taught in the module and relevant to the strategy process
- allow the student to apply their learning in the module to date in a case study analysis and to present their findings in a high level board manner that captures the key issues
Assessment Task
You have a choice of two cases from Grant’s ‘Contemporary Strategy Analysis’ 9thEdition text book and must chose ONE:
Either
- Harley–Davidson, Inc2015or
- Wal–Mart StoresInc2015
You are required to read the chosen case and prepare a 15minute board level Powerpoint presentation that addresses the following questions: Harley–Davidson Inc.2015
- What are the resources and capabilities of Harley–Davidson? And how do they grant the firmcompetitive advantage to compete in the motorcycle industry?(30%)
- How effectively Harley Davidson’s strategy is implemented and how the firm exploit its key strengths while protecting itself from its key weaknesses?(30%)
- What threats to its continuing success does Harley Davidson face and how should it respond to future challenges?(40%)
Wal–Mart Stores Inc.2015
- In which of Wal–Mart’s principal functions and activities do its main competitive advantages lie and why?(40%)
- To what extent is Wal–Mart’s competitive advantage sustainable?(20%)
- What challenges does Wal–Mart face now and in the future and what measures does it need to take in order to sustain its recent performance?(40%)
The cases are available from the Grant e–textbook The percentages above indicate the weighting given to each section.
Assessment Submission
To submit your work, please go to the ‘Submit your work’ area of the Module NILE site. It is important that you submit your work to the correct module NILE site, and that your work is submitted on time.