Competitive Advantage and the Value Chain

Unit 2 Assignment: Competitive Advantage and the Value Chain

The purpose of this Assignment is to confirm your understanding of the direct correlation between an effective value chain and a firm’s competitive advantage by examining the relationship between customer delight, profitability, competitive advantage, and effective value chain management.

Directions

  1. Use the APA formatted Microsoft® Word® document template in Course Documents titled “Unit 2 Assignment Template Competitive Advantage” as the starting point. Download the template and save it as your own document, for example, YourNameUnit2GB570.docx.
  2. Write a 4–6-page paper, not including title and reference pages, making a compelling argument as to why an effective value chain creates competitive advantage.
  3. Write your paper using third person perspective (do not use first or second person pronouns; (e.g., “I,” “me,” “you,” “we”).
  4. In your paper, you will examine the concepts and interrelationships of customer delight, profitability, competitive advantage, and effective value chain management by following the directions included within the Unit 2 Assignment template. Included within this examination:
    1. Discuss each of the four elements.
    2. Examine the interrelationship between the four elements.
    3. Provide two examples of companies that have been successful in this integration, two examples of companies that have not been successful in this integration, and include explanations for your choices.
  5. Include a conclusion summarizing the paper’s content without introducing any new information.
  6. Support your response’s content with at least three separate applied and cited references. Accepted sources are: Library article(s), the textbook and the chosen example companies’ websites. No other internet references are acceptable for the Unit 2 Assignment. Apply and cite no more than one referenced sentence per paragraph. Not every paragraph requires use of a reference; originality is appreciated. Use APA in-text citations within the response and list the applied reference(s) at the end of the response using APA formatting. APA formatting resources are available in the Academic Resources area titled, “APA Style Central.”
  7. Proofread your paper, confirm correct APA formatting, run spell check and grammar check and proofread again. Submit your completed paper into the Unit 2 Assignment Dropbox.

Access the rubric

Discuss on Ethics HRM and IS/KM

Ethics, HRM, and IS/KM

This assignment, your second research assignment, builds on the readings in Units 4, 5 and 6. Please use the pre-formatted Unit 6 APA Assignment Template, linked in the Resources. You may also consult the APA Style Template, also provided in the Resources, but be certain to complete your assignment using the unit-specific template.

The basic concept you will address is how ethics, human resources and talent, and information systems and knowledge management contribute to the overall performance of the organization. Pick  three (3) specific articles, one from Unit 4 Ethics, Unit 5 HRM, and Unit 6 IS/KM—and then address them within each section of the assignment.

When conducting your research, be prepared to answer the following:

Introduction

  • Always begin all doctoral research papers by describing the purpose of the paper including the specifics of what will be covered in the body. Typical length is 150 to 200 words.

Theory–Article Deconstruction

  • Apply MEAL to deconstruct the selected three articles.
    • Main points for each article. Include at least three but no more than five points.
    • Evidence. What type of data is presented? Is it factually supported or an opinion? What are the sources of data?
    • Analysis. What type of analysis, evaluation, or application are presented in the article?
    • Linking. How well do the authors in each of the articles convey their ideas, facts, analysis and support? This gets at readability of each article
  • Typical length: 300 words per article.

Case Study Application

  • Select a Fortune 500 company for your case discussion. This company must be different than the one you used for the Unit 3 assignment.
  • Based on your analysis of the articles used in your research, present and align concepts to the specific case organization.
  • Typical length: 400–600 words.

Conclusion

  • What conclusions can be drawn from the theories presented and the evidence applied to your case study organization? The conclusion is typically 150–200 words.
  • This section of every paper pulls together theory and application.

Learner Option

  • For those of you that want to build competencies faster, you have the option of preparing a table in the Theory section of the paper.
  • Insert a table which compares each of the three articles, using MEAL: how are they alike? How are they different?

Effect of poor project screening methods

1. Keflavik Paper presents a good example of the dangers of excessive reliance on one screening technique (in this case, discounted cash flow). How might excessive or exclusive reliance on other screening methods discussed in this chapter lead to similar problems?

 

2. Assume that you are responsible for maintaining Keflavik’s project portfolio. Name some key criteria that should be used in evaluating all new projects before they are added to the current portfolio.

 

3. What does this case demonstrate about the effect of poor project screening methods on a firm’s ability to manage its projects effectively?

1. Keflavik Paper presents a good example of the dangers of excessive reliance on one screening technique (in this case, discounted cash flow). How might excessive or exclusive reliance on other screening methods discussed in this chapter lead to similar problems?

 

2. Assume that you are responsible for maintaining Keflavik’s project portfolio. Name some key criteria that should be used in evaluating all new projects before they are added to the current portfolio.

 

3. What does this case demonstrate about the effect of poor project screening methods on a firm’s ability to manage its projects effectively?

 The industry’s competitive (five) forces

For the first case you are to do an external analysis of the industry in which the company competes.  Your paper must be no longer than 5 double-spaced pages (12pt font).  Please write in complete sentences, using proper grammar and spelling, but remember, this is a report – not an essay.  Use Chapter 3 concepts to guide your work. The format/subheadings must be as follows:

Rubric

5 points

1.  Major economic features of the industry, including, but not limited to market size, market growth rate, number of rivals, scope of rivalry, number of buyers etc. (Text Table 3.1). Describe only those features that are relevant to the case.

15 points

2. The industry’s competitive (five) forces.  You must discuss all five forces.  Make sure to properly identify rivals, supplies/suppliers, buyers, and substitutes.  Don’t forget to asses the strength of each force.  Make sure you identify two or more factors that support your strength assessment (each with an example from the case) (Text Figures 3.3 – 3.8). You should use the format below to guide your writing.

a.  Rivalry in the industry is____________ (strong, weak, or moderate) because___________.

b.  Suppliers to the industry provide_(what?)_____.  They are (strong, weak, or moderate) __________, because___________.

c.  Buyers of the product are__(who?)______.  They are__________ (strong, weak, or moderate), because____________.

d.  Substitutes are ____(what?)_____.  They are _________(strong, weak, or moderate), because____________.

e.  Threat of entry of new competitors is __________(strong, weak, or moderate), because_________. The barriers to entry are _(what?)_____.

10 points

3. Factors that are causing major long-term industry change (driving forces).  Please identify the appropriate categories and provide an example from the case for each category (Text Table 3.2).  This section should discuss at least 3 driving forces.

10 points

4.  Key success factors. Please identify the relevant types of key success factors and provide an example from the case for each type (Text Table 3.3).  This section should contain at least 3, but no more than 6 key success factors.

10 points

Proper spelling, grammar and formatting, paper length, appropriate style and word choice, section headings, fonts and margins.

Project: Risk Register

Instructions

In this assignment, you will be creating a detailed budget for your project that is in a suitable format to be presented to third parties, including your project sponsor or executives.

Leverage the template found in figure 7.1 of your textbook.

Prepare the schedule in a Word document. This assignment is due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. All assignments should be uploaded in the Assignment area.

Assignment File(s)

There are excellent free template examples for this assignment available at the following sites:

  • ProjectManagement. (2018). Templates. [Webpage] Retrieved from https://www.projectmanagement.com/Templates/index.cfm
  • ProjectManagement Docs. (2018). Templates.[Webpage] Retrieved from http://www.projectmanagementdocs.com/#axzz4dNyw1Mmr
  • Textbook Example:
  •  https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781337470629/cfi/6/40!/4/90@0:26.3

    Instructions

    In this assignment, you will be creating a detailed budget for your project that is in a suitable format to be presented to third parties, including your project sponsor or executives.

    Leverage the template found in figure 7.1 of your textbook.

    Prepare the schedule in a Word document. This assignment is due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. All assignments should be uploaded in the Assignment area.

    Assignment File(s)

    There are excellent free template examples for this assignment available at the following sites:

Case Study Data Breach at Equifax

  • Prepare a 5-page report (12-point font, double spaced not including the title page or reference page), that addresses the following questions:
    • How has WestJet’s social media efforts evolved over time and assisted with being a corporate voice and customer relations platform?
    • Should Bartem and Hounslow opt to launch WestJet channels on Snapchat or Pinterest?  NOTE: Research each platform and determine how well each could serve WestJet’s corporate voice and be consistent with its current branding.
    • Research and describe one interesting new social media platform that is on the horizon (less than two years old).  Should WestJet be actively exploring new arrivals like this new service or waiting until a platform is popular and proven before investing in it? What best fits WestJet’s short and long term social media goals?  What is the criteria for success?
    • What best fits WestJet’s short and long term social media goals?  What is the criteria for success?
    • What decision option best fits WestJet’s decision criteria and can be sustainable in the short and long term within the economic constraints provided in the case?
    • With a budget allowance of $0 CAD, will WestJet be able to build a serious presence on its selected new social media platforms while maintaining its existing ones?  Serious can be defined as adding value to revenue generation, customer service, and brand engagement goals (i.e. through social media platform selection and the respective roll out plan, how can this strategy/adoption of a new platform pay for itself).
  • Prepare a 5-page report (12-point font, double spaced not including the title page or reference page), that addresses the following questions:
    • How has WestJet’s social media efforts evolved over time and assisted with being a corporate voice and customer relations platform?
    • Should Bartem and Hounslow opt to launch WestJet channels on Snapchat or Pinterest?  NOTE: Research each platform and determine how well each could serve WestJet’s corporate voice and be consistent with its current branding.
    • Research and describe one interesting new social media platform that is on the horizon (less than two years old).  Should WestJet be actively exploring new arrivals like this new service or waiting until a platform is popular and proven before investing in it? What best fits WestJet’s short and long term social media goals?  What is the criteria for success?
    • What best fits WestJet’s short and long term social media goals?  What is the criteria for success?
    • What decision option best fits WestJet’s decision criteria and can be sustainable in the short and long term within the economic constraints provided in the case?
    • With a budget allowance of $0 CAD, will WestJet be able to build a serious presence on its selected new social media platforms while maintaining its existing ones?  Serious can be defined as adding value to revenue generation, customer service, and brand engagement goals (i.e. through social media platform selection and the respective roll out plan, how can this strategy/adoption of a new platform pay for itself).

ThePerformance Management Process

Read “Case 2-2: Performance Management at KS Cleaners” from the textbook. Answer questions #1, #2, and #3 (located at the end of the case study and also as follows).

Question #1: In the context of KSC, critically evaluate the availability of any prerequisites to implementing a performance management process.

Question #2: Discuss your plans for developing formal job descriptions for the employees at the second shop.

Question #3: Explain key features of developing performance plans for the employees. Provide examples of factors you would consider in developing such plans for the dry cleaner.

You will need to include a brief introduction of the case and critically evaluate the current situation of KSC. It is important to display adequate analysis of the case and integrate sufficient support from scholarly resources throughout the assignment. Use suitable headings and subheadings to organize the work in an appropriate manner.

Your well-written paper should meet the following requirements:

  • Be 4-5 pages in length, which does not include the title page, abstract, or required reference page, which are never a part of the content minimum requirements.
  • Use  APA style guidelines.
  • Support your submission with course material concepts, principles and theories from the textbook and at least two scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment.

Discuss Exponential smoothing

Discuss Exponential smoothing

Using the data from Problem 3.1 (page 128) on your book develop three forecasts for 2015 January.

1) A 12-month moving average

2) Exponential smoothing with alpha that corresponds to a 12 month moving average block (see formula 3.26). Initialize by averaging the first 11 months.

3) Winter’s method using Centered MA12 (then you need MA2 because the center of 12 is 6.5). Get alphaHW, betaHW from formulas 3.34 and 3.35, respectively and gammaHW is 0.15.

Calculate MAD for each method.

Using the data from Problem 3.1 (page 128) on your book develop three forecasts for 2015 January.

1) A 12-month moving average

2) Exponential smoothing with alpha that corresponds to a 12 month moving average block (see formula 3.26). Initialize by averaging the first 11 months.

3) Winter’s method using Centered MA12 (then you need MA2 because the center of 12 is 6.5). Get alphaHW, betaHW from formulas 3.34 and 3.35, respectively and gammaHW is 0.15.

Calculate MAD for each method.

Discuss Exponential smoothing

Using the data from Problem 3.1 (page 128) on your book develop three forecasts for 2015 January.

1) A 12-month moving average

2) Exponential smoothing with alpha that corresponds to a 12 month moving average block (see formula 3.26). Initialize by averaging the first 11 months.

3) Winter’s method using Centered MA12 (then you need MA2 because the center of 12 is 6.5). Get alphaHW, betaHW from formulas 3.34 and 3.35, respectively and gammaHW is 0.15.

Calculate MAD for each method.

Using the data from Problem 3.1 (page 128) on your book develop three forecasts for 2015 January.

1) A 12-month moving average

2) Exponential smoothing with alpha that corresponds to a 12 month moving average block (see formula 3.26). Initialize by averaging the first 11 months.

3) Winter’s method using Centered MA12 (then you need MA2 because the center of 12 is 6.5). Get alphaHW, betaHW from formulas 3.34 and 3.35, respectively and gammaHW is 0.15.

Calculate MAD for each method.

Discuss Transformational Theory

 

To prepare for the Week 4 Assessment, reflect on the leadership theories presented in this week’s readings.

  • Trait Theory
  • Contingency Theory
  • Transformational Theory
  • Behavioral Theory

Create a chart comparing at least 3 leadership theories presented in this week’s reading. In next week’s assignment, you will use this information to select leadership theories and approaches to support organizational change that aligns to your chosen organization’s mission and values.

Faculty Note: You chart can be created using Word, Excel or any of a number of graphic programs. It is to be a chart, not a PowerPoint presentation although you can use PowerPoint to make a nice chart. Chart should be professional in appearance and content.

Compare each leadership theory across 3-5 variables using enough language to explain them well.

Submit your assignment.

 

To prepare for the Week 4 Assessment, reflect on the leadership theories presented in this week’s readings.

  • Trait Theory
  • Contingency Theory
  • Transformational Theory
  • Behavioral Theory

Create a chart comparing at least 3 leadership theories presented in this week’s reading. In next week’s assignment, you will use this information to select leadership theories and approaches to support organizational change that aligns to your chosen organization’s mission and values.

Faculty Note: You chart can be created using Word, Excel or any of a number of graphic programs. It is to be a chart, not a PowerPoint presentation although you can use PowerPoint to make a nice chart. Chart should be professional in appearance and content.

Compare each leadership theory across 3-5 variables using enough language to explain them well.

Submit your assignment.

Discuss Transformational Theory

 

To prepare for the Week 4 Assessment, reflect on the leadership theories presented in this week’s readings.

  • Trait Theory
  • Contingency Theory
  • Transformational Theory
  • Behavioral Theory

Create a chart comparing at least 3 leadership theories presented in this week’s reading. In next week’s assignment, you will use this information to select leadership theories and approaches to support organizational change that aligns to your chosen organization’s mission and values.

Faculty Note: You chart can be created using Word, Excel or any of a number of graphic programs. It is to be a chart, not a PowerPoint presentation although you can use PowerPoint to make a nice chart. Chart should be professional in appearance and content.

Compare each leadership theory across 3-5 variables using enough language to explain them well.

Submit your assignment.

 

To prepare for the Week 4 Assessment, reflect on the leadership theories presented in this week’s readings.

  • Trait Theory
  • Contingency Theory
  • Transformational Theory
  • Behavioral Theory

Create a chart comparing at least 3 leadership theories presented in this week’s reading. In next week’s assignment, you will use this information to select leadership theories and approaches to support organizational change that aligns to your chosen organization’s mission and values.

Faculty Note: You chart can be created using Word, Excel or any of a number of graphic programs. It is to be a chart, not a PowerPoint presentation although you can use PowerPoint to make a nice chart. Chart should be professional in appearance and content.

Compare each leadership theory across 3-5 variables using enough language to explain them well.

Submit your assignment.