Discussion 1 - Strategic Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship in Hard Economic Times

Discussion 1

"Strategic Competitiveness" Please respond to the following:

· From the first e-Activity, determine which of the two primary drivers of the competitive landscape is more influential. Explain your rationale.

· Identify an organization that could benefit from the application of the I/O Model of Above-Average Returns (Figure 1.2 page 15 in the text). Follow the five steps to justify your answer. Do not use Apple or Walmart in this exercise nor should the organization you select be the same as another post.

Week 1 eActivities

· Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research an industry with a significant impact on your local economy (e.g., autos in Michigan or oil in Louisiana). Be prepared to discuss.

· Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research a business failure. Be prepared to discuss.

· Identify an organization that could benefit from the application of the I/O Model of Above-Average Returns (Figure 1.2 page 15 in the text). Follow the five steps to justify your answer. Do not use Apple or Walmart in this exercise nor should the organization you select be the same as another post.

Discussion 2

"Entrepreneurship in Hard Economic Times” Please respond to the following:

· Predict the impact of high unemployment on the number and nature of entrepreneurial startups. Speculate whether the trend in entrepreneurship would increase or decrease in hard economic times. Provide your rationale.

· From the case study, interpret the role played by fast-changing technology in entrepreneurial success or failure. Suggest at least three alternative strategies for Google's future growth based on the possibilities described in the case.

Discussion 3

"The Life of an Entrepreneur" Please respond to the following:

· From the e-Activity, describe the personality characteristics of an entrepreneur. Evaluate whether or not you have the required personality characteristics to be an entrepreneur.

· Determine a set of lifestyle challenges that may be faced by a budding entrepreneur. Assess the options available to overcome the challenges that impact the entrepreneur’s family and living situations.

Week 1 e-Activity