External Report

External Environment Report

Complete an analysis of the key external factors that have implications for successful implementation of Amazon’s VMO, strategy and goals/objectives. You will examine Amazon’s industry and the competitive conditions/positioning affecting it now or likely to do so in the future. Submit your work in the form of an approximate 2,000-word double-spaced APA-formatted paper. The title page, reference list, and any appendices are not included in this suggested word count. You do not need to include an abstract.

Your paper should address these topics:

1. A brief explanation of Amazon in which the organization operates as well as context for the organization’s current positioning.
2. Analyze the current conditions in Amazon, its relevant general environment, their likely implications for successful implementation of strategic goals and related actions. Be sure to address the PESTEL framework.
3. Apply Porter’s Five-Forces Model to enrich your understanding of the environment in which Amazon is now or may be operating. The Five Forces model should stress that this model is used to evaluate the industry, not Amazon’s activities. The model should be used to isolate the dominant force(s) in the industry faced by all competitors and that produce the greatest threat to Amazon’s profits and/or strategy. You should discuss how Amazon can provide a defense against this threat or threats. 
4. Describe Amazon’s strategic group and construct a map to show its relative market position. Add a discussion of your rationale for the grouping.
5. Summarize the threats and opportunities facing Amazon gleaned from your analysis. (SWOT analysis) Submit the SWOT format in Table form and add in some narrative to discuss the threats and opportunities in more detail. Explain in your discussion (not in the table) why you selected them and how they relate to the VMO and organization’s strategy.
6. Evaluate the extent to which Amazon’s current strategy appears a good match for the competitive conditions it confronts or any gaps that must be addressed.
7. Add in a strong conclusion that ensures the reader leaves your paper with a clear recap of your key points.

IMPORTANT: Do not just use someone else's SWOT, Five Forces, or other analysis. We want you to think for yourself. Critically analyze Amazon and write about your original conclusions. Again, imagine you have been asked by the Amazon’s CEO or top leader to offer an assessment of the organization and how well it is positioned (or not) to deliver on the VMO and strategy in the external environment. This is a critical element, stand back and offer thoughtful criticism and recommendations.