Strayer JWI540 Assignment 1 and 2 and 3

Assignment 1: Case Study – IKEA

Assignment 3: IKEA Revisited Due Week 7, Day 7 (Weight: 12%) The following are specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment: ? Understand critical success factors in achieving strategic objectives. ? Apply a variety of qualitative and quantitative business analysis techniques. ? Use technology and information resources to research issues in business strategy. ? Write clearly and communicate effectively about business strategy using proper writing mechanics and appropriate media. 

Write a 3-5 page paper in which you do the following:

 1. Discuss the most likely IKEA core competency, how you would test whether this is truly a core competency, and the steps you would recommend that IKEA take if it isn’t.

 2. Compose a 1-2 page memo to advise a company that is entering into a strategic alliance what it must do to increase the chances of success. Address at least three issues the company will likely face

Assignment 2: Strategic Options and Opportunities

Due Week 5, Day 7 (Weight: 12%)

The following are specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment:

• Analyze the various stages in the strategy development and planning processes.

• Assess external opportunities, threats, and internal organizational capabilities.

• Use technology and information resources to research issues in business strategy.

• Write clearly and communicate effectively about business strategy using proper writing mechanics and appropriate media.

Research the current strategic options and opportunities for one of the following companies: Lowes, Honda, GEICO, McDonalds, Nike, FedEx, Amazon, Proctor & Gamble, or Disney. Write a 3-5 page paper in which you do the following:

1. Identify the company’s principal competitors and describe the kind of competition they currently present (traditional, potential, and oblique).

2. Generate at least three strategic options for the firm you have chosen.

3. With your strategic options defined, suggest at least three specific criteria to evaluate these options. Provide a rationale for each of the criteria.

4. Choose the best strategic option based on your evaluation criteria. (If your criteria require quantitative considerations, it is only necessary to make rough estimates. You do not need to make a detailed quantitative analysis.)

Dominos Pizza case study

Supply chain management enables companies to work with suppliers to obtain materials needed to produce their own goods and services. Effectively managing supply chains helps companies streamline processes, cut costs, and maximize profits.

For this assignment, you'll read and analyze a case study about Domino's supply chain management. In a 6-8 page paper, you'll identify how Domino's uses its supply chain to gain a competitive advantage. You'll examine how the supply chain creates value and how it is impacted when a company changes it focus. Lastly, you'll provide a recommendation on whether Domino's should apply its U.S. supply chain model to an expanding international operation.

Answer the following questions about the Domino's case study: 1. Describe how Domino's supply chain creates value to provide a competitive advantage. 2. What did increased transparency do for Domino's? Were the risks worthwhile? 3. How did the centralized supply chain model enable Domino's to roll out new pizza recipes in the U.S.? 4. Should John Macksood apply Domino's domestic supply chain model to its expanding international operations? Explain and justify your recommendation, including its financial impact.