Question 1 (10 Points): Porters Five Forces Industry Analysis

Use theory from the course and evidence from the case to demonstrate your understanding and the importance of an Industry Analysis using the Porters Five Forces framework.

Analyze the industry the firm is operating in using the Porters Five Forces framework.
Determine the attractiveness of the industry and the key success factors (KSFs).
Based on your findings make recommendations to the firm.

Question 2 (10 Points): Resources, VRIO and Competitive Advantage

Use theory from the course and evidence from the case to demonstrate your understanding and the importance of resources, the VRIO model and competitive advantage.

Describe the firms resources in each category.
Determine which 5+/- resources you consider most important and use the VRIO model on these to determine if it there are any sustainable competitive advantages.
Make recommendations to the firm based on your findings.

Question 3 (30 Points): Strategic Alternatives

Create and describe three viable Strategic Alternatives to solve the key issue/opportunity in the case.

Each alternative should be unique and each should solve the key issue/opportunity.
For each alternative, describe it thoroughly, rationalize why it makes sense based on your analysis and the case.
For each alternative list its pros and cons.

Question 4 (10 Points): Evaluation and Recommendation

Use a table (or similar) to evaluate your Strategic Alternatives against criteria.

Criteria should be determined and weighted.
Provide a rationale on criteria and weighting based on your analysis and evidence from the case.
Explain your ratings for each alternative, calculate the optimal alternative, and make a clear recommendation to the firm.