Question 1. Perform a STEEP analysis to understand the general environment facing Blockbuster. How will Blockbuster be affected by external factors?
Question 2. Use Porter's Five Forces Model to analyze the mail rental and video-on-demand industries in the US. Given this analysis, are these industries attractive or unattractive?
Question 3. Entering the video-on-demand business requires Blockbuster to shift its corporate business strategy and compete in a new space. Discuss this shift and the key challenges associated with it?
Question 4. Who are Blockbuster's main competitors and how does Blockbuster measure up against these competitors? (It may be helpful to chart competitors and product offerings) What advantages does Blockbuster have and what advantages do competitors hold?
Question 5. What are the main capabilities of Blockbuster? Does Blockbuster have a core competence?
Question 6. Create a SWOT analysis to understand Blockbuster's strengths and weaknesses. Does Blockbuster have a sustainable competitive advantage in the mail rental and video-on-demand industries? If so, what is the source? What about Blockbuster's evolution and current business strategy may pose problems going forward?
Question 7. What is Blockbuster's business-level strategy? Is the strategy appropriate to offset the forces in the industries? How has Blockbuster attempted to overcome obstacles posed by being a late player in a rapidly changing marketplace? Do you recommend any changes and/or foresee any challenges?