Research HP (https://www.hp.com/hpinfo/index.html).
Using your readings, the Library, and the Internet, write responses to each of the following:
1. What is your impression of the operation of HP?
2. Conduct a SWOT Analysis of HP.
3. Does HP have a competitive advantage and/or a competitive strategy? Justify your answer.
4. Choose one HP product. Describe the components of this product value chain.
5. What strategic alternatives are open to HP? Explain and justify your answer.
Submit your responses in a document 6 to 8 pages in length.
- Explain the strategic management process within the global environment.
- Conduct various environmental analyses as they relate to an organization.
- Identify challenges in strategy implementation.
- Formulate strategies and potential strategic alternatives for different situations.
Here is where you "break through" in the course...this is a good assignment on an interesting firm, and gives you a great chance to use your Internet, library, and other research skills to text systematically answer the questions in a paragraph-oriented, conversational style...on your SWOT, you do not need to list the factors in a table, rather be sure to clearly explain your justification for your factors in paragraph form (aim for 4-5 factors each for the S, W, O, and T). I should clearly know when you are discussing the strengths, when you are discussing the weaknesses, when you are discussing the opportunities and when you are discussing the threats. In other words, you might want to label sub-headings as you describe each. Also, DO NOT make an EFAS/IFAS table...they are not part of a SWOT. On the third question, first define each of those concepts, then justify your answer regarding whether or not you think the firm has a competitive advantage and/or competitive strategy. On the value chain question, take me through the value chain for one of their products/services. In the final question, you should discuss the three directional strategies (covered on pages 95-97 in the Essentials of Strategic Management, 4th Ed., Hunger & Wheelen) as alternatives, then choose one and justify it for implementation. Be sure to attend or view the live chat archives as well to get additional context.