Problem
The value chain model identifies primary and support activities within the organization relevant to the transformation process.
i. What is the focus and principle objective of industry analysis applied to IS? Select two of the five competitive forces (new entrants, substitute products or services, bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, and the rivalry between existing competitors), and offer examples of firms that you believe have been able to influence those two forces by way of an IT-dependent strategic initiative. Justify your answers, and comment on the postings of your peers.
ii. Describe the focus and principle objectives of value chain analysis applied to IS. Why is it important to contextualize the value chain? Provide two examples of firms that you think have been able to create competitive advantage using IS. Identify the primary activities most affected by IS in these firms.
iii. For each barrier to erosion (IT resources, IT project, complementary resources, and preemption barriers), provide an example of an IT-dependent strategic initiative that, in your opinion, leverages the barrier. Discuss which response-lag drivers underpin the barriers to erosion in your examples. How do you think the lag can be shortened? Do you think this will reflect on the profit line? Why or why not?