Please include a word count at the end of the assignment. Note that tutors are given the discretion to deduct marks for exceeding the word limit or disregard the content after the word limit is reached.
Question 1
a. Using a resource-based view (RBV), explain how a company can create a competitive advantage with its resources and capabilities
b. With reference to the RBV, give a detailed account of the factors that affect the sustainability of competitive advantage. Discuss how a competitive advantage could fail to sustain its competitiveness.
Question 2
a. What is value chain analysis?
b. How would it help a firm when it successfully uses this tool? Illustrate using an organization with which you are familiar.
Question 3
a. Give THREE examples to explain and illustrate how general environmental factors may affect the five forces in Porter’s five-force model. (Each example must relate to a different force.)
b. Give and explain TWO of the limitations in using five force analysis.
Question 4
Use a firm with which you are familiar to answer the following questions.
a. Give three examples to explain and illustrate how general environmental factors may affect the firm’s performance.
b. Give two examples to explain and illustrate how product/service attributes and/or cost may be affected by changing the way an activity in the value chain is managed or arranged.