Assignment
Case Scenario: Barracuda Inc.
Barracuda Inc. is a lamp fixture manufacturer that is considering an entry strategy into the U.S. home furnishings manufacturing industry. The existing landscape consists of many players but none with a controlling share. There are presently 2500 home furnishings firms, and only 600 of those have over 15 employees. Average net profit after tax is between 4 and 5%. While the industry is still primarily comprised of single-business family-run firms that manufacture furniture domestically, imports are increasing at a rapid rate. Some of the European imports are leaders in contemporary design. Relatively large established firms are also diversifying into the home furnishings industry via acquisition. Supplier firms to the home furnishings industry are in relatively concentrated industries (like lumber, steel, and textiles). Retailers, the intermediate customer of the home furnishings industry, have been traditionally very fragmented. Customers have many products to choose from, at many different price points, and few home furnishing products have strong brands. Also, customers can switch easily among high and low-priced furniture and other discretionary expenditures (spanning big screen TVs to the choice of postponing any furniture purchase entirely).
o Define strategy and business-level strategy. What is the difference between these two concepts?
o (Refer to Case Scenario) Using the five-forces framework, summarize the opportunities and threats facing Barracuda as it considers entry into the home furnishings manufacturing industry. Which threats are greatest to current incumbents?
o Describe a value chain analysis. How does a value chain analysis help a firm gain competitive advantage?
o The text points out that from a resource-based view, you and your firm need to develop overwhelming capabilities to offset the liability of foreignness. However, how does a small firm do that?
o The text points out that not all firms should go global. In view of vast opportunities, why should some firms not pursue international business?
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.