Previous Weeks Of the Business-Level Strategies provided the best that would work for Applebee’s is Focused Differentiation. This would require Applebee’s to come up with specific items to fulfill the demands of the market (). Currently there are other strong competitors in this market such as Chili’s, Outback Steak house, and T.G.I Fridays. This companies are backed with low menu items, and corporate backing. Applebee’s current menu pricing is in line with their competitors but each of these companies are well known for specific items Chili’s are known for their Baby Back Ribs, Outback is known for their blooming onion, and Fridays is known for there all you can eat appetizers. Unfortunately Applebee’s does not have a permanent statement. For a variety of reasons, the main being they have no corporate backing. Lack of corporation, menus vary from one location to another. As well service vary depending on the level of commitment of the franchise owner. Business-Level Strategies Cost Leadership , differentiation, focused low cost, focus differentiation, using an integrated low-cost/ differentiation strategy Learning Activity #1 During the previous week you identified the generic strategic direction for either Target or Applebee’s. It is now time to identify specific alternative strategies for implementation. But before you do you have to create a few alternatives to choose from. Based on the strategic direction that you identified in Week 4, create 2-3 strategic alternatives, i.e., actual strategies that the organization should pursue. Keep in mind that these alternatives MUST fit under the umbrella strategic direction you identified last week. Be sure to fully explain each alternative and why it is a good possibility including supporting rationale. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.