What kinds of industries tend to be better performers in the medium to long term? Why? What kinds of industries tend to do poorly in the medium to long term? Why?
Can you make the claim that some industries are inherently more profitable than others? Provide arguments and examples to justify your response.
Generally speaking, for companies in the same industry, what factors would explain differences in company performance over the long term?
Your thoughts about the fundamental strategic issues facing the industry in which your organization exists. Compare the performance of your company against the industry within which it operates, for 1 year and 5 years, using the Morningstar database or any other source of information that is appropriate
Your company's strategy for competitive advantage (i.e. cost leader, differentiation, etc.) and your opinion about how they might change or improve this strategy.
An analysis of your company's industry from the point of view of Porter's Five Forces, the Industry Life Cycle, and any other strategy frameworks that provide insight to your understanding of the industry and the competitive position of your company within it.
An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of your company from the point of view of the Resource Based View of the Firm model and any other strategy frameworks that provide insight into your company's strategic competitiveness.
Your organization's international business, if any (where, what, how, etc.). Can you think of areas of additional global opportunity for your company?
Describe your company's activities on the Internet and any ideas you may have for additional strategic opportunities they might explore in this new medium.
Your organization's past experience with mergers and acquisitions or joint ventures. Based upon this week's other assignments, can you think of areas of additional global M& A or joint venture opportunity for your company?