Strategy

To develop, actualize and communicate a deep understanding for the meaning of strategy, execute the requirements below in essay format using headings to segment topics and to create a flow of ideas for your reader.

This Discussion Assignment essay is due no later than the last day in Unit 1. Execute the following checklist items in the development of your Discussion Assignment essay:

Choose a publicly traded company by searching the Hoovers Company Profile database in the library or the Yahoo Finance website. Conduct research on the company website and using library resources. Provide a brief synopsis about the company, the industry sector in which it operates, products, and target market.

To complete this Discussion Assignment, you may also choose to analyze your current employer if you have access to the required information necessary to inform your writing. Another option you have is to choose a Baldridge award winning company from the NIST website using the Award Application Summary to complete this Discussion Assignment. Conduct additional research on the company website as necessary to meet the following requirements.

Using Table 2.1 in the textbook, critique the adequacy and merit of the vision statement for your chosen company, listing effective elements and shortcomings.

Visit and explore the investor relations website for your chosen company to find examples of strategic and financial objectives. List four objectives for each company, and indicate which of these are strategic and which are financial.

Evaluate the company vision and mission statements. Explain what management has discussed concerning staffing, resource allocation, policies and procedures, information and operating systems, continuous improvement, rewards and incentives, corporate culture, and internal leadership at the company. What are the core values of your chosen company? Are they realistic?

Does the company live up to its core values?  What sets your chosen company apart from its competitors? Describe the type of competitive advantage your chosen company has established. What is there about the strategy of your chosen company that can lead to sustainable competitive advantage?

Use a minimum of three peer-reviewed, academic research resources (including your textbook) to substantiate your critical thinking, and to provide viable reasoning for your perspectives. Write in third person and apply proper APA style referencing format.

Use headings to segment the topics in your writing in order to create a flow of ideas for your reader.