MGT 488 Week 1

Individual Assignment: Internal Risk Assessment

Resources: University Librarys MarketLine Business Information Center

Access the University Librarys MarketLine Business Information Center and look up one of the following companies:

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Jet Blue Airways Corporation

Hewlett-Packard Company

Home Depot

Prepare a 1,050- to 1,750-word paper identifying the key capabilities of your selected company.

Discuss the firms strengths and weaknesses in marketing, human resources, management, research and development, finance, and other applicable areas.

Analyze how internal organizational dynamics influence strategic business continuity.

Access the companys Web site and use the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, if available, and the most recent company Annual Report as sources.

Reference your readings and at least three other sources, including MarketLine, the Internet, or other properly cited sources.

Format your paper according to APA standards.

Discussion Questions

What is a strategic business plan? Why is this plan important to an organizations long-term success? What role does innovation play in developing a strategic business plan?

Why is the internal organizational analysis important to strategic management planning? What are various sources of internal organization dynamics that influence strategic business planning? How might nonsubstitutable capabilities affect strategic management planning?

What are the components that comprise a sustainable competitive advantage for a firm? How might these components vary for different industries?

What are the risk factors involved if a firm fails to maintain a competitive advantage?