Strategic Process and Analysis 

Complete a VRIO or Value Chain analysis, a PESTLE analysis, and a Five Forces model for an organization. Prepare a 3–6-page executive report that analyzes the internal and external environments of the organization and recommends a course of action based on the analysis.

 
Introduction: AFI, VRIO, and value chain are just three concepts you need to understand as a business strategist. This assessment focuses on these important facets of business analysis.  For this assessment, you will analyze the internal and external factors that shape and influence an organization's strategy. Your work on this assessment will demonstrate your understanding of industry forces and how an organization can leverage its strengths to its advantage. This portfolio work project asks you to analyze the strategic process using the AFI framework. This analysis will clearly demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically, and to use evidence to support your thinking. 

Scenario: The vice president of strategy has asked you to prepare an objective analysis of the internal and external environments of the organization. She is hoping that your insight can be used to plan for the future direction of the company. 

Your Role: You are a strategic analyst for the company you have selected to use in this course. The company has recently started the strategic planning process and needs to analyze the current internal and external environments. 

Requirements: To complete this assessment, be sure you understand the AFI framework as presented in your text. Conduct your own research to find recent articles on the value of strategic planning and the role of leadership in the strategic planning process. (Note that the Strategic Management Process Map on pages 30 and 31 of the course text will be very helpful in completing this assessment.)For this assessment, you will need to complete a VRIO or Value Chain analysis, a PESTLE analysis based on research of the organization (not conjecture or opinion), and a Five Forces model (pay attention to the relationships of elements from both PESTLE and Five Forces). These must be included as appendices in the document you submit. You should also research the industry your company is in, as well as the company's website for information and supporting evidence. Once you have this research completed, prepare an executive briefing report that will be distributed to senior executive leadership. In your report, address the following:

• -Analyze the key components of the AFI strategic planning framework. Assess the value of using a strategic planning framework for long-term success and sustained competitive advantage.
• -Analyze the internal environment of the organization.
  • *What are the key findings from your VRIO or Value Chain analysis?
  • *How well does the organization leverage its strengths to execute the business strategy?
  • *How effective is the organizational structure and management system design?
• -Analyze the external environment of the organization.
  • *What are the key findings from your PESTLE analysis?
  • *What are the key findings from your Five Forces analysis?
  • *How can the organization respond to these forces to better position itself?
• -Explain the role of leadership in the strategic planning process. Be sure to address the ethical responsibilities of leaders in the strategic planning process.
• -Recommend a course of action for leadership based on your analysis.

Format: The strategic process and analysis is a professional document and should therefore follow the corresponding MBA Academic and Professional Document Guidelines, found under Writing in the MBA Program Resources, which you can find in the Tools and Resources for this course. Pay attention to the sections on APA formatting and citing references.In addition to the analysis, include:

• -Title page.
• -Table of contents.
• -Executive summary.
• -References page with APA formatted references from at least five sources.
• -Appendices: VRIO or Value Chain analysis, PESTLE analysis, and Five Forces analysis.
• -Target length of 3-6 content pages in addition to Title page, Table of Contents, Reference pages, and Appendices including your VRIO/Value Chain, PESTLE, and Five Forces analyses
• -Written for an audience of executive leaders.

Resources to complete this: 

Strategic Management ISBN: 9781265954574By: Frank T. Rothaermel 

What is Strategy?: 

In our textbook, Strategic Management, read the following:

• -Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link. Watch this VitalSource video for more information.
  • Chapter 1, “What Is Strategy?”
  • ChapterCase 1, Parts 1 and 2.
  • Chapter 2, “Strategic Leadership."
  • ChapterCase 2, Parts 1 and 2.

• AFI Framework: Our textbook provides an excellent overview of the AFI Framework near the end of the chapter. Make sure you understand what the framework is and what the framework represents. Also, be able to articulate how the framework is used to develop and implement strategy.

• -Rothaermel, F. (2024). Strategic Management (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
  • Read Chapter 1, “What Is Strategy?”

• Competitive Advantage:  In our textbook, Strategic Management, read the following:
• Chapter 5, “Competitive Advantage, Firm Performance, and Business Models.”
• ChapterCase 5, Part 1.

The resource in the following reading list provides greater insight into competitive advantage:

• Assessment 1: Competitive Advantage.

PESTLE and Five Forces: In our textbook, Strategic Management, read the following:

• Chapter 3, “External Analysis.”
• ChapterCase 3, Part 1 and Part 2.

The video in the following reading list provides a thorough examination of PESTLE and Five Forces:

• Assessment 1: PESTLE and Five Forces.

VRIO and Value Chain:In our textbook, Strategic Management, read the following:

• Chapter 4, “Internal Analysis.”
• ChapterCase 4, Part 1 and Part 2.