HOMEWORK

Table of Contents

 

Module 2: SWOT Analysis

 

Discussion: Amazon.com, Gathering the Data

Discussion: Amazon.com, Gathering the Data
 

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For this discussion assignment, we will be compiling information concerning strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) as they relate to Amazon.com. 

1. Visit Amazon’s 

website

.

2. Go to the “Investor Relations” section of the Amazon.com website (you will find the “Investors” link at the bottom of the page), and locate the company’s most recent Annual Report.

3. Perform a SWOT Analysis and share at least three key facts, metrics, ratios, or observations as they relate to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats faced by the company. 

Discussion Assignment Expectations

To receive full credit for the discussion, you must complete the following: 

1. Enter a minimum of 3 quality posts: Your own initial/original post of 200 words or more and responses of at least 100 words to 2 classmates. 

2. Cite at least one source in your initial post.

3. Provide a References section at the bottom of your original post in APA 7 style. 

Grading Note: 

At Trident University International, rubrics are used for grading. These rubrics specify the points available for each component of an assignment. Points are earned based on the level of the work submitted. 

Module 2 – SLP

SWOT ANALYSIS

For purposes of the Module 2 SLP, you will continue as an expert in the field of Strategic Management. In this assignment, you will blog about some aspect of the external environment of an organization, providing examples based on current events you have found in a recent article in a trade journal, newspaper, or magazine (e.g., the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Business Week, or Forbes).    

Hint: Visit either ProQuest or EBSCO-Business Source Complete in the library. Choose an industry that is of interest to you and find a recent article related to how one or more of Porter’s Five Forces or PESTLE have impacted your chosen industry. You may want to type in a specific force as a keyword (e.g., Social, Economic, Legal, Threat of Entry, Competitive Rivalry, Suppliers, Buyers, etc.). Be sure to click on “Trade Publications,” “Newspapers,” and/or “Magazines.” You may also select a specific company and discuss how a force (or forces) in the remote or industry environment have (for better or worse) affected that company. 

For example, you might find a recent article related to how the fiercely competitive nature (one of Porter’s Five Forces) within the soda industry has affected the market share of such major retail company players as Amazon or Walmart. Or you might find an article that evaluates how a new law or regulation (in the remote environment) has impacted the healthcare industry. 

Remember that you are playing the role of a Strategic Management blogger who is conveying to the public how environmental forces (whether remote environment or industry environment forces) are affecting a particular industry.   

Your main article(s) for your blog entry must be no older than 12 months. You may, of course, use older sources to support your discussion and analysis; however, the current event article serving as the main focus of your paper must be no more than 12 months old. 

SLP Assignment Expectations

· The minimum length requirement for this SLP Assignment is 3 full pages (excluding Title and Reference pages), to include 2 scholarly sources. 

· Provide an APA-formatted title page. Use the 

APA 7 Template

.

· The 3 full pages will include an introduction, body of work with 2 scholarly sources cited to support your work, and a conclusion (that aligns with your purpose statement, summarizes each section, and then wraps up into a final thought).

· Provide an APA7-formatted References Page (See APA 7 “References” section at 

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/

 ).

· Upload your paper to the SLP Dropbox before the assignment due date.

· Proofread your work.

 Also, see the sources below for APA and Student Support Services: 

·

Student Support Resources

  

· Trident

 Introduction to APA 

·

Understanding Plagiarism

 

1

Assignment Title

Student Name

College/Department Name, Trident University International

Course Number: Course Name

Professor Name

Date

[Notes provided throughout for additional clarity. Ensure to remove notes before submission.]

32

Assignment Title Here

[Titles and 1st Level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Do not begin with an Introduction heading. The introduction paragraph(s) should orient the reader to all of the concepts presented in the sections that follow. Begin the first line indented, one line below the assignment title. Ensure to provide appropriate in-text citations in the following manner: Students may synthesize information from a resource and cite the resource at the end (Author & Second, YYYY). Students may also provide the authors in the sentence by stating that Author and Second (YYYY) explain certain information in this manner. For more than two authors, use Author et al. (YYYY) format or end statement (Author et al., YYYY). See APA Manual for additional formats of in-text citations. Each citation should have a corresponding reference in the reference list. Each reference in the reference list must also have at least one corresponding in-text citation.]

Theme/Topic Heading

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]
Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]

[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading

[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]
Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]
[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]
[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

[Each new topic should begin with a first level heading. Provide second level and third level headings, as necessary.]

Summary or Conclusion

[Summary or Conclusion heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Summarize key points presented in throughout the assignment.]

Example of tables provided:

Table 1
Caption for Table 1

Header

Header

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text texttext text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Note. Briefly describe what the Table represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

Example of figures provided: (note that if it would not fit in the space provided, the entire Table or Figure is moved the next page; if Table or Figure if longer than one page, ensure title appears with the beginning of the Table or Figure):

Figure 1
Case Study Research

Note. This figure defines the case study design by Yin (2018). Briefly describe what the Figure represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

References

[References heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold.]

Ahn, J. (2004). Electronic portfolios: Blending technology, accountability and assessment.
T.H.E. Journal, 31(9), 12-18. https://thejournal.com/Articles/2004/04/01/Electronic-Portfolios-Blending-Technology-Accountability–Assessment.aspx

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology.
Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

U.S. Government Printing Office. (2006). Catalog of U.S. Government publications: New electronic titles.

Winslade, J., & Monk, G. (2001).
Narrative mediation: A new approach to conflict resolution. Jossey-Bass.

Yin, R. K. (2018).
Case study research and applications:

Design

and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Note: All resources cited in the assignment must be included in the list of references. For each reference listed, there must be at least one corresponding citation within the body of the text, and vice-versa. Double space references in the reference list. Resources longer than one line of text should provide a hanging indent of 1/2 inch of subsequent lines. Sort in alpha surname/title order. Only capitalize the first word of the title and of the subtitle, if any. Do not bold the title. Know when to italicize and when not to (i.e., periodical/non-periodical/publication versus book/report/paper). Italicize volume numbers. Please refer to the
APA Publication Manual for guidance.APA requires a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) be provided, if one has been assigned.

See below for the updated APA headings guideline:

Level 1

Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 2

Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 3 

Left-Aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading 

Level 4

Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading with a Period
.
 
Begin body text after the period. 

Level 5

Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading with a Period.
 Begin body text after the period. 

Plan

Design

Prepare

Collect

Analyze

Share

1

Assignment Title

Student Name

College/Department Name, Trident University International

Course Number: Course Name

Professor Name

Date

[Notes provided throughout for additional clarity. Ensure to remove notes before submission.]

32

Assignment Title Here

[Titles and 1st Level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Do not begin with an Introduction heading. The introduction paragraph(s) should orient the reader to all of the concepts presented in the sections that follow. Begin the first line indented, one line below the assignment title. Ensure to provide appropriate in-text citations in the following manner: Students may synthesize information from a resource and cite the resource at the end (Author & Second, YYYY). Students may also provide the authors in the sentence by stating that Author and Second (YYYY) explain certain information in this manner. For more than two authors, use Author et al. (YYYY) format or end statement (Author et al., YYYY). See APA Manual for additional formats of in-text citations. Each citation should have a corresponding reference in the reference list. Each reference in the reference list must also have at least one corresponding in-text citation.]

Theme/Topic Heading

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]

[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]

[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]
Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]

[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[Themes/Topics may have one or more subthemes/subtopics. These second level headings should be in Word Styles format of “Heading 2,” aligned left, title case heading, bold. This information should be relevant to the prior Heading 1 topic. Repeat for multiple subthemes or subtopics.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading

[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]

Subtheme or Subtopic Heading [repeat as needed]
[For major topics that may need a breakdown of subtopics into additional sections, provide third level headings in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3,” aligned left, title case heading, bold italic.]
Theme/Topic Heading [repeat as needed]
[All 1st level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Replace “Theme/Topic” with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.]
[Present an overview of why this topic is important to the assignment. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support statements of fact.]

[Each new topic should begin with a first level heading. Provide second level and third level headings, as necessary.]

Summary or Conclusion

[Summary or Conclusion heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold. Summarize key points presented in throughout the assignment.]

Example of tables provided:

Table 1
Caption for Table 1

Header

Header

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text texttext text text text text text text text text text text.

Text

Text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text text.

Note. Briefly describe what the Table represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

Example of figures provided: (note that if it would not fit in the space provided, the entire Table or Figure is moved the next page; if Table or Figure if longer than one page, ensure title appears with the beginning of the Table or Figure):

Figure 1
Case Study Research

Note. This figure defines the case study design by Yin (2018). Briefly describe what the Figure represents so that it is understood outside of the chapter. There is a line space between the note and the next heading/paragraph to separate the text.

References

[References heading should be a first level heading using the Word Styles format of “Heading 1,” centered, title case heading, bold.]

Ahn, J. (2004). Electronic portfolios: Blending technology, accountability and assessment.
T.H.E. Journal, 31(9), 12-18. https://thejournal.com/Articles/2004/04/01/Electronic-Portfolios-Blending-Technology-Accountability–Assessment.aspx

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology.
Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

U.S. Government Printing Office. (2006). Catalog of U.S. Government publications: New electronic titles.

Winslade, J., & Monk, G. (2001).
Narrative mediation: A new approach to conflict resolution. Jossey-Bass.

Yin, R. K. (2018).
Case study research and applications:

Design

and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Note: All resources cited in the assignment must be included in the list of references. For each reference listed, there must be at least one corresponding citation within the body of the text, and vice-versa. Double space references in the reference list. Resources longer than one line of text should provide a hanging indent of 1/2 inch of subsequent lines. Sort in alpha surname/title order. Only capitalize the first word of the title and of the subtitle, if any. Do not bold the title. Know when to italicize and when not to (i.e., periodical/non-periodical/publication versus book/report/paper). Italicize volume numbers. Please refer to the
APA Publication Manual for guidance.APA requires a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) be provided, if one has been assigned.

See below for the updated APA headings guideline:

Level 1

Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 2

Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case Heading

Level 3 

Left-Aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading 

Level 4

Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading with a Period
.
 
Begin body text after the period. 

Level 5

Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading with a Period.
 Begin body text after the period. 

Plan

Design

Prepare

Collect

Analyze

Share

Module 2

Required Reading

Rist, M. & Pizzica, A. J., (2015). Financial Ratios for Executives: How to Assess Company Strength, Fix Problems, and Make Better Decisions. Chapter 1: Ratios Overview. Available in the Trident Online Library. 

Rist, M. & Pizzica, A. J., (2015). Financial Ratios for Executives: How to Assess Company Strength, Fix Problems, and Make Better Decisions. Chapter 2: Ratios Description. Available in the Trident Online Library.

Kukalis, S. (2009). Survey of recent developments in strategic management: Implications for practitioners. 
International Journal of Management, 26(1), 99-106. Retrieved from ProQuest.

PESTLE Analysis. (2017). Retrieved from 

http://pestleanalysis.com/what-is-pestle-analysis/

Tracy, B. (2015). 
Business strategy (The Brian Tracy Success Library). New York: AMACOM. Retrieved from EBSCO-Ebook Collection.

Southwest. (2017). Culture. Retrieved from 

https://www.southwest.com/html/about-southwest/careers/culture.html

SWOT analysis. (2010). 
Quick MBA. Retrieved from 

http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/swot/

Grand Strategy Selection Matrices

The Internal Profile

Optional Reading

For a very good overview and examples of SWOT Analysis, review the links at the Free Management Library website (scan down to the section entitled “Do a SWOT Analysis of Results of Looking Outside and Inside the Organization?” here: 

http://managementhelp.org/strategicplanning/index.htm#anchor37202

Allio, R. J., & Fahey, L. (2012). Joan Magretta: What executives can learn from revisiting Michael Porter. 
Strategy & Leadership, 40(2), 5-10. Retrieved from ProQuest.  

Dobbs, M. E. (2012). Porter’s five forces in practice: Templates for firm and case analysis. 
Competition Forum, 10(1), 22-33. Retrieved from ProQuest.

May the five forces be with you. (2016, May 08). 
Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved from the Trident Online Library.

China’s steel industry: Porter’s five forces strategy analysis. (2016, Feb 03). 
M2 Presswire Retrieved from the Trident Online Library.

Ireland, R., & Hitt, M. A. (2005). Achieving and maintaining strategic competitiveness in the 21st century: The role of strategic leadership. 
Academy of Management Executive, 
19(4), 63-77. Retrieved from EBSCO-Business Source Complete.

Module 2 – Case

SWOT ANALYSIS

Assignment Overview

For the Module 2 Case, we will be formulating a SWOT analysis of Target.

 

Case Assignment

Go to IBISWorld in the Trident Online Library. Enter the term “Department Stores in the U.S.” After you have familiarized yourself with the IBISWorld contents (be sure that you review all pages on the retail industry), perform some additional and more current research in the library on Target Corporation (use trade journals, newspaper articles, and magazines). Review the company’s most recent 10-K report as well and provide the following in your 5-page paper.  

1. Perform an assessment of Target’s external environment, identifying key opportunities and threats, by doing the following: 

a. Complete an analysis of Target’s external environment using Porter’s Five Forces. 

2. Using the Function Approach to Internal Analysis, identify key strengths and weaknesses at Target by performing an in-depth internal analysis of the company. Use what you have learned in previous courses to perform your analysis. At a minimum, evaluate the following functional areas: 

3. Accounting/Finance: Include your analysis of at least three key financial ratios. If you need a resource, see:

Rist, M. & Pizzica, A. J., (2015). Financial Ratios for Executives: How to Assess Company Strength, Fix Problems, and Make Better Decisions. Chapter 1: Ratios Overview. Available in the Trident Online Library. 

Rist, M. & Pizzica, A. J., (2015). Financial Ratios for Executives: How to Assess Company Strength, Fix Problems, and Make Better Decisions. Chapter 2: Ratios Description. Available in the Trident Online Library.

a. Marketing 

b. Human Resources 

c. Operations Management 

d. Technology 

e. Logistics 

4. After you have completed your Internal and External analyses, prepare a table in which you clearly show the most important strengths and weaknesses of the company and the most salient opportunities and threats currently facing Target. 

5. Conclude your analysis by answering the following: 

a. Does Target have more strengths or weaknesses? Explain. 

b. Does Target have more opportunities or threats? Explain. 

c. Does Target have any sustainable competitive advantages? If so, what are they? 

Assignment Expectations

· The minimum length requirement for this Case Assignment is 5 full pages (excluding Title and Reference pages), to include 3 scholarly sources. 

· Provide an APA-formatted title page. Use the 

APA 7 Template

  

· The 5 full pages will include an introduction, body of work with 3 scholarly sources cited to support your work, and a conclusion (that aligns with your purpose statement, summarizes each section, and then wraps up into a final thought).

· Provide an APA7-formatted References Page (See APA 7 “References” section at 

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/

 ).

· Upload your paper to the Case Dropbox before the assignment due date.

· Proofread your work.

 

Also, see the sources below for APA and Student Support Services: 

·

Student Support Resources

  

· Trident

 Introduction to APA 

·

Understanding Plagiarism

  

Grading Note: 

At Trident University International, rubrics are used for grading. These rubrics specify the points available for each component of an assignment. Points are earned based on the level of the work submitted. The rubric in the Case Dropbox is used for this Case Assignment.