Analysis of Strategic Factors for Microsoft

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Analysis of Strategic Factors (EFAS, IFAS, SFAS) for Microsoft Corporation

Research the Microsoft site (http://www.microsoft.com/msft/default.mspx).
Using your readings, the Library, and the Internet, and any additional resources necessary, you are being asked to complete a Strategic Audit of a Corporation (Microsoft).

Analysis of Strategic Factors. Since you are aware that your analysis of strategic factors or SFAS (Strategic Factor Analysis Summary) is based on IFAS and EFAS tables, and since we will need to understand your choices, you are required to submit the three tables in Excel format in one separate file from your written Word assignment.
No comments are needed on the IFAS and the EFAS tables, but comments are needed on the SFAS table, which is the foundation for this assignment (You will submit one Excel file that will include three separate sheets, one for the IFAS, one for the EFAS and one for the SFAS). As a reminder, two files are to be submitted: One Excel file (counting for three pages) and one Word file (five to seven pages double-spaced). You will be graded on your knowledge of the software and math in building the MS Excel tables, and on your ability to communicate in writing and present your arguments.

Strategic Alternatives and Recommended Strategy. Here you will be graded on your ability to analyze economic, socio-cultural, political-legal, technological, and financial data to justify your available strategies and the one(s) you recommend.

Implementation: Describe the implementation of the strategy(ies) you recommended.

Evaluation and Control How do you evaluate the performance of your implemented strategy(ies)? For a sample outline of a Strategic Audit, review the attached document.

Company Description- Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation develops, manufactures, licenses and supports a range of software products for computing devices. It provides consulting and product support services, and trains and certifies computer system integrators and developers. Microsoft Corporation sells the Xbox 360 video game console and games, the Zune digital music and entertainment device, PC games, and peripherals. Online offerings and information are delivered through its Live Search, Windows Live, Office Live, and MSN portals and channels. The Company enables the delivery of online advertising through its adCenter platform. The Company has five segments: Client, Server and Tools, the Online Services Business, the Microsoft Business Division, and the Entertainment and Devices Division. (Reuters, 2009) It has following divisions:

* Client
* Server and Tools
* Online Services Business
* Microsoft Business Division
* Entertainment and Devices Division
Microsoft Values
"As a company, and as individuals, we value integrity, honesty, openness, personal excellence, constructive self-criticism, continual self-improvement, and mutual respect. We are committed to our customers and partners and have a passion for technology. We take on big challenges, and pride ourselves on seeing them through. We hold ourselves accountable to our customers, shareholders, partners, and employees by honoring our commitments, providing results, and striving for the highest quality."
(Microsoft, 2009)

Environmental Analysis
Environmental analysis is an essential element of formulating strategy. Srategy is about:
"* Where is the business trying to get to in the long-term (direction)
* Which markets should a business compete in and what kind of activities are involved in such markets? (markets; scope)
* How can the business perform better than the competition in those markets? (advantage)?
* What resources (skills, assets, finance, relationships, ...