Module 3 - SLP

Internal Analysis and SWOT Analysis

Background

In the background materials section of this module, we discussed the process and utility of conducting an internal analysis as a means of critically assessing a company's strengths and weaknesses. One of the tools discussed in the background materials was the Resource Based View (RBV) analysis.

Required Reading

Refer to the required and optional readings on Internal Analysis, the theme for this module.

Session Long Project

In this SLP, you will complete a modified RBV analysis of the Kraft Foods Company. You will incorporate this information into your Case analysis for this module.

Note: Throughout this course, you should complete the SLP before you undertake the case analysis. Before you begin the SLP, you need to read the background materials thoroughly.

Keys to the Assignment

  • Step One: Resources are the inputs into a production process. They can be capital, equipment, patents, skill sets of individual employees and/or managers, financial resources, etc. Resources can be tangible or intangible. Individually, they may not necessarily lead to a competitive advantage - it is how they are used and the synergies they create that make them strategically valuable. Give me as much information as you can find about the following as it relates to the Kraft Foods Company:
    • Tangible Resources
      1. Physical Resources
      2. Financial Resources
      3. Human Resources
      4. Other?
    • Intangible Resources
      1. Technical Resources
      2. Intellectual Resources
      3. Goodwill
      4. Other (cultural, reputational, strategic alliances)?
  • Step Two: Distinctive capabilities are those competencies possessed by a firm that cannot be copied or can be replicated only with great difficulty or resources. Determine the distinctive capabilities of the Kraft Foods Company as it relates to as many of the following as you can:
    1. Architecture,
    2. Reputation, and
    3. Innovation.
  • Step Three: Provide the above information in a 4-page paper (not including cover page or references).

SLP Assignment Expectations

Your paper will be evaluated using the following five (5) criteria:

  • Assignment-Driven Criteria (Precision and Breadth): Does the paper fully address all Keys to the Assignment? Are the concepts behind the Keys to the Assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements? 
  • Critical Thinking (Critical Thinking and Depth): Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
  • Business Writing (Clarity and Organization): Is the paper well written (clear, developed logically, and well organized)? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included in all papers? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding to the Keys to the Assignment, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations? 
  • Effective Use of Information (Information Literacy and References): Does the paper demonstrate that the student has read, understood and can apply the background materials for the module?  If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used in paper provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper? 
  • Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper end references and in-text citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all end references been included within the body of the paper as in-text citations?

Tips and Suggestions

  • Remember: You may need to speculate to the extent that information is not readily available. Doing so is fine - so long as you rely on the theory and your analysis is logical.
  • Include a cover page and reference page, in addition to the 2-page requirement described above.
  • Include headings for all papers greater than 2 pages (basically all papers), but do not use headings as "space fillers."
  • Cite AND reference all sources that you use in your work, including those that you do not quote but paraphrase. This means include citations and quotation marks for direct quotes of more than 5 words, and citations for that information which you have "borrowed" or paraphrased from other sources.
  • Follow TUI Guidelines for Well-Written Papers..
  • Submit your analysis when it is completed.