Business Strategy - Porters 5 Forces analysis

Porter's 5 Force Model from Amitanshu Srivastava

Big companies = big debt (Gearing Ratio)

Click here to access an interesting article on why big companies actually like to highly geared Obviously this is a little tongue in cheek, but it is useful when discussing the issues of being in debt and the possible advantages/ reasons behind this.

The diagram opposite has a flaw in its explanation of gearing. What is it?

SWOT Analysis - Revision Presentation

SWOT Analysis from tutor2u

Corporate Strategy and Specimen Question

Introduction to Corporate and Functional Objectives from tutor2u

Click here to access another presentation on business strategy.

Use the above resources to answer the following question: 

Specimen paper insert from mattbentley34

Under Justin King, Sainsbury’s changed its strategy. Do you think that to be successful the strategy of a business needs to be determined mainly by what is happening in its external environment? Justify your answer. [24 marks]

Mission Statement - Essay

Using examples to illustrate your answer, explore the idea that mission statements should reflect an organisation’s purpose.

Mission Statements - presentation and examples

Definition: A formal statement which explains the overriding purpose and values of a business.

BSAK Vision: Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.

BSAK Mission Statement: Providing the best teachers, leadership and support in a not-for-profit environment, we nurture a genuine passion for learning.

Presentation on importance and relevance of mission statements.

Mission Statements from tutor2u

What makes a good mission statement?

• The best mission statements are clear, concise, and useful (informs. focuses. guides.)
• Avg length for the full 50 organizations listed here is only 15.3 words (excluding brand references)
• Avg length for the first 20 organizations below is only 9.5 words (excluding brand references).
• The shortest contains only two words (TED)
• The longest contained 235 words (UNHCR)

 

Click here to access 50 examples of mission statements for not for profit companies.

AQA Paper 1: 25 Mark Essays

The first sitting of Paper 1 is just around the corner. In addition to the practice 25 mark questions we provided in the AQA Grade Booster revision workshops for 2017 here are 8 more essay questions to have a think about.

AQA - pecan-pie-ajim-planner from mattbentley34

Rather than write out full answers for these essays, spend 5-10 minutes thinking about how you would respond to them:

• What is the evaluation hook?
• What is the context you need to use?
• What are you main arguments and how could you use models / theories & lines of analysis to develop them?
• What evaluation could you add for your slice of PiE in each paragraph point?
• What is your judgement and why?

SECTION C

In recent years we have seen the emergence of low-cost competitors undercutting market leaders in many industries. As a result, to what extent is price now the most important part of the marketing mix for market leaders trying to remain competitive?

It is increasingly argued that the boards of public companies are too concerned with short-term performance rather than acting in the long-term interests of shareholders. To what extent do you agree that a more long-term perspective in decision-making by public companies would be more likely to improve the profits and share price of such companies?

High-profile multinationals such as Toyota and Samsung have suffered significant losses in recent years after widespread problems with quality. To what extent do you agree that achieving a high level of quality should be the most important operational objective for businesses that want to compete globally?

The managers of a large supermarket group want to achieve a significant improvement in the standard of customer service. To what extent will financial methods of motivation be more likely than non-financial methods of motivation to help achieve this objective?

SECTION D

The rapid pace of technological change has disrupted business models in many markets and industries. As a result, to what extent do you agree that only organisations that innovate will succeed in the long-term?

To what extent do you agree that a large business that needs to undergo a significant change programme must first change the leadership of the business?

Do you agree that external growth is the best way for multinational businesses to take advantage of opportunities in fast-growing international markets?

In recent years businesses have shown increasing interest in the impact of their activities on the environment. Do you agree that operating in a sustainable way is now the most important responsibility of a business?