Assessing a company's industry and competitive environment does not involve getting clear answers to such questions as: What competitive forces do industry members face, and how strong are they? What market positions do industry rivals occupy$--$who is strongly positioned and who is not? What forces are driving changes in the industry, and what impact will these changes have on competitive intensity and industry profitability? What are the key factors for future competitive success? What specific strategic issues and problems face the company's close rivals and do these rivals have the capability to deal with these issues$/$problems successfully?