CASE STUDY ON FORD MOTOR VEHICLES

CASE STUDY QUESTIONS See Appendix: Case Analysis and Case Analysis Boxes throughout the text see chapter/page numbers below for more specific explanations of each point. In summary, we are learning how to analyze common business cases in different environments and how to manage them strategically to maximize profits and minimize negative possibilities. The conclusion should provide your best strategic alternatives. We are learning the basics of how to manage strategically and will gain experience in real-world situations. Not only will the Appendix: Case Analysis found in the back of our book help with writing about cases, but our Course Resources have guidelines too.

The paper is similar to composing a business proposal for executives to learn about the firms best opportunities and next steps toward them. The main purpose is to apply our textbook reading to provide strategic options, justifying our alternatives from research.

For all the cases, see the Appendix: Case Analysis information starting on page A-1 shows the process. As you can see, the questions build up and lead to developing the optimal strategy for a company. Case Studies are a process and guide in development to manage strategically. For cases such as this assignment, only answer the questions below. Although they are similar to the Appendix, start by following the question pattern below to ensure your readiness for the next steps. We have progressed through our reading and these major Case Analyses assignments include more questions leading your work to conclude alternative strategies. Be sure to conclude with your strategic alternatives, which is the main purpose of the assignment.

Each case will have a list of questions to answer, leading to the best strategies. Throughout our Strategic Management textbook, directions and models demonstrate how to assess factors for optimal strategy creation. Additionally, the glossary and index provide meanings and more page numbers about the content.

Major case questions

1. Introduce the organization: basic facts and current status	Chapter 1
2. Specifically identify the industry, life-cycle stage and the competitors see IBIS World database	Ch. 2
3. Analyze the potential profitability of the industry
4. Who has succeeded and failed in the industry? What are the Critical Success Factors?	Ch. 2
5. What political/legal forces affect the industry?	Ch. 3
6. What economic forces affect the industry? What is the market structure?	Ch. 3
7. What social forces affect the industry?	Ch. 4
8. What technological forces affect the industry?	Ch. 4
9. What is the current firm-level or corporate-level strategy?	Ch. 6
10. What is the current business-level [generic] strategy?	Ch. 7 & p. 172
11. What are the business strategies of the major competitors?	Ch. 6-8
12. What is the organizations Marketing Strategy?	p. 198-207
13. What is the organizations financial position and financial strategy how do they make and invest their money?	Pg. 198, 207-210
14. What are the organizations production and purchasing strategies?	Ch. 8
15. What are the current strategies in the organizations other functional areas such as HR, Information Systems, etc)?	Pg. 202
16. / 17. What are the organizations Strengths and Weaknesses? On what competencies should they build?	Pg. 215
18. / 19. What are the organizations Opportunities and Threats?	Pg. 217
20. What strategic alternatives are available to the organization?	Ch. 6-9
21. What are the pros and cons of these alternatives?
22. Which alternative should be pursued and why?
23. A popular automotive detailing firm proposed a joint venture to Ford. The innovative company seems to offer a unique opportunity, specializing in cleaning vehicles. According to Good to Great, should Ford acquire this firm while it is successful? Why or why not?	Good to Great, ch. 4 or other content