EVALUATING A COMPANYS EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

The LEGO Group has undergone quite a few dramatic strategic changes throughout its fascinating history. Since change remains a singular constant in the business world, LEGOs ability to adapt has proven vital to the companys continued survival. From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of Automatic Binding Bricks, LEGO has undergone multiple iterations throughout the years. The company has achieved great successes with its invention of the iconic minifigure, the signing of lucrative licensing deals, the creation of original intellectual properties, and the firms expansion into multiple forms of media such as movies and videogames. LEGO has consistently leveraged its innovation in order to support and maintain its core business even when the firms prospects within the ever-changing toy industry, at times, appeared bleak. Most recently, LEGO has undertaken ambitious environmental sustainability initiatives that pose a significant challenge as the organization attempts to break the mold and lead the toy industry through LEGOs adoption of green goals.

For this assignment, imagine that LEGO has hired you as a strategic consultant.

First, perform a complete and thorough Five Forces analysis of the toy industry, with an eye to the future, that would assist LEGOs top executives in their efforts to plan the firms strategy for the next five to ten years. Especially include what you believe are the opportunities and threats facing incumbent firms (those firms, such as LEGO, already competing within the toy industry) and new entrants (those firms contemplating competing within the toy industry).

Then, provide the LEGO leadership team with five strategic recommendations, one for each of the Five Forces. Support each of your five recommendations with well-reasoned justification.