NOTE: Included are two written case studies. Please submit both cases as ONE Word file. Be certain to address the required questions with scholarly content and thought. Pull in one external source for each case to support of your approach and reasoning. Case studies can easily be tackled within one typed page per case. Don't overthink these cases, utilizing the information given, deploying logic, and your body of knowledge surrounding business and operations, dive in and provide guidance for each company. What drives success and competitive advantage for these businesses? CASE STUDY #1 Executional Cost Drivers; Internet Retailer Assume that you are a consultant for a startup Internet retailer, Bikers.com, which provides a variety of bicycle parts and accessories in a convenient and effective customer service approach. The firm operates from an office building and nearby warehouse located in Danville, Virginia. Currently, the firm has 10 permanent administrative staff, 6 customer service representatives who respond to customer inquiries, and 12 employees who pick, pack, and ship customer orders. All orders are placed over the firm's website. An 800-telephone number is available for customer service. The firm's sales increased at about 20% per year in the last two years, a decline from the 50% rate in its first three years of operation. Management is concerned that the decline will delay the firm's first expected profit, which had been projected to occur in the next two years. The firm is privately held and has been financed with a combination of bank loans, personal investments of top managers, and venture capital funding. Required What specific executional cost drivers are important in this business? How should the firm use them to improve its sales rate? (In other words, as a consultant stepping into evaluate this company, what appears to drive this company's past success? What is the company potentially not "executing" which is leading to its drop in sales growth and where should they focus their resources?) CASE STUDY #2 Structural Cost Drivers Food Fare is a small chain of restaurants that has developed a loyal customer base by providing fast-food items with more choices (e.g., how the hamburger should be cooked; self-serve toppings) and a more comfortable atmosphere. The menu has a small number of popular items, including several different hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and salads. Recently, to broaden its appeal, Food Fare added barbecue, seafood, and steak to its menu. Required Identify the important structural cost drivers for the company and the related strategic issues that it should address to be competitive. (In other words, how might the company need to adapt its current operational scale and scope, in order to find success given its recent strategic initiatives?)