Select an organization that youre interested in analyzing. Data on publicly traded companies are more readily available than for privately held businesses and non-profit organizations, but consider entrepreneurial ventures, small businesses, and non-profits if that industry or organization interests you.

Conduct research on topics that touch directly or indirectly on the industry and company you have selected. The Internet is a good place to start, but be sure to use information posted by the firms themselves, established news or media outlets, and universities.

Conduct your analysis. If it is helpful to do so, you might think of yourself as a management consultant hired to advise the organization. Alternatively, you might be a top manager within the organization that has been asked to brief the executive team.

• Identify and briefly describe the industry and strategic groups within the industry. Who are the major competitors within each strategic group and how do they compete? How has the industry structure changed? For example, have barriers to entry become less significant, and if so, why? What is the nature of competitive rivalry in the industry?
• Consider the effect of each of the five competitive forces in the firms industry, as well as factors in the general environment affecting this industry. Decide which factors are most relevant to your industry, explain why theyre most relevant, and focus on those. How have these factors influenced any or all of the five competitive forces you analyze?
• Analyze the firms capabilities. Are they distinctive, and difficult to imitate? Do they create a competitive advantage? Are the firms capabilities a good fit with the insights revealed from your analysis of the industrys five forces, the changing business environment, and the position of the firms competitors? Why or why not?
• Synthesize your findings into a report assessing this firms competitive position. (No more than 1500 words)