Graded Homework

Activity Context

This discussion helps you master the following course competency:

• Analyze the strategic elements of organizations and their external environments using theories and models of strategy.

Activity Instructions

In this discussion, you will further your knowledge of strategic development by:

• Applying strategic tools to identify and describe a firm’s strategy.
• Thinking and communicating strategically.

After reading Chapter 1 in Foundations of Strategy, identify the three components of the business model used by “Tough Mudder LLC: Turning Mud Runs Into a Global Business.” Using examples drawn from the case, distinguish the following concepts: corporate strategy and competitive strategy, strategy and tactics. What do you think is the role of Tough Mudder’s sense of identity (“we know who we are and what we stand for”) in influencing the effectiveness with which it implements its strategy?

Response Guidelines

Read the postings of your peers and respond to at least two other learners. When responding, seek clarification, share your personal experiences, and provide feedback.

dq 2

Activity Context

This discussion helps you develop the skills to master the following course competencies:

• Analyze organizations and competitive environments using theories and models of strategy.
• Communicate in a manner that is professional and consistent with expectations of members of the business professions.

Activity Instructions

In this discussion, you will further your knowledge of strategic development by:

• Researching data sources in order to frame the firm’s strategy.
• Thinking and communicating strategically.
• Applying critical reading skills to promote dialog.

Describe the strategy of the firm you selected for your project, using the strategy model in Figure 1.5 (p.13) of Foundations in Strategy, as a guide to frame the strategy description from the following two perspectives:

• First, the static perspective:
  • Where is the firm competing? What is the product? What are the firm’s vertical and geographical scopes?
  • How is the firm competing? What is the basis for the firm’s competitive advantage?
• Second, the dynamic perspective—the firm’s preparation for the future:
  • What does the firm want to become?
  • What does it want to achieve?
  • How will it get there?

Response Guidelines

Critically read the posts of your peers and respond to the posts of at least two other learners. Your responses should seek clarification of assumptions or statements that lack evidence to support them. Remember, you are participating in a dialog with your peers for the purpose of ensuring their communication is clear, persuasive, and defensible, from both business and academic perspectives.