Case study 2

Words 1600-2000 max
Due Date 01 Feb 2016
See the case titled ‘Home Pharmaceuticals’ from the StudyDesk. This is the same case you used for Case Study 1. Please revise the case again. Based on the facts in the case, you are required to prepare answers for each of the following:
(Please note: All words in tables and figures are excluded in word count.)
1. Gap Analysis I (See Case Study 2 Template on the StudyDesk)
1.1 Prepare a Capability Gap Analysis Table. Analyse the resources of Home Pharmaceutical by Functional area then by Capability. Use Case study 2 template on the StudyDesk as a guide in setting out your table. See also background information on page 167 through to 171. Be sure to list all resources that might
exhibit a capability relative to competitors;
1.1 Capability Gap Analysis Table
Functional Area
1 Capability
Required
2 YOUR FIRM
Description of firm capabilities
3 Average the Capabilities of Closest two (2) Competitors
Describe capabilities
4
e.g. Manufacturing
Technological superiority
?
?
? ? ? ?
? ? ? ?
1.2 Rate each capability by resource. Each capability has only one rating either plus or minus. The highest rating for a capability is +5 and the lowest —5, relative to
Home Pharmaceuticals closest competitors;
1.2 Rate each capability by resource:

Tangible resources
e.g. Physical

Intangible resources
e.g. Brands
?
Processes & systems
e.g. Decision tools
?
Organisation culture
e.g. Attitudes/work ethic & Values

1.3 Capability Narrative. Choose the top five to ten capabilities. Explain in sepa rate statements why each capability will contribute to Home s competitive advantage
relative to competitors; (Total 650 words)
1.3 Capability Narrative:
Capability 1
Capability 2
Capability 3
Capability 4
Capability 5
? ? ? ?
1.4 Collect Evidence: Find evidence to support your capability table/narrative. Extra marks will be awarded to those who use quotations and references other than the text and readings showing clear evidence that the article or publication(s) has been read. You should quote theory in such a way that it supports the table you produce.
Note: Find evidence to support your capability table/narrative. Extra marks will be awarded to those who use quotations and references other than the text and readings showing clear evidence that the article or publications(s) has been read. You should quote theory in such a way that it supports the Table you produce.
Please note, you can place this evidence as references in sections 1.3, 2.3, 3.1 and 3.3. There is no need to place references inside the Tables. That is, section 1.4 (this section) is listed here to illustrate that the evidence you collect is just as important as the answers you give in each of the narratives you outline. P.S. You still need to include the Reference list at the end of your case analysis.
2. Gap Analysis II (See Case Study 2 Template on the StudyDesk)
2. 1 Capability Matching. Match capabilities identified with KSFs from Case study 1.
Key Success Factors
(from Case study 1)
1 Capabilities
(Take the capabilities from S1.3 above. That is, your choice of 5-10 capabilities). Match each capability with each KSF in Column 1)
2
e.g.
1.Research & Development
e.g. technological superiority is …..x, y, z
2.

3.

4.

5.
6

2.2 Capability Rating. Rate each capability on its capacity to take advantage of the KSF you identified from Case study 1. Rate each capability from 1 to 10 with 1 the lowest to 10 the highest. Add each column to complete the exercise.
2.2 Capability Rating/Ranking

KSFs
Capabilities
(From Table 2.1 above)

1

2
3
4
5
6
Technological
superiority
TOTAL
Add each column to complete the exercise
2.3 Ranking Narrative. Discuss each of the total rankings. Why was one higher than the other? How did the relationship between KSFs and the capability influence your answer? (Total 650 words)

3. Gap Analysis II (See Case Study 2 Template on the StudyDesk)
3. 1 Choose five strategies. Based on your highest rankings by capability(s), list and discuss five strategies to grow the business. How will each strategy improve the company’s competitive advantage? Note: In answering this requirement, see Chapters
7 and 8 of the text. Choose a range of both business level and corporate level strategies. (Total 650 words)
1. ?
2. ?
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?

3.2 Prepare Matrixes. From 3. 1 above, choose the best two strategies (one business level; one corporate level). Use a Generic Strategy Matrix for the Business Level strategy; use a Product Market Matrix for the corporate strategy. Populate each matrix with the strategy in the correct box.
3.2 Prepare Matrixes:
Corporate Level Matrix
Products/services
Existing New
Markets Existing Market penetration New products/services
New Market development Diversification

Business Level Matrix
Competitive advantage
Lower Cost Differentiation
Competitive
Scope Broad Target Cost Leadership Differentiation
Narrow Target Cost Focus Differentiation Focus
3.3 The 5 Questions. Discuss in a separate statement why you have chosen these two strategies over others by using the headings of the 5 questions. These are: Does the organisation plan to grow? What products and services does it plan to produce? What customers does it plan to service? Which generic strategy will it follow? What position in the industry will it occupy? Use any supporting information from Case study 1 if this helps. (Total 650 words)
3.3 The 5 questions:
Does the organisation plan to grow?
What product & services does it plan to produce?
What customers does it plan to service?
Which generic strategies will it follow?
What position in the industry will it occupy?