THE PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENT

PART A: THE EUROPEAN TOUR OPERATORS CASE Undertake an analysis of the external environment. Your answer should include the development of appropriate models and analytical discussion based on those models. The three models you must include in your answer are: 1a. PESTEL 1b. Porters Five Forces and 1c. Industry Life-Cycle

What we expect from you: In your concluding paragraphs, critically discuss the overall attractiveness of the industry and identify the opportunities and threats. You will need to undertake some additional research to successfully address the points above.

(Word limit = 1500 words)

PART B: THE AMAZON CASE 1. Describe some of the features of Amazons strategy over the period covered in the case study

2. Undertake an analysis of the Companys internal environment. Your answer should include the development of appropriate models and analytical discussion based on those models. Consider what resources the Company is using and how it is deploying them in the running of the business; what are the organisational capabilities? Models you must include in your answer are:

2a.The Competency Framework 2b. Porters Value Chain 2c. VRIO analysis

What we expect from you: In your analysis, ensure that you critically discuss the capabilities of Amazon in relation to the execution of its strategy. Summarise the strengths and weaknesses of the Company; what are the things that Amazon needs to keep on doing in order to remain successful and what are the areas which may need to be addressed? In your concluding paragraphs highlight some of the key elements of Amazons current strategy as driven by its resources and competences. You will need to undertake some additional research to successfully address this last point (Word limit = 1500 words)