Module 06: Competitive Advantage
In this module, we discuss competitive advantag
Module 06: Competitive Advantage
In this module, we discuss competitive advantage and take a specific look at cost and differentiation advantages. Students are invited to determine an individual definition of competitive advantage after critical analysis and reflection. Using various media forms to reinforce major points, we identify strategies aimed at cost advantage or differentiation advantage, the industry environment, and internal resources and capabilities..
Discussion Question
Question Requirements:
Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage
Read Case 1: Peloton Interactive, Inc.: Creating New Market Space in the Home Fitness Sector (R. M. Grant, Contemporary Strategy Analysis, 11th edn., Wiley, 2022). Please see attached
Remember that a case study is a puzzle to be solved, so before reading and discussing the specific case questions below, develop your proposed solution by following these steps:
Read the case study to identify the key issues and underlying issues. These issues are the principles and concepts of the course module which apply to the situation described in the case study.
Record the facts from the case study which are relevant to the principles and concepts of the module. The case may have extraneous information not relevant to the current course module. Your ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information is an important aspect of case analysis, as it will inform the focus of your answers.
Describe in some detail the actions that would address or correct the situation.
Complete this initial analysis and then read the discussion questions. Typically, you will already have the answers to the questions but with a broader consideration. At this point, you can add the details and/or analytical tools required to solve the case.
Discussion Questions:
Discuss the two general types of competitive advantage, and which type(s) does Peloton Interactive, Inc. possess?
Discuss how other companies in the home fitness equipment market attempt to gain a competitive advantage?
Discuss strategies that fitness businesses can use to differentiate themselves from competitors and create a strong brand identity?
Directions:
Discuss the concepts, principles, and theories from your textbook. Cite your textbooks and cite any other sources.
Write an essay that includes an introduction paragraph, the essay’s body, and a conclusion paragraph to address the assignment’s guide questions. Do not address the questions using a question-and-answer format. Your initial post should address all components of the question with a 600-word limit.
Learning Outcomes
Examine competitive advantage in a real-world situation.
Assess the two general types of competitive advantage.
Readings
Required:
Chapter 7 The Sources and Dimensions of Competitive Advantage in Contemporary Strategy Analysis
Chapter 7 PowerPoint slides in Contemporary Strategy Analysis
Teece, D. J., Pisano, G., & Shuen, A. (1997). Dynamic Capabilities and Strategic Management. Strategic Management Journal (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) – 1980 to 2009, 18(7), 509–533. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199708)18:7<509::AID-SMJ882>3.0.CO;2-Z. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=12493427&site=eds-live (seminal)
Porter, M. E., & Siggelkow, N. (2000). Contextuality within Activity Systems. Proceedings & Membership Directory – Academy of Management, F1–F6. https://doi.org/10.5465/APBPP.2000.5438547 (seminal) https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsu&AN=5438547&site=eds-live
Recommended:
Myung Sub Lim, Choo Yeon Kim, & Jae Wook Yoo. (2020). How Strategic Conformity Interacts with Innovation: An Empirical Study on Korean Manufacturing Firms from the Perspective of Optimal Distinctiveness. Journal of Open Innovation, 68(4), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc6040121. (seminal) https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=147821629&site=eds-live