1. Unit 1 – Discussion Board 2 

 – This course features a debate component within the Discussion Boards. To prepare for the debate topic within this course, click here to view a video that reviews and considers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends (SWOTT) analysis of a fast-food franchise. Once completed, provide a quick synopsis (100-200 words) with 2-3 points that stand out to you in particular. This video will be the construct by which the Discussion Boards will structure a debate discussion.

Reference

Ddd9925. (2013, January 8). McDonald’s SWOT [Video file]. Retrieved from the YouTube Web site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbyb0ht-dsk&feature=youtu.be

Please submit your assignment.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.

Other Information

Instructor’s Comments:

This session we will begin discussing the fast-food industry and the major competitors within the industry.   This industry was chosen because the strategy is involved differently in each one of the chains within the industry.   They ultimately have the same goal, but how they achieve it is very different from the others.  The video to be reviewed this week (YouTube Web site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbyb0ht-dsk&feature=youtu.be)  does a great job explaining one of the biggest competitors McDonald’s.  There have been some very public changes within the company over the last 10 years.  This video not only introduces some of the changes but also incorporates the SWOTT analysis into the analysis process.  This SWOTT analysis includes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends.  When reviewing this video, please keep in mind the things that stick out to you most about the changes at McDonald’s but also anything new that is learned about the SWOTT analysis.  The 2-3 paragraph recap is a combination of both personal ideas and facts from the video.   

Here is some additional information about the SWOTT analysis that will help you complete this assignment:   https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/swot.asp

2. Unit 2 – Discussion Board 

– Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

Part 1 (post this response in the main U2 DB thread “Unit 2 Discussion Board”)

In the Unit 1 Discussion Board, you reviewed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends (SWOTT) analysis of a fast-food franchise that was done in 2013. There have been many more recent changes with the fast-food giant toward improved business results. Read this article on these changes, and conduct a brief SWOTT analysis based on these new changes that includes the following:

• Strengths: The internal and external characteristics of a company that are stronger than its competitors
• Weaknesses: The internal and external characteristics of a company that are weaker than its competitors
• Opportunities: The issues internal and external to a company that can affect the company and its competitors in a favorable way
• Threats: The issues internal and external to a company that can affect the company and its competitors in an unfavorable way
• Trends: The internal and external patterns in the organization, market, or industry

Part 2 (post this response in the appropriate topic within U2 DB (labeled “for” and “against”)

Based on the first initial of your last name, complete the following:

• First initial A-L: Provide an argument for the success of the strategies that a fast-food franchise has instituted. Submit your position by posting in the Unit 2 Debate forum under the for topic.

In both considerations, provide research that supports your assertions.

3. Unit 3 – Discussion Board 

– Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

Part 1

Having experienced a robust debate discussion on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends (SWOTT) analysis and strategic planning for a particular fast-food franchise, it is time to shift gears a bit and consider the competition in the fast-food industry. Read this article to frame this week’s discussion. Complete the following:

• Identify 1 or 2 other major competitors in the fast-food industry, and describe their sources of competitive advantage.
• Discuss a current issue that this industry faces. It could be favorable or unfavorable to the industry.
• Which of the major competitors has the strongest competitive advantage and ability to overcome the barriers presented by the current issues identified and why?

Part 2: Based on the first initial of your last name:

First initial A-L: provide an argument ‘AGAINST’ the ability of the competition to overtake fast-food franchise. Submit your position by posting in the Unit 3 Debate forum, under the ‘AGAINST’ topic.

In both considerations, provide research that supports your assertions.