Discussion Topic analysis

Rubric
Critical Elements    Exemplary    Proficient    Needs Improvement    Not Evident    Value
Comprehension
Develops an initial post with an organized, clear point of view or idea using rich and significant detail (18–20)    Develops an initial post with a point of view or idea using appropriate detail (16–17)    Develops an initial post with a point of view or idea but with some gaps in organization and detail (14–15)    Does not develop an initial post with an organized point of view or idea (0–13)    20
Timeliness    Submits initial post on time by Thursday at 11:59 PM EST (10)    Submits initial post by Friday at 11:59 PM EST, one day late (7)    Submits initial post by Saturday at 11:59 PM EST, two days late (4)    Submits initial post by Sunday at 11:59 PM EST, three days late (0–3)    10
Engagement    Provides relevant and meaningful response posts with clarifying explanation and detail (18–20)    Provides relevant response posts with some explanation and detail (16–17)    Provides somewhat relevant response posts with some explanation and detail (14–15)    Provides response posts that are generic with little explanation or detail (0–13)    20
Critical Thinking    Draws insightful conclusions that are thoroughly defended with evidence and examples (27–30)    Draws informed conclusions that are justified with evidence (24–26)    Draws logical conclusions (21–23)    Does not draw logical conclusions (0–20)    30
Writing
(Mechanics)    Initial post and responses are easily understood, clear, and concise using proper citation methods where applicable with no errors in citations (18–20)    Initial post and responses are easily understood using proper citation methods where applicable with few errors in citations (16–17)    Initial post and responses are understandable using proper citation methods where applicable with a number of errors in citations (14–15)    Initial post and responses are not understandable and do not use proper citation methods where applicable (0–13)    20
Earned Total
Comments:    100%

1
Using the Hoover’s or LexisNexis library databases, select an organization that you believe has executed optimal strategic moves to strengthen its generic strategy. Using concepts from Module Five, justify your selection of this organization. (Do not analyze the company you have already chosen for your final project or the case analysis assigned in this module).

Select an organization that no other class member has yet analyzed in your initial post. Post the organization’s name in the subject field of your initial post. Debate your classmates’ selections as optimal organizations for strategic moves.
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2
Chipotle Mexican Grill, the American Mexican food chain restaurant, opened its first restaurant in the United States in 1993. In 2010, Chipotle opened its first restaurant in the United Kingdom in London on Charing Cross. By late May 2013, the company had 6 restaurants in London, but they have not been doing well even though the British have taken a liking to Mexican food (Boyle, 2013). Why has this successful U.S. chain not seen the same success overseas?

If you were Chipotle’s CEO, how would you fix this situation? What is an alternative means of venturing outside of its domestic markets that may allow for a competitive advantage?

Then, pick a company (Home Depot) that has not yet expanded overseas, or if it has expanded, suggest a different strategy for entrance into an overseas market that you feel would be more strategic for the company. Research its rivals in the global marketplace and market conditions in the overseas market you are targeting. Justify your recommended entry strategy based on these industry and market conditions.
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3
Between the structures of “functional,” “product,” “geographic,” and “hybrid,” discuss the benefits of each. Research online and in other places to relate real-world examples.
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4
Discuss the values and pitfalls of forming a strategic alliance in a foreign nation, using an example.
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5
Organizations have a variety of reasons to diversify their business and many ways to diversify and retrench.

Review the products 3M offers (http://www.3m.com/) and the markets it serves. Select one or more 3M businesses and comment on their business diversification strategies using concepts from this module.