What does the acronym SWOT stand for?

1. List and explain four criticisms of the strategic planning process, as discussed in the lecture. Which of the criticisms do you see as key for all organizations to overcome? Why?
2. List, explain, and provide examples from the assigned Company/Case -Bed Bath & Beyond -for five external variables that can shape an organization’s strategy. Through an example, explain why an external analysis must be performed.
3. What does the acronym SWOT stand for? Briefly discuss each element of the SWOT citing four examples for each, from the assigned Company/Case Bed Bath & Beyond-. Also explain how a SWOT analysis is conducted and when it is used.
4. “Key Success Factors (KSF’s) by their very nature are so important to future competitive success, that all firms in an industry must be competent at performing or achieving them; or risk becoming an industry also-ran.” List, explain, and provide examples for four of the KSF’s, as discussed in the text and in the lecture, and apply each to the assigned Company/Case Bed Bath & Beyond .
5. Explain the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Model in full detail. Using the Company/Case assigned- Bed Bath & Beyond, run this organization through this model, citing an example for each component of the BCG.
6. Comment with your agreement or disagreement (and why) on the following quote; include in your answer a discussion of what the CEO’s role should be in setting ethical standards and in enforcing ethical behavior: “Value statements serve as a cornerstone for culture building; a code of ethics serves as a cornerstone for developing a corporate conscience.” List three specific actions from the Company/Case assigned- that demonstrate (or do not demonstrate) Ethical Behavior/Standards. Bed Bath & Beyond
7. Explain the GE Model in full detail. Using the Company/Case assigned Bed Bath & Beyond -, run this organization through this model, citing an example for each component of the GE Model.
8. Explain the Product Lifecycle in full detail and provide examples from the Company/Case assigned Bed Bath & Beyond – for each stage of the Product Lifecycle.
9. Discuss the relationship between “Best Practices” and “Benchmarking,” further discuss how organizations can strategically utilize both. Include in your discussion two different examples from the Company/Case assigned Bed Bath & Beyond, in regards to how these concepts could be used