Week 2 Discussion

Defining Your Playing Field

The first step of the strategic development process is to determine the Where to Play choice that will then help you identify the segment of the market you are targeting and the competitors you will face.

• Review the and specify the company (and specific division or product if your company is large and diverse) you will use for Assignments 1, 2, and 3. Provide a brief description of the company and the overall market in which they operate.
• How would you define the Playing Field for this business? This should include focused parameters such as the market, segment, product, service, geography, and price where you will choose to compete. Narrow down the market to a particular segment based on customer and/or geography, and the company based on product or price.
• Using the guidance from Martin’s article on Porter’s Five Forces, as well as Chapters 2 and 3 from Sherman, what predictions do you have about the profitability of this Playing Field? Support your assessment by discussing each of Porter’s forces as they relate to your company.

Post your initial response by Wednesday, midnight of your time zone, and reply to at least 2 of your classmates’ initial posts by Sunday, midnight of your time zone.