Value-Added Chain and Diversification
Research the firm’s value chain and its diversification strategies. Look for opportunities to improve competitive advantage and ROIC through vertical integration or outsourcing. Research the levels and types (related versus unrelated) of product diversification in their product lines or services. Look for strategic rationale in building the “portfolio” – what capabilities and competencies are being leveraged and how? Also, look for vehicles of diversification –acquisitions and mergers, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and partnerships that are associated with vertical and horizontal integration. This discussion should differ from last week’s vehicles of diversification section, which focused on using vehicles for regional expansion.
Analyze the information in the context of diversification strategy frameworks presented in the readings.
Based on an understanding of the firm’s competitive advantage, what is being leveraged vertically and horizontally, and how is diversification of the firm shaping its competitive advantage? How is it shaping the firm’s ROIC in the short run versus the long run (i.e., over time)? Again, attempt to find changes to this metric in correspondence with these types of decisions being made within the company.
Report your findings as a description of the firm’s Value Chain and Diversification strategy. Include critical analysis of the observed strategy, including the rationale for outsourcing. Can strategy alternatives be used, in related or unrelated industries, that better fit the company’s environment? Is there diversification opportunities that require capabilities investments not yet considered?
