This document analyzes Dell's business strategies, including its strengths, weaknesses, core competencies, resources, general environment influences, competition forces, threats, and opportunities. It discusses how Dell has addressed issues like substitute products and rivalry through innovation and legal actions. The document also examines Dell's mission to be the most successful IT company through quality/low cost products, and its vision to provide the best customer experience. Finally, it analyzes how Dell's stakeholders like suppliers, consumers, and employees influence its performance and supply chain.

1. Running Head: WEEK 6 ASSIGNMENT 2
WEEK 6 ASSIGNMENT 2
ASSIGNMENT 2
ASSIGNMENT 2
Introduction
Dell is one of the popular corporations in the industry of
electronics. It provides a variety of consumer electronics such
as laptops, cell phones, computers as well as music devices.
This paper is going to address Dell`s strengths and weaknesses,
determine Dell`s core competencies, core capabilities, and
resources, discuss the segments of general environment that
influence the corporation, discuss the most significant forces of
competition and identify greatest external threats and
opportunities of Dell.

2. General Environment
The political segment influences Dell in that it governs the
relations of the company with its consumers, employees,
investors, competitors, and partners. This segment specifically
deals with legal laws and issues that may be faced by a company
in the process of doing business. Taxation laws, anti-laws, labor
training laws, educational philosophies, deregulation
philosophies, and policies are the main elements of the political
segment. Anti-trust laws are laws set forth to protect consumers
and certain individuals from businesses who carry out predatory
business practices. Preservation of free and unfettered
competition as indicated by the Federal Trade Commission is a
rule of trade (Federal Trade Commission, 2016). It is vital for
the electronic industry, like Dell to avoid violating antitrust
laws.
The technological segment has the highest influence on Dell.
Product innovation is the most important element of the
technological segment. This is because for a company to
compete with its rivals, it is important for it to create innovated
products. When a company is competing in an industry related
to technology, it must have innovated products since consumers
are always willing and able to spend their money on what the
best gives them. When consumers are not willing to spend on
products the company gets a loss of revenue as well as a greater
loss percentage of market shares.
Two Forces of Competition
· The threat of substitute products
Dell has offered similar products and services with the
Microsoft Corporation. Both of these companies offer products
such as web browsers, handheld computers, and operating
systems. For instance, consumers are offered with tablets by the
Microsoft Corporation while on the other hand, Dell offers
iPads. These two devices perform the same function but offer
clients with other services which are not included in the
rivalry`s product. Price is the common dimension in which the
Microsoft Corporation rivalry is based. Most of Dell`s products

3. are very expensive. As a result, most consumers have moved to
Microsoft Corporation`s products. For example, one can buy a
Microsoft operating system computer for around $ 800 to $ 900.
Whereas, it has been found that the average price for Dell`s
operating system and computer ranges between $1,300 to
$2,100.
· Rivalry among competing firms
Many existing companies have competed with Dell by offering
substitute products. This has led to widening rivalry. Needless
to say, consumers go for the cheaper products that share the
same similarities with Dell products. For example, if a customer
wants to purchase a touch screen phone which is similar to an
iPhone, he/she can get it from Wal-Mart at a price of as little
$90 bucks. If the consumer wants something with similar
characteristics, he/she can buy a tablet. Evaluation
Dell has addressed the issue of substitute products by providing
consumers with a more robust operating system. This system
has more security services than the operating system of
Windows. Dell has also put more innovations on their products
for their clients to get more bangs. Dell has dealt with rivalry
from its competitors by taking legal actions against them with
an attempt of collecting some of its loss damages and revenue.
It has also had a history of filing lawsuits against its
competitors when they try to provide similar services and
products as Dell.
Future Improvements
To deal with rivalry, Dell can choose to lower its products and
services price. It can also choose to create better products and
services. Lowering the prices of its services and products will
be a good strategy. Dell has the opportunity of forming
partnerships with small companies and organizations to create
substitute products. This will prevent major companies from
getting a chance to substitute Dell`s new products. Dell can also
strategize on making new innovated products which are cheaper
right from the beginning (Hitt et al., 2012)
External Threats and Opportunities

4. Competitor mergers and acquisition of other competing
companies is the greatest external and serious threat affecting
Dell. In the assessment of Dell`s opportunities, the greatest
opportunity for Dell has arisen from its cell phones. Every
individual needs a cell phone to communicate and almost
everyone has one.
Threats and Opportunities Strategies
Dell should legally block competitor companies from merging
to curb this external threat. It can also interrupt acquisitions by
placing higher bids than its competitors. This will be a better
deal in terms of the buyout. It can use terms like retention of
own shares for the original company founders. Dell should
address the opportunity of the cell phones by providing cell
phones which are easier to operate than other existing
smartphones.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Creation of innovated products is the greatest strength for Dell.
The most innovated product for the company is the iPhone.
When it was first introduced in the market in never required a
pointing pen as other smartphones did. Instead, clients used
their thumbs as the pointing device. The iPhone contained a
Graphical User Interface (GUI) and had an operating system
that resembled that of a laptop. Product pricing is one of the
greatest weaknesses of Dell Corporation. Most of Dell`s
products are expensive as compared to the other companies.
Strengths and weaknesses strategies
To maximize the strength of creating innovated products, the
company should promote innovation to its workers and
encourage them to come up with new ideas. To complete this
weakness of product pricing, Dell should decrease the expenses
and costs in making their goods and deliver the savings to its
clients by reducing the products` prices (Yunker, 2002).
Resources, Capabilities, and Core Competencies
One of the resources of Dell is its name together with its
reputation in the creation of innovated products. These

5. resources cannot be purchased with cash. Dell has the capability
of creating products in big quantities. It also has enough capital
to spend on developing new products and research. Dell is also
able to create products outside the industry of computers. The
company has also revealed its ability to tap revenue from both
the cell phone industry and the music industry. The core
competencies for Dell are its development and research
activities. It spends much money on the development and
research of new products. It has a high level of knowledge and
competence in networking, computer, and communication.
References
Federal Trade Commission, (2016). Guide to Antitrust laws/The
Antitrust Laws. Washington, D.C. Retrieved from
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-
antitrust-laws/antitrust-laws
Hitt, Michael A., R. Ireland, Robert Hoskisson (2012) Strategic
Management: Concepts and Cases: Competitiveness and
Globalization, 10e, 10th Edition. Cengage Learning, 01/2012.
VitalSource Bookshelf Online. Retrieved from course text.
Yunker, J. (2002). Beyond borders: Web globalization
strategies. New Riders.
6
Running head: WEEK 3 ASSIGNMENT 1
1
WEEK 3 ASSIGMENT 1
5
Week 3 Assignment 1
Week 3 Assignment 1

6. Introduction
Dell, a US-based global public corporation engages in
designing, creating and marketing a variety of user computing
devices such as desktop PCs, tablets and notebooks. It is also
involved in customizing products and support services to the
clients. The effect of technological support and globalization
will be discussed in this paper. This paper will also discuss how
the resource-based model and the industrial organization model
are applied in Dell in the determination of potential benefits.
This paper will also analyze the role of Dell`s mission, vision,
and stakeholder in the determination of the success of this
corporation.
Globalization
As a result of globalization, Dell has faced very stiff
competition in retaining and attracting customers in a good way
which has convinced it to change the strategies of its business.
It has expanded its operations globally as a way of reducing
competition. It has started to supply its products throughout the
globe and as a result of global operations; it has also been faced
by a different cultural, social, political, economic and legal
environment that has convinced it to change its business
structure and policy. Considering the business environment,
Dell has revised the policies of its business. Globalization at the
same time has given Dell an opportunity of making itself
present in other markets (Noe et al., 2006). As a result, it has
attained a valuable share in the market in emerging economies
like China and India. This global era has resulted in changes in
the consumer buying behavior in this industry. As a result, Dell
has required a competent and effective support system and as a
way of responding to this change, Dell has altered its strategy
by creating several retail stores around the globe.
Technology

7. Changes in technology such as online selling, the e-commerce
emergence and other internet equipment have provided immense
opportunities as well as changing the business model of Dell. It
has resulted in the development of Internet-based supply chain
models which has enabled it to make direct sales. Dell utilized
and integrated this technological change in co-coordinating
suppliers and making build-to-order. Technological change has
also resulted in the modification of Dell`s communication
techniques which is used in interacting with suppliers,
employees, and clients. Dell has largely used the internet in
responding to the impact of technological changes. In this way,
technological changes have greatly impacted the strategies and
operations of Dell`s business accordingly.
Industrial-Based Model
The industrial based model gives an explanation that the firm`s
strategic choice is greatly affected by the external environment.
This model analyzes the competitive environment and the
general industry that influence the strategic operations and
choices of business accordingly. The general environment`s
analysis involves the investigation of the economic, socio-
culture, demographic, political and legal factors that would be
important in the provision of knowledge to Dell regarding
changes that would lead to the creation of opportunities and
which would threaten its operations (Hitt & Ireland, 2008).
Through the analysis of the computing device industry`s
environment, Dell will be able to create awareness regarding
new entrants, rivalry level, substitute products and the
bargaining force of suppliers and buyers. Competitor analysis
will help Dell in the examination of strategies, objectives,
capabilities, and assumptions of its known competitors such as
Samsung IBM and Apple. Knowledge about opportunities and
threats will be provided through this investigation which will be

8. beneficial in taking and developing informed strategies and
decisions accordingly. Therefore, this model will give an
effective floor to Dell for limiting threats and tapping
opportunities efficiently in comparison of competitors that will
assist in earning above-average returns.
Resource-Based Model
The resource-based model gives an explanation of the internal
surrounding of a business and to create awareness of their
capabilities and resources. This way, Dell will be made able to
know its strengths and weaknesses while at the same time
proceeding with investigations of the core competencies. This
knowledge will assist Dell in framing strategies that enable it in
supporting its strengths and in limiting its weaknesses. This
strategy formulation will provide an effective floor to Dell in
the determination of competitive advantage that would assist in
earning above-average returns.
Furthermore, this Resource-based model explains the means
through which Dell can dynamically manage capabilities and
resources to get above-average returns within computing device
industry. Therefore, this model assists Dell in the determination
of opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses and in the
development of informed strategies that can assist in achieving
high returns in less effort (Rosser & Rosser, 2004)
Vision
The Dell`s vision: “Our vision is not only to provide the best
client experience in our industry but also to be among the best
in any business”. This vision provides the direction that is
needed in selecting the best and relevant strategies. To be
ranked highly in this industry, Dell comes up with the culture of
continuous improvement that assists it in building competent
and diverse workforce throughout the world. This workforce

9. enables the Dell Company to provide a unique experience to
clients that assist it in making a global presence and in
increasing sales. In addition, Dell`s vision contributes to the
maintenance of utmost integrate values that assist it in the
development of leaders and bringing personal accountability
(Buckman, 2004). Through this, maximum opportunities are
explored from the e-commerce knowledge in comparison to
other corporations that assist Dell in grabbing big market share
in the industry.
Mission
The Dell`s mission: “Our mission is to be the most successful
IT systems company in the world by delivering the best
customer experience in all markets we serve” This mission
inspires Dell in the maximization of quality and minimization of
the cost of products and services that it provides in several
markets. The supply chain management strategy for Dell assists
the company in the articulation of its vision and mission
statements. This enables Dell to provide the highest quality in
fair price with leading technology. In addition, this Dell`s
mission assists the company in the integration of its operations
with client expectations that enable the company in the
expansion of its market globally.
Through this, Dell is enabled to meet the needs of global clients
and to globally expand its operations assisting it to become the
most successful company in the world. Dell`s mission enables it
to build a personal accountability culture that makes Dell
provide the best-customized services to its clients. Through
this, customer experience is also improved; sales and
profitability that contribute to success worldwide also increase.
Stakeholders
Dell`s stakeholders are divided into three main categories:

10. capital market stakeholder, product market stakeholder and
organizational stakeholder. Under the capital market
stakeholder, banks, creditors and other major suppliers provide
funds to Dell in support of its new business ventures and expect
good returns from them. Since Dell gives adequate returns to
them, they are persuaded to invest more money. As a result,
Dell is able to get adequate funds to finance its new ventures
(Baumann, 2010).
The product market shareholder group includes suppliers, host
communities, unions and primary consumers that influence Dell
performance. Dell`s consumers require reliable products and
Dell makes sure that through its efficient supply chain, the
expectations of this group are reached. The competent
relationship between Dell and its suppliers as a result of
technology is used by the firm in the development and delivery
of customized products in time and in fair prices (Christopher &
Towill, 2000). Under the organizational stakeholder group, both
the manager`s and the employee`s effort assist Dell in making
its supply chain more efficient in the provision of quality
products at low costs.
References
Noe, R., Hollenbeck, J., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. (2006).
Human Resources Management: Gaining a Competitive
Advantage, Tenth Global Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
Baumann, C. (2010). Analysis of the Website www.dell.com:
Corporate Web Communication
Buckman, R. H. (2004). Building a Knowledge-Driven
Organization.
Christopher, M. & Towill, D. R. (2000). Supply chain migration
from lean and functional to agile and customized, Supply Chain

11. Management: An International Journal, 5(4), 206-213. Dell
(2013). Annual Report.
Rosser, J.B. & Rosser, M. V. (2004). Comparative Economics in
a Transforming World Economy (2nd ed)
Hitt, M. A & Ireland, R. D. (2008). Competing for Advantage
1
3
Week 8 Assignment 3
Student Full Name
Date
Everything in Blue should be deleted
Due Week 8 and worth 150 points
Using the corporation you chose from Assignment 1, examine
its industry. Research the company on its own Website, the
public filings on the Securities and Exchange Commission
EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml), in the
University's online databases, and any other sources you can
find. The annual report will often provide insights that can help
address some of these questions.
NOTE: Be sure to read Chapters 1 – 10 in the course textbook
and complete the LEARN E-Activities for Weeks 1-8 as they set
the foundation to this assignment. Be sure to cite your sources!
Begin your paper on Page 2 and write a minimum of six (6)
pages (does not include Title or Source pages) in which you:
Week 8 Assignment 3

12. Write your brief introduction here: It should not be more than 1
good paragraph (about 5 complete sentences) to introduce the
reader to your topic and it should explain in detail what your
paper will be discussing. Much of your introduction may be
taken from the assignment itself (in your own words). Read the
scenario to get a feel for what the paper is about and explain
what your paper will be discussing – so be sure to review the
Assignment instructions AND Rubric for understanding.
Finally, please ask me any questions about this assignment.
Business-Level Strategies
Analyze the business-level strategies for the corporation you
chose to determine the business-level strategy you think is most
important to the long-term success of the firm and whether or
not you judge this to be a good choice (Note: in this step you
need to choose and write about only one (1) business-level
strategy from the text book (not Google). Justify your opinion.
For background, be sure to research and explain the industry in
which your selected corporation operates. You could also
briefly (1 – 2 sentences) define the business-level strategy (cite
your sources) you are writing about using the textbook/Learn,
as an introduction to your analysis. Read Chapter 4 in the
course textbook. Review the Week 4 Learn video/Lecture for
supporting content. In this section, you will want to research
and identify the core competencies of your chosen firm.
Demonstrate from your research how the firm uses its core
competencies to create and sell its products in the marketplace.
What actions & choices has the firm made to compete in
individual product markets? Hint: “Every firm must form and
use a business-level strategy.” (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson,
2013, pp. 102). Review Chapters 4-9 for specifics on the
business-level strategies.
Corporate-Level Strategies
Analyze the corporate-level strategies for the corporation you
chose to determine the corporate-level strategy you think is

13. most important to the long-term success of the firm and whether
or not you judge this to be a good choice (Note: in this step you
need to choose and write about only one (1) corporate-level
strategy from the text book (not Google). Justify your opinion.
You should briefly define (1 – 2 sentences) corporate-level
strategy based upon the textbook/lectures (cite your sources) as
part of your analysis. Read Chapter 6 in the course textbook.
Review the Week 6 Learn video/Lecture for supporting content.
Competitive Environment
Analyze the competitive environment to determine the
corporation's most significant competitor (this will require
research/cite your sources). Compare their strategies at each
level (market commonality, resource similarity, competitive
behavior, and competitive dynamics/actions/responses) and
evaluate which company you think is most likely to be
successful in the long term. Justify your choice. Hint: read
Chapter 5 in the course textbook as it provides a solid
background and clues on this model that apply to this section.
Review the Week 4 Learn video Lecture for supporting content
(cite your sources).
Market Cycles
Determine whether your choice from Question 3 (Competitive
Environment section above) would differ in slow-cycle and fast-
cycle markets. It would be a good idea to briefly (1 – 2
sentences) explain what the slow-cycle and fast-cycle markets
are from the textbook (cite your sources) as a short introduction
to your determination. Hint: read Chapter 5 in the course
textbook with a special focus on the Competitive Dynamics
section. Review the Week 4 Learn video Lecture for supporting
content (cite your sources).
Sources
Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2013). Strategic
management: Concepts and cases: Competiveness and
globalization (10th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage

14. Learning.
Use at least three (3) quality references, one of which should be
the course textbook.
Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic
resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
List your reference here in APA format. The reference page
must include all of the references you used, listed in proper
APA format. All references listed here must be used (cited) in
your paper. After deleting the blue fonts in this template, make
sure your original writing is turned to a black font.
APA formatting:
http://www.easybib.com/guides/students/writing-guide/iv-
write/a-formatting/apa-paper-formatting/
Note: You will be graded on the quality of your answers, the
logic/organization of the report, your language skills, and your
writing skills.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are:
· Identify how the six segments of the general environment
affect an industry and its firms.
· Identify the five forces of competition.
· Analyze the external environment for opportunities and threats
that impact the firm.
· Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths
and weaknesses that impact the firm's competitiveness.
· Use technology and information resources to research issues in
business administration.
· Write clearly and concisely about business administration
using proper writing mechanics.