External Environment, Power/Weakness, and Decision Models

Introduction

Evaluating the external environment is crucial for any organization to develop and implement an effective strategy. Understanding the external environment helps organizations identify potential opportunities and threats that may impact their business. This discussion will cover the process of evaluating the external environment, key sources of power or weaknesses, and decision models that impact strategy development.

Process: Evaluating the External Environment

The process of evaluating the external environment involves analyzing various external factors that can influence an organization's business operations. According to Gamble (2019), the process involves conducting a comprehensive analysis of the general environment, industry environment, and competitor environment.

Thus, one common tool is the PESTEL analysis, which stands for Political, Economic, Sociocultural, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors. The PESTEL analysis helps organizations identify the key trends and changes in the general environment that may impact their operations.

The industry environment analysis typically involves using Porter's Five Forces model. This model helps organizations identify the level of competition within the industry and assess the attractiveness of the industry. Another key aspect of evaluating the external environment is analyzing the strategies and capabilities of direct competitors. This involves assessing their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). The SWOT analysis helps organizations identify areas where they can gain a competitive advantage and areas where they need to improve (Gamble, 2019).

Overall, the process of evaluating the external environment is crucial for developing an effective strategy. It helps organizations identify key trends and changes in the general environment, assess the level of competition within the industry, and evaluate the strategies and capabilities of competitors. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of the external environment, organizations can develop strategies that align with the external environment and maximize their chances of success.

Strategic Thinking: Discussion of a Key source of Power/Weakness

A key source of power or weakness that must be considered when evaluating the external environment is the competitive landscape. The competitive landscape refers to the various competitors in the industry and the nature of the competition. According to Porter's Five Forces Framework, there are five key forces that shape the competitive landscape: (1) the threat of new entrants, (2) the bargaining power of suppliers, (3) the bargaining power of buyers, (4) the threat of substitute products or services, and (5) the intensity of competitive rivalry. Understanding each of these forces is critical to developing a company's strategy.

For example, the threat of new entrants refers to the ease with which new competitors can enter the market. If the barriers to entry are low, then the threat of new entrants is high. This can be a weakness for existing companies because new competitors can disrupt the market and take market share. On the other hand, if the barriers to entry are high, then the threat of new entrants is low. This can be a source of power for existing companies because they have a competitive advantage that is difficult for new entrants to overcome.

Similarly, the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers can be sources...…organizations facing similar challenges.

Vrontis, D., & Pavlou, P. (2008). The external environment and its effect on strategic marketing

planning: a case study for McDonald's.Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development,3(3-4), 289-307. https://doi.org/10.1504/JIBED.2008.019163

Summary of Key Points:

This article examines the impact of external environmental factors on the strategic marketing planning of McDonalds, a multinational fast-food chain. The author discusses the key external factors such as political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental, and legal factors that have influenced the marketing strategies of McDonalds. The article provides insights into how organizations can adapt their marketing strategies to align with the external environment and enhance their competitiveness.

Evaluation of the Quality of the Publication:

The article is published in the International Journal of Business and Society, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research in the field of business and society. The article is well-researched and provides relevant insights into the impact of external environmental factors on marketing strategies. The research methodology used in the case study is appropriate and provides valuable insights.

Evaluation of the Quality of the Author(s):

Vrontis and Pavlou are professors at the School of Business in the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. They have published several research papers in international journals. Both have expertise in the field of marketing and have conducted research on various aspects of marketing, including consumer behavior, branding, and advertising.

Where this fits into the discussion:

This article provides valuable insights into the impact of external environmental factors on strategic marketing planning. It highlights the imprtance of aligning marketing strategies with the external environment and adapting to changes in…