Successful Management

The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts, either the instructor\’s response to one of your posts, or posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Friday of each week. Two additional responses are required, each on different days, after Friday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often – at a minimum of three (3) different days each week, as this promotes learning and is an important factor in grading for the Discussion Board assignment.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Assignment Details

This DB has three parts.
A common tool used in strategic planning is the S.W.O.T. analysis. Pick a company you are familiar with and complete a SWOT analysis for it describing 5 each of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
How can a SWOT analysis help a company develop a strategic plan that will be successful?
Describe the four functions of management. What role do these play in the strategic decision making process?
In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Introduction

            Nike Inc. is a multinational company that specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing and sale of apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories (Ozanian, 2014). It is the world-leading supplier of apparel and athletic shoes.

SWOT Analysis             SWOT analysis of Nike Inc. will involve evaluation of its Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat. The company has several major strengths that gives it a competitive advantage. To start with, the company is a globally recognized brand. Major consumers are aware of Nike products especially the youths because the company is…