Capstone-7160

Much of the success of a firm is made through innovation and maintaining an edge in the marketplace whether by product, service, cost, etc. which requires continuous improvement. One thing all companies must consider is a strategy. While having an initial strategy is critical to success, it is also important to periodically review and possibly identify alternate strategies that are best for the company. One of the more popular tools used is a SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) analysis. A SWOT analysis can be helpful to identify internal and external factors that may affect the current strategy of a business. Better understanding the internal factors allows for leveraging strengths and improving in areas of weakness. Conversely, external factors must also be considered to identify areas of opportunity but also be aware of any potential threats. A SWOT is only one of the many tools available to identify and develop a strategy. While it is useful in planning and high level...

Adobe has pursued multiple alternative strategies in order to remain a software giant over the past few decades. The text mentions that “organizations cannot excel in too many things because resources and talents get spread thin and competitors gain advantage.” This holds true even for a large firm like Adobe. They have taken advantage of horizontal integration by acquiring companies like Macromedia, retrenchment by reducing staff during the recession of 2008, but more importantly, Adobe has focused on product development. Having your name or one of your products being used as a verb is a pretty good indicator that you have something significant to offer like when referring to modifying a picture, you just say, “Photoshop” it. The continued advancement of Adobe’s suite of products including Photoshop, is impressive but what’s even more impressive is the how these products are now offered. For years Adobe’s products were sold as standalone, packaged goods. In October 2011, Adobe ann...

Opposite to the previously covered topic, an internal assessment looks at topics that affect a firm from within. This could be strengths or weaknesses and just like external factors, these internal factors can change quite quickly so it's important to review regularly. Working together internally can also improve morale and productivity because different departments and groups can align on direction and obtain a better understanding of different aspects of the firm. Strengths that position a firm to maintain a competitive advantage are distinctive competencies. Continuous improvement is an important aspect of any company to leverage strengths but also to improve on identified weaknesses to further improve their distinctive competencies thereby bolstering competitive advantage. This process can be quite elaborate and require input and effective coordination from numerous departments but is key to organizational success. Adobe has taken the internal assessment process and continued t...

There are 5 key external forces that can be used to identify  opportunities and threats for a firm. An objective external audit can appropriately identify and categorize these for a firm so that they know what approach to take from an offensive or defensive stance to remain competitive. Specific to Adobe, these key external forces are outlined below.  Economic factors Many of Adobe’s services are provided by either one-time sales or subscriptions so economic variation such as inflation could be a risk to sales and subscriptions. Fortunately for Adobe, they are a very large contender in the market and appeal not only to individual consumers but businesses as well. Social, cultural, demographic, and natural environment forces These factors have recently become more persuasive and come with a lot of momentum. Adobe continues to contribute to sustainability efforts by operating more efficiently as a company and offering products to customers that “help to reduce waste an...