Discussion: This week\'s discussion exercise is on SCAs for various brands, defi
ID: 340323 • Letter: D
Question
Discussion:
This week's discussion exercise is on SCAs for various brands, defining synergy, strategic commitment, and the differences between strategic opportunism and strategic adaptability.
Please answer all questions associated with the discussion. Some are opinion-based and just require that you weigh in with your thoughts or perspective. Please be respectful of other students ideas and contributions.
1) What is a Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA)?
2) Identify SCAs for the following:
Nordstrom
P&G
Tide
Citibank
Explanation / Answer
Answer 1: Sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) for an organization are the various abilities, several types of attributes and resources, which are needed for them to sustain in the dynamic environment for longer term. These could be low cost provider, ability to increase price without losing anything in the market, powerful branding, more patents or copyright assets, involvement in R&D work, having product differentiation, adoption of product line, maintaining low debts, talented workforce.
Answer 2: The SCA for Nordstrom are - having top performing sales team, exceptional customer service, higher quality of the product and focus on continuous improvements.
The SCA for P&G are – good understanding of the consumer need, Innovative products and product line, powerful branding, go-to-market competences and higher productivity.
The SCA for Tide are – women targeted market, affordable pricing, a flagship brand from P&G, greater quality, market leader in detergent segment.
The SCA for Citibank are - global presence, banking operations in various segments such as financial trading, insurance, assets and wealth management, implementation of IT strategy , strong communication systems, and works on core e-business strategy, deeper reach to customers and web enabled features with various products to provide integrated solutions.