Assignment 1: Discussion Question
Sustainable competitive advantage is the holy grail of corporate strategy but it is elusive.
Using all you have learned to date about Harley-Davidson analyze whether or not Harley-Davidson has a source ofsustainable competitive advantage. Defend your answer using examples from your readings the annual report and other sources.
300WORDS
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Part 2
Assignment 2: Harley-Davidson: External and Internal Analysis
Instructions for this assignment: Perform all of the elements listed below.
This assignment has you complete two parts of a strategic business plan. To see how those parts fit into a full business plan clickherefor astrategic business plan outline.
Part I Analysis of the External Environment
As part of the Strategic Business Plan you have been asked to:
This section should be titled The Analysis of H-D’s External Environment.
Part II Internal Environment Analysis
Financial
Gather the financial information necessary to do a complete ratio analysis and the Balance Score Card (BSC) key metrics information.
If you were going to create a BSC what would be the key metrics you would measure in each of the four BSC areas:
Perform a ratio analysis using H-D’s five-year financial performance. Interpret the meaning of the ratios and financial performance.
This section should be titled The Analysis of H-D’s Current Strategy: Two Views. Be sure to include the ratio analysis. You may also include other graphics to support your narrative.
Competitors
Based on your analysis you must decide which two competitors present the biggest competitive threat to H-D.
Perform a financial ratio analysis for the competitors after looking at trends in financial performance over five years and compare the trends to industry averages.
Be sure you have a clear ranking of the industries’ competitors.
This section should be titled Competitor Analysis. Be sure to include the financial ratio analysis. You may also include other graphics to support your narrative.This assignment should be 4 to 8 pages in length.