Describe why innovation is necessary for a company to remain competitive in a global economy? Identify what about these two examples was innovative for the company and/or the industry?

Chapter 15 of your text identified several elements shared by innovative organizations. Fast Company has identified some of the most innovative companies in the world.

The top 10 most innovative companies by category. (2018). Fast Company, (223), 90–103.

Using the Fast Company article as well as the material from Chapter 15 of the text, address the following in your response:

Define ‘innovation” in your own words.
Describe why innovation is necessary for a company to remain competitive in a global Economy.
Review the Fast Company article regarding the top innovative companies.
From the article, choose two examples of innovation to share with your classmates.
Identify what about these two examples was innovative for the company and/or the industry.

What is your overall assessment of the competitive intensity of the cloud computing industry? What is IBM’s competitive position in the Cloud Computing Industry?

Review the article uploaded in Blackboard titled, “IBM to Spin Off Services Unit to Accelerate Cloud-Computing Pivot”, do additional research and answer questions listed below. Your report must be prepared according to this format:

Introduction/Context (write about one page summarizing the case; include the context, that is why is this case written and what are the learning points)

Conclusion (write no more than one page of your conclusions and observations)

Use list (bullets), graphs, charts, tables, etc. to make your report more effective. Be sure to use data available in the Case supplemented with additional research.

Questions

1. What is your overall assessment of the competitive intensity of the cloud computing industry? Use Porter’s Five Force Model to assess the competition. Be sure to discuss each force completely with specifics and data.

2. From IBM’s perspective, why is the Cloud Computing an attractiveness industry? Use Industry Attractiveness matrix to assess, be sure to include supporting data from the article and any additional research.

3. What is IBM’s competitive position in the Cloud Computing Industry? Using Weeks 2 and 3 class material, first identify critical success factors and then assess IBM’s position, that is, create a Competitive Positioning Matrix.

4. Develop pros and cons of 2 strategic options for IBM: 1) continue as is; 2) create a new company as discussed in the article. Your response must be supported with data and evidence

(for specific instructions, see attached file “Assignment 2 -IBM with instructions”)

Identify significant personal standards or principles you hold and discuss how they guide, limit, or circumscribe your stated vision, mission, and goal plan?

 

 Assess personal value in light of professional goals.

In the same way that an organization performs with greater intention and Cohesiveness when its employees and stakeholders are all working with a communal sense of purpose toward a shared goal, you will be able to better and more successfully shape your future when you have a clear idea of who you are, the value you offer, and what you ultimately want to achieve.

Your personal vision provides the framework for your goals by reflecting your aspirations for the individual you hope to become.

And more concretely, your personal mission defines the areas in the industry where you intend to compete and the customers you intend to serve.

Together, your vision and mission statements offer a foundational identity, defining who you intend to serve and in what capacity (your mission), and how those elements will help you shape your intended future (your vision).

Based on what you have read in the study materials, develop your own personal vision and mission statements from the perspective of yourself as a business professional, supported by a goal plan that will enable you to achieve your vision in the next 5 to 10 years.

Define your personal vision and mission statements.

List a minimum of five SMART goals you will need to achieve to reach your vision and describe how these relate to your overall personal strategy.

Identify significant personal standards or principles you hold and discuss how they guide, limit, or circumscribe your stated vision, mission, and goal plan.

What do you need to do (or keep doing) to ensure that you reach your vision and achieve your mission?

How will you monitor and modify your plan to measure success in achieving your outlined goals?

How do the vision, mission, and values you have outlined create a competitive advantage for yourself in the job market?

How would the leader of a business organization use these same elements to create competitive advantage in the industry?

How is the process of setting, measuring, and modifying your personal vision, mission, and goal plan different from that required by the leader of a small company?

How does this process differ from that required by the leader of a large corporation?