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Learning Activity 1

 

In the readings for this week it was mentioned that each of us live fairly close to a McDonald’s, Subway, Chili’s, Applebee’s or Panera Bread Company. Each of these companies are always vying to maintain loyal customers and to take customers from one another.

 

Learning Activity

 

Choose two companies that are in direct competition with one another and determine which of the four generic business level strategies of (1) cost leadership, (2) differentiation, (3) focused cost leadership, and (4) focused differentiation the companies is demonstrating.  Give examples that demonstrate that the company is utilizing the chosen strategy.  Explain why the chosen strategy for each company is giving them a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other company.

 

Learning Activity 2

 

In the reading for this week you learned how the Boston Consulting Group (BSG) analysis identifies particular divisions that should receive fewer resources than others. It may also identify some divisions that may not have a favorable future.  This learning activity will give you practice in developing a BCG matrix.

 

Instructions

 

Step 1 – Place the following five columns at the top of a spreadsheet: Divisions, revenues, Profits, Relative Market Position, and Industry Growth Rate.  Down the far left of your page, list Disney’s Geographic divisions (see segments below). This is an internal assessment. You do not need to access any financial data other than what is presented below to complete this activity.  The purpose is to compare the units within Disney. Fill in the table by utilizing the information below:

 

 

 The chart below represents Disney Operating Revenue and Income.

Disney Corporation – Revenue and Operating Income by Segment
				2010 vs.	2009 vs
(in Millions)	2010	2009	2008	2009	2008
Revenues
Media Networks	$          17,162	$           16,209	$        15,857	6%	2%
Parks & Resorts	10,761	10,667	11,504	1%	-7%
Studio Entertainment	6,701	6,136	7,348	9%	-16%
Consumer Products	2,678	2,425	2,415	10%
Interactive Media	761	712	719	7%	-1%
Total Consolidated Revenues	$          38,063	$           30,649	$        37,843	5%	-4%
Segment operating Income
Media Networks	$            5,132	$              4,765	$          4,981	8%	-4%
Parks & Resorts	1,318	1,418	1,897	-7%	-25%
Studio Entertainment	693	175	1,086	296%	-84%
Consumer Products	677	609	778	11%	-22%
Interactive Media	(234)	(295)	(258)	21%	-14%
Total Consolidated Income	$            7,586	$              6,672	$          8,484	14%	-21%
Source: Walt Disney Company, Annual Report (2010)

 

Step 2 – Complete BCG matrix for Disney (Refer to this week’s readings for guidance)

Step 3 – Provide a brief summary of your findings.