Case Samsung

Each group will submit written case analysis reports on the assigned cases as well as a presentation in support of each case analysis. These reports will be graded based on the quality and extent to which you answer all of the assigned questions. Recommended format is a memorandum format and to list the assigned questions prior to providing the answer for each.

Case analysis format:

• Double spaced
• Single sided
• Maximum 7 pages for the memo, and maximum 7 additional pages for original exhibits

You must reference all exhibits used in the text of the memo. Do not attach exhibits from the case. You may refer to them in your memo, but they do not need to be attached.

Presentations should cover the following:

• Provide executive summary
• Response to questions assigned for the case analysis
• Avoid using significant presentation time to provide history/facts of the case. Time should be spent on analysis. Assume your audience is familiar with the case.

Case Assignment 2: Samsung Electronics

Due: Wed 3/9 by 10pm on Carmen (electronic version); Thu 3/10 in class (hard copy for both case and presentation)

Case questions:

• How attractive is Samsung’s primary (core) industry? Conduct an external analysis. Use Porter’s 5 forces as part of your analysis. (10 points)
• Does Samsung have a sustainable competitive advantage? Conduct an internal analysis. Use the value chain and Barney’s 4 questions (VRIO) as part of your analysis.  (25 points)
• What kind of advantage are the Chinese Entrants seeking? How close are they to achieving that advantage? Can Samsung’s Low-Cost advantage withstand the Chinese Threat? Should Samsung retreat from the low-end and mass-market product lines?(15 points)
• What is Samsung’s business level strategy in its primary (core) industry (Argument and present evidence)? List out the relevant value drivers and cost drivers in this industry. Then, determine how Samsung tries to “widen the wedge”. Justify your answer by calculating Samsung’s cost advantage and/or price premium relative to its competitors. How effective is Samsung in implementing its business strategy? How could Samsung further widen its wedge? (40 points)

***        PLEASE PROVIDE BOTH TANGIBLE, AND LOCGICAL, SUPPORT FOR YOUR ANSWERS (YOU SHOULD INCLUDE YOUR BEST EFFORT AT BOTH QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS TO DEFEND YOUR POSITION. LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO USE THE THEORY/MATERIAL COVERED IN THE LECTURE)