There are two parts to this homework assignment, a PEST analysis and a SWOT analysis. Both of these assignments will be added as appendices to your capstone project.
PEST Analysis
For this part of the assignment you will need to go to the 
. Using the organization that you are going to do your capstone project on, complete and upload the PEST analysis into the dropbox for unit 2. Each section in the PEST template has over 10 factors. Choose ONLY FOUR factors from each list for inclusion in your PEST (so 16 factors total- four from each category), and be sure to explain why you chose these factors.
SWOT Analysis
For this part of the assignment you will need to go to the .
Assignment
Chapters 1 & 2
Some textbooks and training on project management begin by explaining the specifics of project management, its processes, and the benefits. They then get into the mechanics of using project management software, the reporting structure, and reporting outcomes. While this is certainly one way to address this topic, in Chapters 1 and 2 of our textbook, Kerzner emphasized that understanding project management is not solely about using the right widgets or taking the right steps. Instead, project management is a holistic approach of using best practices for the success and survivability of an organization. All employees are actually project managers to some degree and are expected to make business as well as project decisions (Kerzner, 2014, p. 14).
Every organization is unique and while project management offers tools and processes based on past successes and best practices, defining success is an individual process base
Exercise Assignment #2
- Identify an example of a company that competes on one of the competitive priorities discussed in the chapter (e.g. consider companies you have read about, that are in this book; it could even be a company you shopped at on your way home or have worked at).
- What is the companys product? What is the companys competitive priority?
- Identify specific aspects of the companys supply chain that enable the company to compete in this way (e.g. vertical integration or special relationship with suppliers or specialized technology).
- Zara is discussed in the Chapter opener. What is Zaras competitive priority? Give examples of how Zara ensures this strategy. Do you think this strategy will continue to be effective in the future? Why or why not?
Tip: It is okay to make assumptions about a company. As long as you are able to justify your decision base
In your own words, explain what the following terms mean to you as they apply to information security and safe computing: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Why are these factors so important to businesses? The response should be around 400 words and follow APA format.
The use of case study analysis gives you an opportunity to see project management in action. Case study analysis takes abstract methodologies and puts them into practice. In this assignment, you will analyze the case study that will be used for your final project: a program performance report.
Before you begin your case study analysis, review the Final Project Guidelines and Rubric to gain an understanding of what is expected of you as you work toward your final goal in this course. Post any questions you have to the General Questions discussion topic.
Then, read the case study . You will be working with this case study throughout the course, so take the time to familiarize yourself with it. Focus on the important facts and key issues. Use the following guiding questions to focus your reading and assist in writing your overview:
- What is/are the defining objective(s) identified in the case study?
- W
After reading chapter-7 and chapter-8 from the attached text book, type a two page paper regarding what you thought was the most important concept(s), method(s), term(s), and/or any other thing that you felt was worthy of your understanding.
Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts discussed this week in preparation for completion of this assignment: organizational structure, organizational culture, inertia, Holacracy, PESTEL model.
Create a 700 to 1,050-word entry in your strategic management research journal (APA paper). You will use information from this entry in your presentation due in Week 5. Respond to the following prompts in your journal entry:
- Assess whether Caterpillar Inc. is using the appropriate measures to verify its strategic effectiveness.
- Summarize Caterpillar Inc.s organizational structure.
- Determine whether Caterpillar Inc.s organizational structure is considered a traditional organizational structure or a Holacracy.
- Detail why it is important for Caterpillar Inc. leadership to study and understand the companys internal and externa
Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts discussed this week in preparation for completion of this assignment: market capitalization, economic value created, sustainable strategy, business-level strategy, differentiation strategy, strategy canvas.
Create a 700 to 1,050-word entry in your strategic management research journal. You will use information from this entry in your presentation due in Week 5. Respond to the following prompts in your journal entry:
- Describe the role of strategic planning in achieving a competitive advantage.
- Assess Caterpillar Inc. to determine whether their top focus is accounting profitability, shareholder value creation, or economic value creation.
- Assess whether Caterpillar Inc. leverages the appropriate value and cost drivers for their business strategy.
- Analy
Case 2: The Wallace Group
Conduct a strategic analysis using the Executive Summary template. Prepare and submit a three-page executive summary that discusses what strategic alternatives are available and provide a recommended strategy.
You are to work alone to analyze and prepare the Executive Summary for the case. NOTE: Click "Submit Assignment" in the upper right-hand corner of your screen to turn in your Executive Summary no later than Sunday, midnight CT. Name your file with your name and the unit number, i.e. Jones1 or Brown1. Your file should be in either Microsoft word (.doc or .docx) or rich text (.rtf) format.
The following information will be required for the Executive Summary. 
and the 
500 words - Pick one of the following terms for your research: coercive forces, institutional environment, interorganizational relationships, joint venture, legitimacy, niche, organizational ecosystem, retention, strategic alliance, or trade association.
500 words - Read and complete the questions at the end of the case study.
500 words - Pick one of the following terms for your research: Morals, principles, values, corporate social responsibility, or ethical culture.
