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Satisfactory Essays

Pfizer and the Challenges of the Global Pharmaceutical Industry

Overview and Objectives

The Pfizer case provides an introduction to external analysis. The case highlights the pharmaceutical industry, which has enjoyed extraordinary long-run profitability. The case also demonstrates how broad changes in broad environmental factors (i.e. demographics, technology, culture, etc.) have an impact on industry competition. The case is not especially complex, so it is not overwhelming as a first case.

Study and Discussion Questions

1. Why has the pharmaceutical industry been so successful historically?
2. What is your assessment of the pharmaceutical industry at the time of the case? How is competition changing? What factors are driving …show more content…

JetBlue Airways: Managing Growth

The JetBlue case gives students the opportunity to apply concepts in cost leadership. At the time of the case, JetBlue has enjoyed a meteoric rise to success in the airline industry by coupling a low-cost strategy while giving customers the sense that they are actually providing better features to their service (e.g. leather seats, satellite TV).

Study and Preparation Questions:
1. What is your assessment of the attractiveness of the airline industry?
2. Choose two routes that JetBlue flies. (Compare their fares versus competitors that fly the same route.) Internet sites such as Expedia or Orbitz should make this go quickly.
3. Do a thorough analysis of the costs of JetBlue and its competitors. How does JetBlue compare to its leading competitors on costs? What factors drive cost differences in the industry?
4. What is your assessment of the E190 decision?
5. What recommendations would you make to JetBlue on how to allocate their aircraft purchases between the E190 and the A320? Defend your recommendations.
6. What lessons can we draw from this case about the challenges of pursuing a cost leadership strategy?

Nucor in 2010

Nucor is a classic case in how a firm can develop sustainable competitive advantages through resources that fit the VRIO criteria. It is worth noting that Nucor has achieved this in an industry that few would describe as attractive.

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