Assignment 3: Business Unit Analysis Directions

Assignment 3 Lasa 1business Unit Analysisdirections Create A Feasibi

Create a Feasibility Study for Harley-Davidson using the following outline: Part I: Differentiation Strategies. The analysis of current strategy and competitor analysis you conducted last module impressed the senior vice president. She now needs you to delve into the brands and analyze them by conducting a business unit analysis and presenting your findings in a three-part PowerPoint presentation. Research the Harley-Davidson (H-D) Web site for each brand, and review the annual report for relevant details of the size, scope, target market, services and amenities, and other salient points of differentiation. Include these details in Part I of your PowerPoint presentation.

From the research and analysis of the business units, identify: a description of each brand or business unit that provides a clear picture of the brand and its place in the overall portfolio of Harley-Davidson; the target market of each brand; how the brands are alike and how they differ; a preliminary analysis of any gaps that exist in the portfolio that might lead to opportunities to add to the brands; and your analysis of possible merger, acquisition, or joint venture possibilities and what would be achieved or accomplished through these strategies.

Part II: SWOT Analysis. Perform a SWOT analysis for Harley-Davidson and include this information in Part II of your PowerPoint. Based on internal analyses of the SWOT, assess the functional areas, resources, capabilities, and strengths H-D possesses. Cover the following areas: Marketing (new product development, integrated marketing planning, marketing communications, customer loyalty), Operations (quality, service, consistent execution), Human Resources (hiring, training, talent development, performance planning, HR ethics), Executive Leadership (industry knowledge, vision, strategy execution), Supply Chain Optimization (strategic sourcing, vendor management, integrated information systems, joint forecasting), Corporate Responsibility and Ethics (corporate citizenship, environmental concerns, ethical hiring practices), Safety and Quality (industry safety standards, quality control). Present any potential ethical concerns.

Part III: Growth and Profitability Strategies. The executive board is interested in your ideas about bold strategies for the future that contribute to growth and profitability. Consider strategies such as vertical integration, strategic alliances, internal growth into new geographic markets, and acquisitions. Analyze whether H-D is competing in the right businesses given external opportunities and threats, and suggest how to realign diversification for competitive advantage. Assess if H-D is managing its portfolio to create synergy among businesses or if additional diversification is needed.

Create a comprehensive list of possible strategies, rank them from best to worst based on fit with current strategy, resources, and feasibility, and select the top five. For each of these five, provide a brief description, reasons for selection, and discuss how they leverage existing competencies, foster relationships, and the pros and cons.

Your PowerPoint presentation must include slides that address: the size, scope, target markets, services, amenities, and points of differentiation for H-D’s brands; a detailed SWOT analysis covering marketing, operations, HR, leadership, supply chain, ethics, safety, and quality; and your top five growth and profitability strategies with justifications. Submit the completed presentation to the senior vice president for review.

Please ensure your presentation is well-organized, clearly written, and supported by credible references.