Help Rewrite 6-7 Page Capstone Paper
Help Re Writte 6 7 Page Capstone Paper And Should Be Written From
Help re-writte 6-7 page Capstone paper and should be written from a management analyst’s perspective and recommendations should be data driven, rooted in the research and directed toward management on Strategic Management on The Company Under Amour using Stead, J.G. and Stead, W.E. (2014) Sustainable Strategic Management, 2nd Edition. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe. ISBN as one the references. Copy of book is not provided.
Must have SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats) table preferable in the beginning. 6-7 Full pages does not include title page or references. Bold and define all concepts and term and provide reference. APA format is required. Using the following terms or concepts as bases for the paper. Strategic Planning Sustainable Strategic Management (SSM) Strategic Vision Strategies Core Competencies Triple Bottom Line Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model Cost Leadership Strategy Late Mover Leadership Theories.
Paper For Above instruction
The following capstone paper offers a comprehensive strategic analysis of Under Armour, Inc., from a management analyst’s perspective. The focus of this analysis is grounded in data-driven insights and research-based recommendations aligned with principles from Stead and Stead’s (2014) framework on Sustainable Strategic Management. The paper begins with a detailed SWOT analysis—highlighting the company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats—to establish a clear understanding of Under Armour's current strategic positioning. The subsequent sections explore strategic planning practices, sustainable strategic management concepts, and key strategic concepts such as strategic vision, core competencies, and the triple bottom line, integrating these with Under Armour's operational context.
Under Armour, founded in 1996, has transformed from a niche athletic apparel brand into a global powerhouse in sportswear, operating within the highly competitive athletic apparel and footwear industry. The company's strategic planning process underscores the importance of aligning its mission and vision with market realities and internal capabilities. As Stead and Stead (2014) emphasize, sustainable strategic management involves integrating environmental and social considerations into core business strategies to ensure long-term value creation. Under Armour's strategic vision focuses on innovation, performance, and sustainability, aimed at maintaining competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry.
SWOT Analysis
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
- Strong brand recognition and loyalty among athletes - Innovative product portfolio with advanced performance features - Robust online and retail distribution channels - Strategic partnerships with sports leagues and athletes |
- High dependency on North American market - Limited presence in emerging markets - Supply chain vulnerabilities and reliance on third-party manufacturers - High marketing and R&D costs impacting profitability |
| Opportunities | Threats |
|
- Expanding into emerging markets such as Asia and Africa - Growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly apparel - Innovation in digital fitness and connected apparel - Strategic collaborations with technology companies |
- Intense competition from Nike, Adidas, and Puma - Market saturation in core segments - Changing consumer preferences towards casual wear - Economic downturns affecting consumer spending |
The SWOT analysis reveals Under Armour's internal strengths in brand equity and innovation, despite notable weaknesses in geographic diversification and supply chain dependability. Opportunities linked to emerging markets, sustainability, and digital innovation present avenues for strategic growth, juxtaposed against external threats such as fierce industry competition and shifting market trends.
Building upon this analysis, Under Armour's strategic planning process must incorporate principles of sustainable strategic management (SSM). SSM emphasizes balancing economic, environmental, and social factors—collectively known as the triple bottom line—in decision-making processes, which aligns with Under Armour’s corporate social responsibility goals and expectations from conscious consumers (Stead & Stead, 2014). Implementing sustainable practices can serve as a differentiator, allowing Under Armour to enhance brand loyalty, attract environmentally-aware customers, and comply with global sustainability standards.
Strategic Vision and Core Competencies
A compelling strategic vision serves as the foundation for sustainable strategic management. Under Armour's vision centers on becoming the leading innovator in performance apparel that enhances human performance while minimizing environmental impact. The company's core competencies include its innovative fabric technologies, rapid product development cycle, and extensive athlete endorsement network. These competencies provide a competitive advantage, as they enable differentiation through unique product offerings and brand prestige.
Strategies and Strategic Foundations
Under Armour’s strategic approach predominantly involves differentiation and innovation, seeking to create value through technological advancements and performance enhancement. However, the rising trend toward cost leadership—delivering affordable yet high-quality products—poses competition from brands targeting price-sensitive consumers. To sustain competitive advantage, Under Armour should leverage Michael Porter’s Five Forces framework (Porter, 1980), particularly assessing industry rivalry, threat of new entrants, bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, and the threat of substitutes. A late-mover strategy could also be advantageous, allowing Under Armour to learn from competitors’ mistakes while innovatively positioning itself in emerging segments.
Leadership Styles and Organizational Strategies
Leadership within Under Armour must evolve to foster innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. Transformational leadership theories, which motivate employees through a shared vision, are particularly relevant (Bass & Avolio, 1994). The company's leadership style should support agility in strategic adjustments, especially in response to rapid industry changes. Additionally, a focus on developing sustainable leadership practices aligns with the core principles from Stead and Stead (2014), emphasizing ethical decision-making and long-term value creation.
Strategic Recommendations
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Enhance global expansion by entering high-growth emerging markets through tailored marketing strategies and local partnerships, addressing the weakness of geographic reliance.
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Invest in sustainable innovation by developing environmentally-friendly products and adopting circular economy principles, capitalizing on consumer demand for sustainability.
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Implement a cost leadership element by optimizing supply chain efficiencies, without compromising quality, to appeal to price-sensitive segments.
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Leverage Michael Porter’s Five Forces model to identify areas of industry rivalry and potential niches, aiming to reduce the threat of substitutes through differentiated offerings.
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Cultivate a transformational leadership culture that promotes innovation, ethical practices, and sustainability at all organizational levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Under Armour's strategic management must integrate sustainable practices rooted in robust internal capabilities and external opportunities, while mitigating industry threats. Embracing a balanced approach aligned with Stead and Stead’s (2014) framework ensures long-term value creation, competitive advantage, and responsible corporate citizenship. Through strategic innovation, market diversification, and leadership development, Under Armour can enhance its position as a forward-thinking, sustainable performance brand.
References
- Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
- Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. Free Press.
- Stead, J. G., & Stead, W. E. (2014). Sustainable strategic management (2nd ed.). M.E. Sharpe.
- Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
- Hart, S. L., & Milstein, M. B. (1999). Doing well by doing good: Profitability and corporate social responsibility. California Management Review, 41(2), 102–122.
- Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary strategy analysis (10th ed.). Wiley.
- Prahalad, C. K., & Hamel, G. (1990). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79–91.
- Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st-century business. Capstone.
- Chouinard, Y., & Stanley, V. (2012). The responsible company: What we've learned from Patagonia's first 40 years. Patagonia Books.
- Friedman, M. (1970). The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. The New York Times Magazine.