Internal And External Analysis - Student At University Of Ph

Internal and External Analysis Student University of Phoenix BUS /4/18 Crib Sheet (stands alone on its own page directly after the title page) Apply: Internal and External Environmental Analysis

Create a minimum 1,050 word analysis that includes the following: identify economic, legal, and regulatory forces and trends; critique how well the organization adapts to change; discuss the primary internal organizational considerations; discuss the primary external organization considerations; and identify the major issues and/or opportunities the company faces based on your analysis. Text must be used as one of your cited references. Use APA formatting for your paper.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the external and internal environment of a company is vital for crafting effective strategic responses and ensuring long-term sustainability. This paper provides a comprehensive internal and external analysis of Hoosier Media Inc., a newspaper company operating primarily in Burnettsville, focusing on economic, legal, and regulatory forces, organizational adaptability, internal considerations, external considerations, and opportunities or challenges faced by the organization.

External Forces and Trends

Hoosier Media Inc. faces numerous external forces that influence its strategic positioning. The economic environment significantly impacts its operations, especially considering the decline in print circulation and advertising revenues. The 2008-2009 financial crisis drastically affected advertising markets, reducing consumer spending and advertising budgets, which directly affected traditional print media (Hess, 2014). The recession led to cutbacks in governmental and private sector advertising expenditures, pressing newspapers like Hoosier Media Inc. to seek alternative revenue streams. Concurrently, there’s an upward trend in digital media consumption, emphasizing online news sources over traditional newspapers. However, Hoosier Media's online revenues currently constitute only 5% of total revenues, indicating a lag in digital transformation compared to industry shifts (Brooks, Heffner, & Henderson, 2014). The legal and regulatory environment further shapes its strategic framework. Political stability and government policies influence media operation, with potential legislative changes affecting ownership, advertising standards, or content regulation. For instance, pending legislation concerning online content censorship or taxation of digital advertising could alter revenue models. Social trends also play a role; changing consumer behavior, especially shifting to digital formats and mobile devices, demands adaptation. Additionally, regulatory oversight regarding environmental policies influences operational costs, such as paper sourcing and waste management (Nason & Wiklund, 2018). Politically, government stability and policy consistency are necessary to ensure a predictable operational environment.

Organizational Adaptability

Hoosier Media Inc. demonstrates an ability to adapt to external changes, particularly through strategic diversification and technological investments. The company has increased its online presence, although its online revenue share remains modest. Its response to declining print sales has involved efforts to expand digital content and explore new revenue models like digital subscriptions or targeted advertising (Qureshi, Aziz, & Mian, 2017). The implementation of advanced data analytics allows better understanding of consumer preferences, facilitating personalized content delivery and targeted marketing, which enhances competitiveness. Applying tools like PEST and SWOT analyses allows the organization to assess threats and opportunities systematically, guiding strategic decisions. Nonetheless, the company still faces challenges in fully transitioning to digital, primarily due to technological gaps and the high costs associated with digital infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, the organization’s ability to adapt is constrained by internal organizational culture and resistance to change, which can slow down innovation efforts. Overall, while Hoosier Media demonstrates proactive adaptation, it requires significant shifts in strategic focus and internal mindset to fully capitalize on emerging digital revenue streams.

Primary Internal Organizational Considerations

The internal considerations of Hoosier Media Inc. are crucial in understanding its strategic positioning. Strengths include a skilled workforce developed through ongoing training programs, which support operational efficiency and high-quality content creation (Hess, 2014). The company's expertise in entering new markets and diversifying revenue streams demonstrates its strategic agility. Additionally, a strong cash flow position enables investment in expansion projects and technological upgrades. Automation of production processes ensures consistency and efficiency, reducing costs and increasing productivity, which are vital during market downturns. However, internal weaknesses hinder further growth. The organization struggles with technological obsolescence, especially in digital infrastructure, limiting its capacity to compete with tech-savvy competitors (Brooks et al., 2014). Poor integration of acquired companies with diverse cultural backgrounds has resulted in failed mergers, undermining strategic synergy. Inventory management issues, such as excessive stock levels, tie up capital and strain liquidity, impacting long-term investments. The lack of clear product positioning and segmentation strategies creates vulnerabilities, making it easier for competitors to attack specific market segments (Nason & Wiklund, 2018). Addressing these internal considerations through targeted investments and organizational restructuring is essential for strategic renewal.

Primary External Organizational Considerations

External factors also impose significant considerations on Hoosier Media Inc. The rise of digital platforms presents both threats and opportunities. The company has invested in online channels, recognizing the potential for reaching broader audiences (Qureshi et al., 2017). Market trends indicate increasing consumer willingness to pay for niche or premium content online, which provides openings for revenue diversification. Moreover, the economic recovery post-recession has led to increased consumer spending, opening opportunities for innovative advertising solutions. Lower interest rates further facilitate credit access for expansion and technological investments (Hess, 2014). External opportunities include leveraging data analytics for targeted marketing, tailoring content to consumer preferences, and expanding into new categories of digital news services. Conversely, external threats include intensifying competition from digital-native news platforms with innovative business models, such as social media outlets and large online conglomerates. Additionally, the reliance on traditional distribution channels makes Hoosier Media vulnerable to technological disruptions—for example, the decline in newspaper subscriptions due to digital shift. External regulatory pressures, especially concerning online content and data privacy laws, could impose additional compliance costs. Therefore, external considerations emphasize the importance of adaptive strategies aligned with technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors.

Major Issues and Opportunities

Based on this analysis, Hoosier Media Inc. faces several critical issues. The most immediate is the need to accelerate digital transformation to sustain revenue streams. The company's limited online revenue indicates a significant gap that must be filled through enhanced digital offerings, subscription services, and targeted advertising. Addressing internal infrastructural deficiencies and organizational culture resistance is imperative. Additionally, the company must navigate external threats from digital-first competitors while seizing new opportunities in niche digital markets, personalized content, and data-driven marketing strategies. Opportunities for growth include expanding into digital subscription models, developing mobile-friendly content, and exploring syndication partnerships with online platforms. The organization can also capitalize on post-recession market recovery to increase advertising revenue and diversify revenue streams beyond traditional print advertising. Furthermore, technological innovation and strategic mergers or alliances could provide competitive advantages, enhancing value creation and market share. Addressing these issues and opportunities requires a clear strategic roadmap aligned with external trends and internal capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hoosier Media Inc. operates within a complex environment influenced by economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. Its ability to adapt and capitalize on emerging opportunities hinges on internal capabilities, including infrastructure, organizational culture, and strategic focus. External forces demand agility and innovation to sustain competitiveness. By leveraging strengths such as skilled personnel and cash flow, and addressing weaknesses in technology and product positioning, the organization can navigate threats from digital disruption and maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape. Strategic investments in digital transformation, market diversification, and organizational restructuring are pivotal for Hoosier Media Inc. to realize its growth potential and ensure long-term sustainability.

References

• Brooks, G., Heffner, A., & Henderson, D. (2014). A SWOT analysis of competitive knowledge from social media for a small start-up business. The Review of Business Information Systems, 18(1), 23.
• Hess, T. (2014). What is a media company? A reconceptualization for the online world. International Journal on Media Management, 16(1), 3-8.
• Nason, R. S., & Wiklund, J. (2018). An assessment of resource-based theorizing on firm growth and suggestions for the future. Journal of Management, 44(1), 32-60.
• Qureshi, M. S., Aziz, N., & Mian, S. A. (2017). How marketing capabilities shape entrepreneurial firm’s performance? Evidence from new technology-based firms in turkey. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 7(1), 15.
• Hess, T. (2014). What is a media company? A reconceptualization for the online world. International Journal on Media Management, 16(1), 3-8.