Playing Field, Competition, And Our Organization

Playing Field, Competition, and Our Organization

Provide an opening paragraph which explains the intended purpose of this Executive Briefing. Playing Field Company Name Example “Motel Six†Organization within the company Example “Motel Divisionâ€. (note: If your company is diverse like Apple, it is advised to analyze a specific segment/business unit/product because competitors in the iPhone segment (Samsung/Google) are very different than competitors in their Music division (Spotify, Pandora) Industry Example “Hospitality Industry†Market Size Provide a market size estimate for the Industry or the Playing Field Recommended Playing Field Example: “Two-star motels in the US and Canada serving road travelers.†(note: this is the specific description of the segment of the industry in which you will compete.

These often have geographic boundaries and descriptors of the key product attributes.) Rationale for Recommended Playing Field Brief explanation of why you selected this segment. (Note: we usually determine target segments based on factors like revenue potential, growth rates, financial attractiveness, conformance with our key capabilities and competencies, our ability to meet this segment’s customer needs, etc.) Competitor 1 Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field. if specific data is not available, a qualitative description is acceptable like "Company X is believed to be the market leader" or "Company Y is relatively small and focused only in the US and doesn't have a presence in Canada." Most Significant Strength Highlight their biggest strength, and briefly explain how it helps them compete effectively. Most Significant Weakness Highlight their biggest weakness, and briefly explain how it hinders their ability to compete effectively. Recent Performance Explain whether they are generally winning or losing in this Playing Field. Note, you would be well-served to support your conclusions with data Major Developments? Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies, capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or lost) a key competitive advantage? Competitor 2 Size Provide information on the relative size of this competitor in the Playing Field – qualitative perspective is acceptable if data is not available Most Significant Strength Highlight their biggest strength, and briefly explain how it helps them compete effectively. Most Significant Weakness Highlight their biggest weakness, and briefly explain how it hinders their ability to compete effectively. Recent Performance Explain whether they are generally winning or losing in this Playing Field. Note, you would be well-served to support your conclusions with data Major Developments?

Has the competitor introduced any game-changing new products, technologies, capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have they developed (or lost) a key competitive advantage? Our Organization Size Provide information on our relative size in the Playing Field – qualitative perspective is acceptable if data is not available Most Significant Strength Highlight our biggest strength, and briefly explain how it helps us compete effectively. Most Significant Weakness Highlight our biggest weakness, and briefly explain how it hinders our ability to compete effectively. Recent Performance Explain whether we are generally winning or losing in this Playing Field.

Note, you would be well-served to support your conclusions with data. Major Developments? Have we introduced any game-changing new products, technologies, capabilities, etc. (focus on revolutionary and not evolutionary). Have we developed (or lost) a key competitive advantage? Key Conclusions End with a succinct final paragraph or two which highlights your most insightful “a-ha†conclusions on the target segment and the relative competitive advantage of the three companies you analyzed.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of a Playing Field, along with a comprehensive understanding of competitors and organizational positioning, is fundamental in strategic management. This executive briefing aims to analyze a selected segment within a specific industry, evaluate the competitive landscape, and assess our organization’s current standing to inform strategic decisions. The primary goal is to identify opportunities and challenges within the chosen segment, leveraging insights to enhance competitive advantage and guide resource allocation effectively.

Introduction

In this briefing, the focus is on the hospitality industry, specifically targeting two-star motels in the United States and Canada that serve road travelers. This segment represents a highly competitive niche characterized by its geographic boundaries and diversification in customer needs. Understanding the dynamics within this segment is vital for our strategic positioning, especially given the growing demand for affordable and accessible accommodations by travelers seeking economical lodging options.

Market Size

The market size for two-star motels in the US and Canada is substantial, with industry reports estimating the combined revenue to be approximately $15 billion annually. The segment includes thousands of independently operated and franchise-based establishments, serviced by a broad network of suppliers and service providers. The geographic focus on North America allows for targeted marketing strategies, leveraging regional preferences and infrastructural networks that support road travel and short-term accommodations.

Rationale for Recommended Playing Field

The selection of the two-star motel segment is driven by its high growth potential, steady revenue streams, and alignment with our core capabilities in hospitality management and service quality. The segment's resilience to economic fluctuations, due to its affordability and convenience, makes it a financially attractive target. Additionally, the segment aligns with our operational strengths and allows room for innovation in service delivery and customer experience, which are critical differentiation factors in this competitive landscape.

Competitor 1: Example – Budget Inn

Size: Budget Inn is believed to be a leading player with over 1,000 properties across the US and Canada, primarily operating in the mid-sized motel market. It has a strong franchise network that provides significant market reach.

Most Significant Strength: Budget Inn's biggest strength is its extensive franchise network, which facilitates rapid expansion and consistent service standards. Its brand recognition attracts repeat customers and provides a competitive edge against smaller independent motels.

Most Significant Weakness: Its reliance on franchise agreements limits control over individual property operations, which can impact service consistency and customer satisfaction.

Recent Performance: The company has consistently increased its market share over the past three years, supported by targeted marketing campaigns and loyalty programs.

Major Developments: Budget Inn recently introduced a mobile app that allows for seamless booking and check-in, adding a technological edge to its customer service offerings. This innovation has boosted customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Competitor 2: Example – Cozy Motels

Size: Cozy Motels is a smaller but focused regional operator with approximately 200 properties mainly in the US Midwest and East Coast.

Most Significant Strength: Its key strength is high operating standards and personalized customer service, leading to high occupancy rates and positive reviews.

Most Significant Weakness: Limited geographic reach and brand recognition restrict growth potential and make it vulnerable to regional economic downturns.

Recent Performance: Despite its smaller size, Cozy Motels has maintained steady occupancy and revenue, but it faces stiff competition from larger players like Budget Inn.

Major Developments: The company has invested in eco-friendly renovations, which appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, thus creating a niche competitive advantage.

Our Organization: Example – SmartStay Inns

Size: SmartStay Inns is a mid-sized chain with approximately 300 properties, primarily in urban areas in the US and Canada.

Most Significant Strength: The organization’s strength lies in its strong digital presence and loyalty program, which enhances customer retention and operational efficiency.

Most Significant Weakness: Limited brand differentiation in an overcrowded market diminishes its ability to attract new customers beyond loyal base segments.

Recent Performance: The company has experienced modest growth, supported by digital marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships.

Major Developments: Recently, SmartStay Inns launched a new app feature that offers personalized travel recommendations, aiming to boost customer engagement and satisfaction.

Key Conclusions

The analysis reveals that Budget Inn currently holds the largest market share within the two-star motel segment, primarily due to its extensive franchise network and technological innovations. Cozy Motels, though limited geographically, maintains high service standards and niche appeal, especially among environmentally conscious travelers. Our organization, SmartStay Inns, occupies a competitive position characterized by strong digital assets but faces challenges in brand differentiation. Moving forward, prioritizing brand development and leveraging technological innovations will be critical to strengthen our position. Additionally, focusing on eco-friendly renovations can help us appeal to a growing segment of green-conscious travelers, thus creating new competitive advantages in this vibrant market.

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