After completing this weeks Required Readings, prepare and make an Initial Post that addresses the three Tasks described below.

Task #1: For each of the companies listed below, perform an Internet search and, describe the generic competitive strategy (or generic strategies) on which each companys current strategy seems to be based.

• Stihl Inc. (in the hand tools and small equipment business)
• Dollar General in the discount retail business
• Zillow in the real estate business
• Twitter in the social media business
• Toyota Motors in the luxury car market (e.g., Lexus)

Task #2: Choose one (1) of the companies listed above, and identify two (2) different elements of that companys current strategy, and explain how each of those elements address one or more of the distinguishing features of that companys generic strategy (or generic strategies). NOTE: Use TPGS Chapter 5 - Table 5.1 Distinguishing Features of the Five Generic Competitive Strategies, as your guide for completing this TASK. .

Task #3: Choose one (1) of the companies listed above (you can use the same company that you selected for TASK #2), and describe one or more of the strategic actions described in TPGS Chapter 6, that the company has taken to strengthen its competitive position. Support your response with facts that you discovered in your research on that company, and relate them to the specific strategic action taken.