Tesla Motors Case Assignment 3 Due in Folio 10/14 Discussion 10/15 Read the case and answer the following questions. A good answer accurately applies concepts from the text and class discussion to the facts in the case. It incorporates specific terminology (underlined recommended) in the appropriate context and explicitly links the concept with specific evidence from the case. Finally, it demonstrates that well informed analysis is applied to answer the question. All students should provide a written answer to each question. This is an individual assignment turned in on Folio. All written assignments are subject to an academic integrity audit from Turn-it-in. In addition to the individual written assignment, teams will be given the opportunity to present their perspective and lead the class discussion on specific questions. 1. Update the case with 3 news items. 2. What is Elon Musk's vision for Tesla? (A quote directly from the case or Tesla website is acceptable for this answer.) 3. Identify three (3) key Core Competencies of Tesla. In answering the question consider the diagram (exhibit 4.4) on page 102 of your book, and the related reading. Core Competencies are built on the Resources and Capabilities of the Firm. Note that core competencies, resources and differentiation are not the same thing. Watch that you don't get these mixed up when you identify the core competencies. The Core Competencies are then Leveraged and implemented through specific firm Activities. The combination and interplay of all of these elements are the basis for Competitive Advantage and Superior Performance for the firm. 4. Which of the five generic competitive strategies most closely approximates the competitive approach that Tesla is employing? For case assignment 3 teams are assigned as follows Team 4 5 6 7 Question(all teams include the information gathered for Q1 in your answers) 2 3 3 also 4 Suggestions for completing the assignment. The focus on this case is core competencies, resources and capabilities studied in Chapter 4. The questions also integrate key concepts we have learned to date; demonstrating that vision leads strategy, and core competencies translate into business level strategies. To answer the questions you will need to do some additional research to update the facts relevant to the current internal and external analysis of Tesla. Credible sources of information include the corporate website and the Wall Street Journal. You are welcome to use other credible sources as well. Do not Tesla Motors Case Assignment 3 Due in Folio 10/14 Discussion 10/15 reference the sources that are already referenced in the case, and Do Not reference Wikipedia! Remember that the assignment goes through Turn-it-In originality checking so you need to use good judgement about your sources and citations. Quotes are acceptable when appropriately used. I expect you to find a Minimum of 3 separate sources of information. The information you find can be summarized in response to question 1, and should also be integrated (and cited) with your answers to the other questions. A good answer would be organized as follows. First, describe the strategic management concept that is the topic of the question. A textbook definition or your own words are acceptable. Second, explicitly link specific evidence from the case and your research to the concept. There are several things you want to watch out for here. 1) Evidence means facts based on credible sources. If you want to add your own opinion or experience to the answer you are welcome to do so. We never want to discount the value of experience as a supplement to the data. In fact, executives are often well paid for the value of their experience. However, experience is not a substitute for well-grounded facts. 2) Explicitly link means ensuring that the evidence you select from the case is relevant to the concept that is the topic of the question. For example, there are many things about Tesla that may contribute to competitive advantage. You want to be sure the evidence you select is in fact a core competence according to the description that you provided in the first part of your answer. Then, you need to go the next step to explicitly describe the connection; that is write it down so I don't have to guess whether you understood the linkage between the fact and the concept. Third, answer the question! I am always surprised by responses that are of generally good quality - except - it does not include an answer to the question. So as a final step, check your response to be sure that you have come full circle (concept, evidence, linkage, and a conclusion or summary, if not already explained in the linkage) so that the question is fully answered. Sometimes we get distracted by the detail, or just plain impatient to finish the assignment, and overlook this. Fourth, follow the guidance provided in the question and answer all parts of the question. Some questions have multiple parts, organized in a logical sequence to guide the development of your response. Be sure to address all parts of the question. When called for, use the framework, checklist or other tool that is specified as the basis for formulating your response to the question. Finally (and optionally), I have a bias toward the use of business and strategic management terminology used in context to increase the precision of your writing. This includes terminology you have learned, and is appropriate to describe the meaning you want to convey, but is not necessarily the topic of the question. As you progress through this course, your business vocabulary continues to expand and the concepts are more integrated. There are many opportunities to exercise your knowledge and vocabulary as you answer the case questions. To be clear, use the terminology where it is appropriate to your answer, don't throw in gratuitous terms that are not relevant just as a point-getting strategy (it could have the opposite effect)