Using knowledge from the textbook, additional materials, and outside knowledge (must be referenced appropriately), discuss one of the following topics

The text discusses strategic trade-offs that are different between Walmart and Nordstrom even though they are in the same industry. Think of another industry that you know fairly well and select two firms there that also have made very different choices for these trade-offs. Describe some of the differences between these firms. What type of trade-off decisions have these firms made?

What characteristics does an effective mission statement have?

The “job to do” approach discussed with the Clayton Christensen milk-shake example can be useful in a variety of settings. Even when we are the customers ourselves sometimes we don’t look for better solutions because we get into routines and habits. Think about a situation you sometimes find frustrating in your own life or one you hear others complaining about frequently. Instead of focusing on the annoyance, can you take a step back and look for the real job that needed doing when the frustration occurred? What other options can be developed to “do the job” that may lead to less irritation in these situations?