DUE ON THE 17TH
CLASS BUSINESS POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
Unit 1 Discussion Board 2
this course features a debate component within the Discussion Boards. To prepare for the debate topic within this course, click here to view a video that reviews and considers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends (SWOTT) analysis of a fast-food franchise. Once completed, provide a quick synopsis (100-200 words) with 2-3 points that stand out to you in particular. This video will be the construct by which the Discussion Boards will structure a debate discussion.
Get started today. For purposes of your attendance, please post your introduction into this discussion by Friday.
Reference
Ddd9925. (2013, January 8). McDonald’s SWOT [Video file]. Retrieved from the YouTube Web site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbyb0ht-dsk&feature=youtu.be

Unit 2 Discussion Board
Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400-600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear and use examples to reinforce your ideas.
Part 1 (post this response in the main U2 DB thread “Unit 2 Discussion Board”)
In the Unit 1 Discussion Board, you reviewed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends (SWOTT) analysis of a fast-food franchise that was done in 2013. There have been many more recent changes with the fast-food giant toward improved business results. Read this article ( https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-unveils-turnaround-strategy-2015-4 ) on these changes, and conduct a brief SWOTT analysis based on these new changes that includes the following:

Strengths: The internal and external characteristics of a company that are stronger than its competitors
Weaknesses: The internal and external characteristics of a company that are weaker than its competitors
Opportunities: The issues internal and external to a company that can affect the company and its competitors in a favorable way
Threats: The issues internal and external to a company that can affect the company and its competitors in an unfavorable way
Trends: The internal and external patterns in the organization, market, or industry

Part 2 (post this response in the appropriate topic within U2 DB (labeled “for” and “against”)
Based on the first initial of your last name, complete the following:

First initial A-L: Provide an argument for the success of the strategies that a fast-food franchise has instituted. Submit your position by posting in the Unit 2 Debate forum under the for topic.
First initial M-Z: Provide an argument against the ability of a fast-food franchise to succeed with these strategies. Submit your position by posting in the Unit 2 Debate forum under the against topic.
MY FIRST ANNITIAL IS J!

Reference
Peterson, H. (2015, May 2). McDonald’s is about to unveil a huge plan to save its business – Here are 8 things investors need to hear. Retrieved from the Business Insider Web site: http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-unveils-t”¦
UNIT 3 DISCUSSION BOARD
Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400-600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:
Part 1
Having experienced a robust debate discussion on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends (SWOTT) analysis and strategic planning for a particular fast-food franchise, it is time to shift gears a bit and consider the competition in the fast-food industry. Read this article to frame this week’s discussion. Complete the following:

Identify 1 or 2 other major competitors in the fast-food industry, and describe their sources of competitive advantage.
Discuss a current issue that this industry faces. It could be favorable or unfavorable to the industry.
Which of the major competitors has the strongest competitive advantage and ability to overcome the barriers presented by the current issues identified and why?

Part 2: Based on the first initial of your last name:

First initial M-Z: provide an argument “˜FOR’ the success of the fast-food franchise’s competitors. Submit your position by posting in the Unit 2 Debate forum, under the “˜FOR’ topic.
First initial A-L: provide an argument “˜AGAINST’ the ability of the competition to overtake fast-food franchise. Submit your position by posting in the Unit 2 Debate forum, under the “˜AGAINST’ topic.
MY FIRST ANNITIAL IS J!

Reference
Berger, S. (2015, June 30). Best restaurants in USA: Chick-Fil-A trumps competition, McDonald’s falls out of favor. Retrieved from the International Business Times Web site: http://www.ibtimes.com/best-restaurants-usa-chick-“¦