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The SWOT analysis can be categorized as follows:

Strengths - The firm gauges its strengths in resources, capabilities, assets, brand names, management attributes and cost advantage etc. to develop competitive advantage.

Weaknesses - At the same time, the organization must realize that it has weaknesses which setback the firm from its competitors. These may include a weak brand name, poor reputation, cost structure, and lack of access to resources or distribution channels. These should be eliminated to strengthen its position for gaining competitive advantage.

Opportunities - Conversely, external environmental offers new opportunities for growth, which can only be realized if the management evaluates elements like trends in customer needs, new technologies, regulations or trade barriers.

Threats - At the same time, the organization must always be prepared for competitors and issues that may affect the business, which may include changing consumer preferences, substitute products, new laws and regulations. By using the above evaluation model, the firm can gauge its position. It would be able to develop strategies to exploit opportunities while at the same time eliminate threats and weaknesses(Duncan et al 1999).

Value Chain

Porter (1980) also introduced the concept of value chain analysis, which constitutes the identification of competitive advantage by studying supply chain network and how it can be made to add value tithe products and services offered by the company. 'Value can simply be defined as the gap between cost of producing a good or service and the price one can charge (profitability, in other words)' (Lawson 2002). The value chain analysis model focuses on the following key activities:

Inbound logistics - which includes inbound transportation, stock, inventory control and handling

Operations - this includes activities relating to manufacturing and delivering of the products and services.

Outbound logistics - this includes outbound transportation, warehousing and product delivery.

Marketing and sales - activities related to sales, marketing, advertising and selling are included in this analysis.

Service - installation, repair, and training for using products, after sales services etc.

Procurement - these activities are related to acquisition of resources such as material.

Technological development - this include research and development activities, innovation in product design, process reengineering and improvement efforts.

Human resources management - recruiting, training, developing, and rewarding staff for the purpose of adding value to the service offered to customers.

Infrastructure - planning, introduction, implementation, maintaining of systems, financial support, policies, procedures, communication and organizational culture, all 本论文由英语论文网提供整理，提供论文代写，英语论文代写，代写论文，代写英语论文，代写留学生论文，代写英文论文，留学生论文代写相关核心关键词搜索。