Question 1: Tesla has spent significantly on R&D compared to other automobile companies in the world. What are the major advantages and disadvantages of this strategy?
Question 2: Determine City University of Seattle’s major external opportunities and threats.
(a) List 5 opportunities and 5 threats.
(b) Rank each factor with 1 being most important and 10 being least important.
(c) Based on your rankings, create a prioritize list of the key external opportunities and threats facing your school.
Note: Each factor must be research-based and preferably quantitative.
Helpful resources:
Internal assessment
https://docs.google.com/presentation/u/0/d/1cZzSGGEeUHilHQvTEGeIoctMIQGG9I4-/mobilepresent
External assessment
https://docs.google.com/presentation/u/0/d/17woR_ALGV1klQL0pDEaB20R9ri2syQHr/mobilepresent
Answer 1:
Advantages of Tesla’s R&D strategy:
Innovation: Tesla’s significant investment in R&D enables it to develop new and innovative technologies that set it apart from traditional automobile manufacturers. For instance, Tesla’s development of electric vehicles and self-driving technology is ahead of other automakers.
Competitive edge: The investment in R&D has enabled Tesla to stay ahead of competitors and gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Brand loyalty: Tesla’s investment in R&D is a testament to its commitment to delivering high-quality products to its customers, which enhances brand loyalty.
Economies of scale: The investment in R&D also helps Tesla to improve its manufacturing processes and reduce the cost of production, which eventually leads to economies of scale.
Disadvantages of Tesla’s R&D strategy:
High costs: The significant investment in R&D leads to high costs, which may affect the profitability of the company in the short term.
Uncertainty: R&D is inherently uncertain, and it is challenging to predict the outcome of research. Therefore, the high investment in R&D may not always yield the expected results.
Limited resources: Tesla’s investment in R&D is significant, which may lead to limited resources to invest in other critical areas such as marketing or manufacturing.
Dependence on R&D: Tesla’s reliance on R&D for innovation may make it difficult to sustain its competitive edge if other companies replicate its technology.
Answer 2:
(a) Opportunities:
Increasing demand for online education: The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online education, and City University of Seattle has an opportunity to expand its online programs to meet the growing demand.
Growing international student market: The number of international students studying in the US is increasing, and City University of Seattle has an opportunity to attract more international students to its programs.
Increased government funding for education: The US government has increased its funding for education, and City University of Seattle can take advantage of this opportunity to enhance its programs and infrastructure.
Industry partnerships: City University of Seattle can partner with industry leaders to offer internships, mentorship programs, and employment opportunities for its students.
Growing interest in continuing education: There is a growing demand for continuing education, and City University of Seattle can develop new programs to meet this demand.
Threats:
Competition from online universities: City University of Seattle faces competition from other online universities that offer similar programs at a lower cost.
Declining enrollment: The declining number of high school graduates and changing demographics can lead to a decline in enrollment at City University of Seattle.
Government regulations: Changes in government regulations and policies can impact City University of Seattle’s operations and funding.
Economic recession: An economic recession can lead to reduced funding for education and a decline in enrollment.
Technological advancements: Rapid technological advancements can make City University of Seattle’s programs and technology obsolete, which may affect its competitiveness.
(b) Rankings:
Opportunities:
Increasing demand for online education
Growing international student market
Increased government funding for education
Industry partnerships
Growing interest in continuing education
Threats:
Competition from online universities
Declining enrollment
Government regulations
Economic recession
Technological advancements
(c) Prioritized list of external opportunities and threats:
Increasing demand for online education
Growing international student market
Increased government funding for education
Industry partnerships
Growing interest in continuing education
Competition from online universities
Declining enrollment
Government regulations
Economic recession
Technological advancements
