RUNNING WITH THE BIG DOGS: A COMPETITIVE FORCES AND STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF THE RUNNING SPECIALTY STORE INDUSTRY

• Published in: International Academy for Case Studies proceedings Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 17
• Main Authors: Pitts, Jennifer P, Snipes, Robin L
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Arden Allied Business Academies 01.07.2014
• Subjects: Business conditions; Competition; Competitive advantage; Customer relationship management; Industrywide conditions; Market strategy; Retail stores; Social networks; Students; Teaching aids & devices; United States > US
• ISSN: 1948-3198; 1948-3198

The primary subject matter of this case is a competitive forces analysis of a specialty retail company. Secondary issues examined include choosing an appropriate competitive strategy and leveraging technology and social media to build customer relationships and deliver a unique value proposition to customer. Students should develop a more in-depth understanding of the impact of external factors and the underlying drivers that affect competitive control and profitability, and learn how to develop and "tweak" strategy in order to adjust to these external factors. The case has a difficulty level of three and up, making it appropriate for junior level courses in management information systems, marketing strategy or business strategy. The case is designed to be taught in one or two class sessions and should require approximately 2-3 hours of outside preparation for students, primarily reviewing the case and reading articles related to the competitive forces framework.