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29 DEVELOPING AND EXECUTING STRATEGY EXAM - Edited Edited
29 DEVELOPING AND EXECUTING STRATEGY EXAM - Edited Edited
29 DEVELOPING AND EXECUTING STRATEGY EXAM - Edited Edited
COURSEWORK
Question 1: Critically Diagnose and Analyze the Current Situation Facing Tesla Using
Introduction
Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. In
2004, a new investor, Elon Musk, joined the company by investing USD 6.5 million in Tesla
majority shareholder in Tesla Motors Corporation. The purpose of Tesla is "to accelerate the
advent of sustainable transport by bringing compelling mass market electric cars to market as
soon as possible." Currently, Tesla provides automobile and energy products to various
storage, two main Strategic Business Units (SBUs) on which we will focus our analysis.
Business Issues
From 2003 to 2008, Tesla was in the introductory phase, experiencing challenges
regarding uncertainties related to the market not being aware of electric cars. In 2008 marked
the launch of Testa's first products; Model S and Roadster; which were high-price, low-
volume vehicles targeting high-end customers. The revenue from these products was used to
finance R&D, which was needed to design, develop, manufacture, and sell new models,
Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, which were targeted to the mass market.
The growth stage is favored by the rising demand for environmentally friendly
products. The demand for such products is triggered by rising pressure from different bodies,
including governments and international organizations that plead for climate change. During
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this growth stage, Tesla maximized the use of its infrastructure to develop energy generation
and storage products and systems to increase its revenue and profitability.
research, and development as well the creative designs and the drive for different and unique
products and services, constitute Tesla’s cultural web which is reflected in the rapid growth
of Tesla, which is known to be the leader of electric vehicles. Tesla’s culture encourages
innovation which is driven by a highly competent human capital. Tesla invests heavily in its
Tesla’s equity to staff based on their performance to retain and nurture the best talent
Tesla’s products and services heavily depend on control systems and procedures to
ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with rigorous operating and regulatory
frameworks that govern the automotive and energy generation and storage industries at the
Elon Musk is the central figure of Tesla, who plays the role of techno king,
shareholder, and product architect of Tesla’s products and services. Due to Elon Musk's
strong leadership and influence over the company, he has been making strategic decisions
which were well reflected when he decided to join the company and invested heavily to
interests of different stakeholders. Mr. Elon Musk himself concentrates on numerous roles
that may create conflict if not managed well. As the majority shareholder, techno king, and
CEO of Tesla, he represents a concentration risk that may cause damage to Tesla's operations
and reputation.
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The legal proceedings involving Tesla and its policy organs may harm Tesla's
business if handled poorly. Tesla's image suffers negative criticism relating to different
environmental issues, and lack of independence of its board as well as regulatory issues in
External Analysis
The PEST analysis highlights macro issues that affect Tesla’s business operations, as
discussed below:
Political: The countries where Tesla operates are politically stable, representing a
favorable factor for Tesla’s business. Such countries promote policies that drive Tesla's
operations. Trade agreements existing in the countries where Tesla operates favor its
automotive and energy products and services. Tesla operations in some jurisdictions which
Economic: The ongoing disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war at the global
level affect Tesla's operations in different ways. This crisis has caused many fiscal and
monetary issues, including rising inflation, interest rates, and currency fluctuations,
negatively affecting consumers' purchasing power and demand for luxury goods. This has led
to decreased sales of Tesla’s products and services. Tesla’s operations are still recovering
from the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which highly affected the supply of
critical raw materials, such as lithium-ion, cobalt, Nickel, and aluminum, sourced from
different parts of the world. Tesla currently operates in high-income countries like the USA,
China, and Germany, which offer government programs and incentives which are favorable
Sociocultural: -There is a growing concern for global climate change, which could
positively impact Tesla’s business in the electric automotive and clean energy industries.
Consumers’ tastes and preferences towards Tesla's electric vehicles may be slow, given that
some consumers may take long to adopt Tesla’s environmentally friendly products at the
expense of traditional products. There is a big category of consumers with high social
standards and status in the initial markets of the USA, Germany, and China which may
positively influence their choice of Tesla's luxury electric cars and boost its sales and
profitability.
operates positively influences Tesla's technological innovation and digital capabilities needed
to design, manufacture, and sell its products. However, the high speed of technological
change may also negatively affect Tesla’s business by requiring consequential updates of its
design requirements in automotive and energy products. This may significantly affect the
manufacturing costs and decrease its profitability. The rapid technological change may also
affect Tesla’s competitive advantage by having new entrants develop electric vehicles.
regulatory, and environmental frameworks and laws, which may negatively affect its current
and future operations in different jurisdictions. Tesla has faced several labor issues on poor
working conditions from its former employees (Hawkins, 2020). Such lawsuits negatively
Porter’s Five Forces are used to analyze Tesla’s market and industry as demonstrated
below:
The industry requires large investment capital, safety, and other regulatory
requirements, which constitute entry barriers. Tesla is well positioned to face competition
from traditional and prospective electric vehicle manufacturers because the company is the
first mover in this industry and has already achieved economies of scale. The company has
invested heavily in Research and Development, design and engineering expertise, human
capital, brand recognition, and other infrastructure for charging batteries and maintenance,
The automobile industry is highly competitive. However, Tesla is the first mover in
the electric automotive industry. It has established its infrastructure, digital and technological
capabilities, and strong brand identity, which allows Tesla to have a competitive advantage
compared to other electric automakers who are new in that industry and still must invest a
huge capital. It would be costly for customers of Tesla’s products to switch to a new brand.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis considers how customers affect businesses and the
environment surrounding the electric automotive and energy industries. Tesla’s income is
directly generated by the sales made to its customers. The high switching cost prevents Tesla
customers from buying products from other suppliers. Since Tesla is the dominant
manufacturer of electric cars, the customers who are willing to shift to electric cars do not
have many options to get them from other suppliers at the cost offered by Tesla, which
already has economies of scale. That is why the buyer's threat is moderate.
Tesla depends heavily on tits various suppliers of components needed for its electric
automotive and energy products. Tesla is not highly affected by the threat of suppliers
because it has many alternatives when it comes to its main components like lithium, cobalt,
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aluminum, etc. Tesla's plan to manufacture its own components will continue to reduce this
threat and allow Tesla to produce affordable products, thereby minimizing the intensity of
there are alternatives to electric vehicles, including hybrids, flex fuels, hydrogen, diesel, and
natural gas, these do not constitute a big threat of substitutes to Tesla’s products given the
pressure to shift to electric vehicles to fight against climate change which in turn creates
demand for environmentally- friendly cars. The threat of substitutes is, therefore, moderate.
Environment-Organisation Fit
Tesla uses big data and analytics to collect toughly analyzed data to detect any issues
in the electrical vehicle safety and performance and make necessary improvements. Big data
and analytics are also used to manage Tesla's clean energy products and systems to optimize
their performance.
Internal Analysis
Tesla Analysis
Value- Tesla has invested a lot in technology, innovation, and in R&D in electric
vehicles. Such moves have immensely created capabilities in resources that provide value to
Rarity- Tesla ventured into the electric vehicle industry as a major player. For an
instant, the company invested in charging polls that were rear and unique in the automobile
industries. This technology gave the company an edge over its competitors.
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Imitability- Tesla invested a lot in technology for its brand and reputation.
Competitors find it difficult to imitate Tesla’s sources and capabilities due to the higher
investment cost associated with developing the same technology and building the same brand
Organization- Tesla has positioned itself to take advantage and make optimal use of
its resources and capabilities. Elon Musk as a major shareholder, has a clear and precise
vision, mission, and strategic approaches that have enabled the company to maximize the
usage of its resources and capability to accelerate the company’s growth and sustainability in
the industry.
The use of Value Chain analysis- Tesla created a good working relationship with
suppliers of their raw materials to produce its electric vehicle. The relationship has helped
ensure that suppliers deliver quality raw materials on time. Tesla has further enhanced its
direct-to-customer sales marketing, which has helped the company be ahead of traditional
dealer networks. Tesla offers after-sales services for its products to its customers, which has
helped the company build customer loyalty, leading to a volume of sales, sustainability, and
profitability.
Organizational Architecture
processes, and resources to support its production of both the electric vehicles and clean
energy products. The company leverages the same innovative technology to boost its
innovation, giving the company a competitive advantage. The company has created a culture
of innovation that empowers its employees to design continuously. This approach has helped
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Tesla to develop strong techniques in the industry that has facilitated and helped the company
Financial Resources
Ratio Analysis
Using the financial statement from Form 10k, I have calculated the following ratios to
This indicates that there was an increase in the gross margin ratio from 21% in 2020
to 25% in 2021. This clearly indicates that Tesla’s profit after paying the cost of goods sold
increased in 2021 compared to 2020. This puts the company in a favorable financial position.
2. Liquidity ratio: The current ratio recorded for 2020 was 1.875 compared to 1.375
recorded in 2021. The drop in the current ratio indicates that Tesla will face
challenges in paying off its short-term liabilities from its cash and cash equivalents. A
higher current ratio tells us that the company is more likely to repay the creditors
3. Efficiency ratio: The asset turnover ratio for 2020 was 0.55, while it was 0,94. For
2021, which clearly indicates that Tesla recorded an improvement in the generation of
4. Leverage ratio: debt ratio: Tesla’s debt ratio was 0.54 in 2020 compared to 0.49 in
2021, which indicates that Tesla has significantly reduced the relative amount of the
Using capability analysis, Tesla has highly invested in its innovative technologies and
analytics systems, and its brand image. This has helped the company to maintain its
competitive position in the Electric Vehicles automobile, and clean energy products. It has
also enabled the company to continuously improve its products to respond to customer needs
Swot Analysis
Tesla Inc. has its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the operating
environment based on its internal and external analysis. The main purpose of SWOT analysis
leveraging its corporate strengths and managing its weaknesses and threats to minimize
losses. As Tesla seeks to grow its EV automobile and energy product market, the company
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
Development systems
4. Strong infrastructure
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
incentives 19 pandemic
In conclusion, based on the above, Tesla has a great potential for growth due to its
strengths and capabilities and favorable macro conditions, which the company can leverage
to overcome the weaknesses and threats to stay in a leading position in the electric
Question 2: Considering The Scenario Presented Above, Set Out A Strategy For Tesla
Regarding Its Strategic Intent, Available Options, And How They Might Be Executed.
“To continue being the leading player in providing environmentally friendly products
and solutions in electric automotive and clean energy by deploying our superior, innovative
technologies and resources to fight against climate change in line with the global call for a
The Following Are Proposed Tesla Strategic Options Using Option Configurators:
Aim- Tesla currently operates in a few markets in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Looking at its technological capabilities and financial resources, Tesla could expand (Growth
Tactic- Tesla should adopt market penetration for its products, Model S and Model X.
Since these are premium vehicles, they should target Tesla's existing market. On the other
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hand, Tesla should adopt market development for model 3 and model Y since they are small,
infrastructure, and resources to develop related products for existing and new markets. This
will enhance the maximum utilization of its resources and production volume. In addition,
Tesla should implement its design and components needed for electric vehicles and energy
storage to minimize various suppliers, minimizing the cost of components. This move will
Method- Organic growth is proposed for Tesla to enable the company to maximize
the use of its current resources while increasing the market growth and competitive
advantage.
Competitive Stance- Tesla should continue to compete on a cost basis for Model 3
and Model Y, designed for the mass market, and should apply differentiation for Model S
and Model X, which are premium models with sophisticated and static features.
General Motors, Toyota, BMW, Nissan, Ford, and many more and with prospective electric
In conclusion, using A3S, the proposed strategic options are achievable because Tesla
has a big untapped potential market, capabilities, competencies, and resources needed to
grow its market share. The options are also appropriate given the global call to move from
fossil fuels to clean energy. Furthermore, the proposed options are astute given the unique
and distinct features incorporated in Tesla’s electric automotive and energy products, which
give Tesla an advantage as a first mover in this industry. The options are also sustainable
given the increasing global demand for electric cars and clean energy products and Tesla’s
Execution
Using the STAR Model, Tesla should design an organizational structure and design to
drive the proposed strategy. Such a structure should have the capabilities, competencies, and
technological skills to drive the expected high-volume product sales, market, and
Currently, Tesla does not have a binding employment agreement with its workforce.
There the company should design an employee pay and compensation framework. This act
will motivate and inspire employees to focus and works towards the company's goals and
objectives.
Change Management
Tesla should use Burn's model since the company is on a transformational change
contribute their independent views; for example, Tesla should continue empowering their
employees through capacity building and providing resources for them to develop new skills.
Tesla should use a balanced scorecard to align its goals and strategy across all the
departments, hence ensuring everyone is focused and working towards Tesla's common
objectives and goals. Tesla’s financial success is the basis for its sustainable growth and
increased customer support base. It further helps strengthen its internal processes linked to
strategic goals.
In conclusion, Tesla should implement the proposed strategic options to grow its
business and market share in Electric vehicles and clean energy to reach its strategic goal.
The proposed structure and design, management change, and performance system will help
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propel Tesla in a strategic position to continue dominating the electric vehicle and clean
energy industries.
Question 3: Critically Discuss The Differences Between The Value Chain And Value
System. What Is The Influence Of The Value Chain And Value System When Setting
The value chain majorly concentrates on the internal activities of a given organization.
In contrast, the value system focuses on how multiple organizations are interconnected to
enable products or services to reach the market. For instance, McDonald's uses a value chain
to help the company to understand each step in the production and delivery processes. The
company also embraces a value system that helps the organization collaborate with various
The value chain is a strategic tool that businesses use to evaluate their internal
processes and activities involved in the production of goods and services with the main
objective of optimizing production processes to increase profit margins. Value chain analysis
enables businesses to have a competitive edge over their competitors in terms of cost or
product differentiation.
While the Value system extends the concept of the value chain by considering the
broader network of organization supplies, distributors, and other key stakeholders that are
involved directly in business activities, the key thing is the interlinkages and co-ordination
between the activities that improve the efficiency of the company hence optimize profit
margin.
The Porter's value chain model categorizes the value chain and value system into
primary and support activities, which constitute an important step in improving the processes
For instance, McDonald's prime strategy is to offer customers with food items at low
prices than other strategic groups; thus, the company identifies gaps in their production
The food company broadly looks into its value chain and system in two broad
Primary Activities
This consists of five activities, including all sub-activities that are involved in creating
Inbound Logistics: This analyses the acquisition of raw materials from suppliers
before the final product or service can be developed. E.g., Mcdonald's has low-cost suppliers
Operations are activities that are directly involved in the transformation of raw
materials into end products or services. Mcdonald's looks at the cost of running your chain
Outbound Logistics: This describes the delivery process once a product has been
produced.shipping costs, delivery costs…etc. e.g., the company has counter services or Drive
Marketing and Sales: This is the approach of selling the product to the target market.
customer base. Mcdonald's achieves this by training their staff and giving them benefits to
assist customers.
Support Activities
The principal activities' ability to gain an advantage over rivals is aided by support
Firm Infrastructure: This refers to all the management, financial, and legal
frameworks that a company has in place to conduct business and efficiently allocate
resources. McDonald's, for instance, has regional presidents who manage operations in
Human resource management (HRM): HRM includes all procedures and techniques
used in hiring and managing the workforce. Job searchers can log in to a page maintained by
systems a business has in place to make business decisions and effectively manage resources.
For example, McDonald's has regional presidents who oversee their operations in different
processes and systems involved in managing employees and hiring new staff. Mcdonald's
maintains a page where job seekers can log in and apply for jobs.
increase efficiency and reduce costs. Mcdonald's has online shops that enable customers to
Procurement: This is the process of resourcing raw materials for a product and
identifying the suppliers. The goal is to find quality supplies at a friendly business budget and
without favoritism. Mcdonald's has a digital procurement program that enables suppliers to
The value chain and value system are tools that are vital in shaping the strategy of an
organization. They provide a framework for understanding the various activities and
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Considering the influence of the value chain and value system when setting up a future
Value Chain Analysis: McDonald's has a highly efficient value chain that enables the
company to design, produce, and market, deliver, and support its products or services. By
analyzing the value chain, the organizations can identify opportunities for cost reduction,
process optimization, and value creation. This analysis helps determine critical activities and
McDonald's to identify the unique strengths of their food and beverages, giving them a low-
cost advantage over their competitor in the market. By focusing on activities where they
excel, organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors and create value for
customers.
Value System Analysis: Due to the strong value system embraced by McDonald, the
company has built a strong network with its suppliers, distributors, and other partners
involved in delivering their products and services. By analyzing the value system, the
risks. It also aids the company in understanding the broader market dynamics and the impact
Collaboration and Partnerships: The value system analysis can uncover strategic
value system, organizations can leverage their partners' strengths to create a more
expand market reach, share resources, and create new customer value.
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Customer-Centric Approach: Both the value chain and value system analyses
goal is to deliver top-notch customer service and offers forums where consumers express
their demands and grievances. In-depth training and benefits are offered by the organization
Adaptation to Change: The value chain and value system analyses enable
trends. For example, McDonald embraced an online shop approach during covid 19 also, the
food chain has been advocating for sustainable growth by being environmentally sensitive
In conclusion, the value chain and value system provide valuable insights for strategy
to change. By considering these influences, organizations can align their future strategies to
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