UNIVERSITY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Jacinto St., Davao City

Marianne Dela Cruz Prof. Presentacion Acosta

Student Professor
Subject: 313 – Business Policy and Decision Making

BRIEFER
Topic: Assessing the Internal Environment of the Firm

Summary

Internal assessment holds importance for organizations as it plays a multifaceted role in

strategic management. Firstly, it serves as a diagnostic tool, aiding in the identification of
strengths to capitalize on and weaknesses to address while formulating strategies for
competitive advantages. The ongoing evaluation facilitated by internal assessments enables
organizations to continually improve processes, programs, and individual capabilities, ensuring
a commitment to quality in education or work. Beyond immediate concerns, these assessments
help identify trends and patterns over time, allowing for the anticipation of challenges and the
proactive development of strategies. Resources, both tangible and intangible, and capabilities,
representing the organization's potential actions, are key components of this evaluation.

Strengths, identified as distinctive competencies or advantageous attributes, form the bedrock

of an organization's resilience and value proposition. These can range from financial stability
and innovation to a robust workforce or a strong brand reputation. Recognizing and leveraging
strengths is pivotal in strategic planning, allowing organizations to capitalize on opportunities,
mitigate threats, and foster innovation for sustained growth. However, vigilance against
complacency and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to ensure that
strengths remain relevant and adaptable.

Distinctive competence, on the other hand, refers to unique capabilities that set an organization
apart from competitors, serving as a strategic asset for differentiation and success. It could stem
from cutting-edge technology, specialized skills, efficient processes, or exclusive resources.
Nurturing and leveraging this distinctive competence is crucial for sustained competitive
success and market positioning.
Systematic assessment of a company's competitive position involves a structured evaluation of
factors such as market share, financial performance, product differentiation, customer
satisfaction, and the competitive landscape. This analysis provides insights into relative
competitiveness, guiding strategic decision-making to capitalize on strengths, address
weaknesses, and maintain or enhance competitive advantage.

Corporate capability, encompassing skills, resources, and competencies within a company, is

the inherent capacity that empowers organizations to achieve strategic objectives. This includes
the workforce's skills, technological infrastructure, financial strength, brand reputation, and
operational efficiency. Recognizing and leveraging these inherent capabilities is critical for a
company's success and competitiveness.

Personal Insight/Lesson Learned

As inspired by the story of my assisted MSMEs who just recently graduated from our
Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Program the Infinity O- Shop Business Supplies (IOS), was
established on August 8, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as a cleaning products
supplier However, faced with financial setbacks, the company swiftly altered its course
in response to heightened travel restrictions and evolving customer demands.
Recognizing the scarcity of food business supplies in the area, IOS pivoted, expanding
its operations to meet this pressing need.
Dedicated to catering to the requirements of passionate entrepreneurs, IOS aims to be
a one-stop-shop, providing easy access, affordable, and interesting business supplies
ranging from baking essentials, powdered drinks supply, food packaging, PET bottles
and jars, party needs items, cleaning products, and other essential items for new and
growing businesses.
They take pride in embodying their motto "Working for you," constantly striving to deliver
products that match customers' needs and requirements. Additionally, they act as a link
between suppliers and customers who cannot purchase items in large quantities.

The establishment of Infinity O-Shop during the COVID-19 pandemic and its
subsequent pivot and expansion reflects a dynamic internal assessment and response
to changing circumstances. Infinity O-Shop recognized the need for flexibility and
adaptation, demonstrating strength in responsiveness to market demands during
challenging times.
The pivot from a cleaning products supplier to a comprehensive business supplies
provider showcases the company's ability to evolve and meet diverse customer needs
to navigate challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
The decision to expand operations based on heightened customer demand reflects a
strategic assessment of the competitive landscape, identifying an opportunity for
growth.
The tagline "Working for you" and the commitment to being a bridge between suppliers
and customers communicate a strong brand identity. Effective communication and
branding are integral components of business success, creating a positive image and
fostering trust among customers.

In conclusion, Infinity O-Shop's business journey is a practical example of assessing the

internal environment by recognizing strengths, leveraging distinctive competence,
systematically evaluating the competitive position, and strategically utilizing corporate
capabilities to achieve sustainable growth and success.