refrencing APA 6TH
The focus of this assignment is to produce a 1,700 word critical review essay. This essay is based on the IBM company with a consideration and review of its strategic positioning and business development in relation to Porters generic competitive strategies (Porter 1979, 1980, 1985, 1996 etc). The essay title is:
International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation Think
As an initial primer to your assignment, you are provided with some short introductory short reading/reference sources:
BBC News Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14574747
BBC News Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28323682
BBC News Website: https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8469205.stm
Financial times website: https://blogs.ft.com/tech-blog/2015/11/techft-master-of-the-mainframe-amdahl-dies/
Financial times website: https://blogs.ft.com/tech-blog/2016/02/techft-desperately-seeking-the-ai-edge/
These initial sources can be used in addition to research on IBM as a company and with more general reference sources considering Porters competitive strategy theories and model(s).
The assignment will be assessed in three areas of content/analysis and the overall presentation and referencing support as follows:
1. Critically review Porters theory of generic competitive strategies as well as later developments in that model both by Porter and others (40%)
2. Critical analysis of IBMs strategic positioning in relation to the relevant generic strategy concepts and theories (50%)
3. Consideration of the quality of presentation, written style and structure and referencing style. In this you should demonstrate the proper use of APA style referencing (10%)
You should note that the principle referencing sources should be traditional texts, academic journals and other quality business sources. Marks will be deducted across each element of the assignment as appropriate where there is indiscriminate and inappropriate use of web-based source material (in this regard, please note that the above internet references are from respected sources).
Porter M E (1979) How competitive forces shape strategy Harvard Business Review March
Porter M E (1980) Competitive Strategy New York: Free Press
Porter M E (1985) Competitive Advantage New York: Free Press
Porter M E (1996) What is strategy? Harvard Business Review Nov-Dec
Word Limit: 1700 words.
