Overview
[2025-09-09 Special Note: Broken video link removed. To solve the problem, the format of this discussion has been revised to be effective and interesting without a video.]
Think about firms that you like to do business with--make an informal list of them (this does not need to go in the discussion here though). Also, pick a product that you like (you either buy now or aspire to buy, perhaps as you have even more financial resources) that the firm provides.
[Caution: A firm or its product can only be used ONCE in the smaller 0490 class. The early bird gets the worm idea.]
You may either post thinking about the product itself OR the firm itself (or even both). Identify the product's strengths as compared to its competing product made by another. Likewise, do that with the weaknesses.
Relative to opportunities and threats, consider both and explain what you notice about the firm you picked, product picked, or both the firm and the product. Use whatever is easier or clearer.
Now...
Conduct a thorough situation analysis as described in the chapter. List each of the four areas (SWOT as described in the text) and comment on what the founders would have likely identified as their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. BE VERY THOROUGH!
Then, discuss your thoughts with your classmates.