3.4 Assignment: Case Study
Getting Started
In this section, we focus on the functional-level strategies that managers can use to achieve superior efficiency, quality, innovation, and responsiveness to customers, and in so doing build competitive advantage. We also examine the nature of an organization’s value chain and discuss how the combined or cooperative efforts of managers across the value chain are required if an organization is to achieve its mission and goal of maximizing the amount of value its products or services provide customers. You will be able to understand the vital role value-chain management plays in building competitive advantage and creating a high-performing organization.
Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:
Understand the vital role value-chain management plays in building competitive advantage and creating a high-performing organization.
Compare and contrast leadership and management using critical thinking skills to address situations arising within a changing global business environment.
Evaluate appropriate interventions for organizational challenges in structure, control, and culture.
Create an ethical strategy and standard for leadership during decision-making and problem solving that considers a biblical perspective.
Develop a leadership strategy that deals effectively with conflict, negotiation, and organizational change.
Resources
Bible
Article: Battery Cell Production Begins at the Gigafactory
Article: Tesla has finally begun producing batteries at its massive Gigafactory
Article: The Real Story Behind Elon Musk’s $2.6 Billion Acquisition of SolarCity And What It Means for Tesla’s Future-Not To Mention The Planet’s
IWU Resources
Background Information
The implementation of new operations techniques, such as Just in Time, Total Quality Management, or flexible engineering, often requires a substantial shift in organizational culture for which employees must be prepared. The human cost of improving productivity must be acknowledged and thoughtfully balanced against other stakeholder concerns, since employee support is vital to any new undertaking.
Instructions
Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
For questions on APA Style, go to APA Style.
Read the following articles:
Article: Battery Cell Production Begins at the Gigafactory
Article: Tesla has finally begun producing batteries at its massive Gigafactory
Article: The Real Story Behind Elon Musk’s $2.6 Billion Acquisition of SolarCity And What It Means for Tesla’s Future-Not To Mention The Planet’s
Write a paper that answers the questions from the end of the case repeated here.
Describe how Tesla is creating a competitive advantage by bringing battery production in house.
How does Tesla’s decision to produce its own batteries impact management of the company’s value chain?
Do you think Musk’s recent decision to buy SolarCity will have an impact on Tesla Motors’ business strategies? Explain your reasoning.
Your paper should be 600 to 800 words in length. Use proper spelling, grammar, and APA formatting with in-text citations and references as needed for your paper.
When you have completed your assignment, save a copy for yourself and submit a copy to your instructor using the Assignment submission page by the end of the workshop.