Strategic Business Analysis for Southwest Airlines

Strategic Business Analysis Assignment (March 2007 Examination Cycle)

Southwest Airlines

Culture, Values and Operating Practices

Table of Contents

Assignment Requirement 3

INTRODUCTION 3

Word Limit: Between 6,500 and 8,000 words. Ought not to exceed 8,000 words (excluding diagrams, visuals and appendices). 3

Case Study 3

Tasks 3

Task 1 - 20 Marks 4

Task 2 - 20 Marks 4

Task 3 - 30 Marks 4

Task 4 - 20 Marks 5

Task 5 - 10 Marks 5

Task 1 6

INTRODUCTION 6

SWOT Analysis 10

Potential resource strengths and competitive capabilities 11

Potential resource weaknesses and competitive deficiencies 17

Potential market opportunities 18

Potential market threats 20

Task 2 22

TASK 3 23

HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES THAT COLLECTIVELY SHOW THE COMPANY’S FOCUS ON ITS EMPLOYEES. 23

These practices have contributed to proficient execution of the company’s business strategy, right up to the present day. 28

The staff and management of Southwest Airlines is a competitive advantage but not a “prime source of competitive advantage” 29

Task 4 31

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES (SWA) AND AIRASIA (AA) 31

REFERENCES 35

APPENDIX A 37

WE WEREN'T JUST AIRBORNE YESTERDAY 37

Bibliography 42

Assignment Requirement

Introduction

The case study presents a detailed scenario from which you are required to:

• Identify and extract key information surrounding strategic business issues.

• Analyse and evaluate that information using concepts and models from the module.

• Carry out research for information not in the detailed scenario.

• Present your findings in a document written to academically acceptable standards.

Word Limit: Between 6,500 and 8,000 words. Ought not to exceed 8,000 words (excluding diagrams, visuals and appendices).

You must read the case study for key information, and then carry out the required Tasks.

Case Study...