Business Analysis

Business Analysis - Part 1

Lisa J. Hodge

MGT-521 Management

August 13, 2012

Business Analysis - Part 1

For this assignment, we are assuming the role of a mutual fund manager, who is deciding whether or not to invest in a Fortune 500 company. We will be looking at the business and a SWOT analysis to make our investment decisions. With the economy the way that it is, and the number of investment opportunities that are available, it is very important to make the best, most informed decisions possible, and using a SWOT analysis will help in making that decision for us as individuals and the business that we represent.

Fortune 500 Company

For this assignment, we students were asked to pick a Fortune 500 company of our choice. This was not an easy choice because there are many worthwhile companies to study. Wal Mart stores were chosen, because they have been racked number one for two years, and to put it simply, as being a business student, I wanted to know why and how. Here in the United States, Wal Mart states, “sales in its U.S. stores have dropped for seven straight quarters, despite gains in worldwide revenues and profits” (Wal Mart, 2012).

What a SWOT Analysis Is

SWOT, or use to be known as SLOT, stands for the strengths, weaknesses (or limitations), opportunities and threats to a business. A SWOT analysis is a tool that is used in business and organizations. Strengths looks at the characteristics of the business or the organization to see what will give it the advantage over their competitors. Weaknesses (or limitations) are the characteristics that will place the business or the organization at a disadvantage to their competition. Opportunities are the external chances that will improve the performance of a business or organization such as improve their ability to make a profit. Threats are the external elements that are within the environment which would cause trouble for the business or the organization.

Marketing Teacher states...