Draw the SWOT matrix of the iRobot company.

  Question(s):

Read carefully case No 8 from your textbook (entitled ‘iRobot: Finding the Right Market Mix?) and answer the following questions: (1 mark each question)

• Draw the SWOT matrix of the iRobot company.
• What is the competitive strategy used by iRobot company? 
• Use the five forces of the M. Porter matrix to describe the robot-based product industry. 
• Describe the different functional strategies of the iRobot company.
• Describe the relationship of iRobot with its primary stakeholders.
• Describe the core competency and the outsourcing strategy of iRobot. 
• What kind of strategic alliance is used by iRobot? Why does iRobot choose it?
• What are the main challenges that iRobot faces?
• Assess the competitive advantage of iRobot in its market.
• Recommend solutions for iRobot to improve its competitive advantage.

Suppliers:

• Mini-project

From real national/international market, select any type of strategic alliance between two firms and answer the following questions: (1 mark each question)

• Briefly introduce your chosen firms, partners of the strategic alliance (industry, nationality, size, market position…). Max 150 words
• What is the type of strategic alliance used by your chosen firms? Explain its different reasons.  
• What is the method used by the firms to manage their cultures after alliance? underline the pros and cons of this method.  
• Is this strategic alliance successful? Justify.  
• What recommendations can you give to the managers of these firms to improve their competitiveness?