External Environment-Social media platforms and Internet companies provide many opportunities for expanded advertising reach

External Environment
Threat of entry – low barriers to entry
Low switching cost for consumers
Low switching cost for merchants
Fierce competition based on territorial expansion
Plentiful substitutes for deals
Social media platforms and Internet companies provide many opportunities for expanded advertising reach
Consumers use of mobile/digital couponing is increasing

Groupon’s business model is fairly easy to replicate and has quite a few similar competitors that offer discount coupons via online or app-based services. However, what they have going for them is a highly visible brand that is a household name.
The external environmental scan shows that competition is a constant threat because of the relatively low barriers of entry. This makes it even more vital that operations are run as efficiently as possible to maximize growth and profits.
Part of the reason why Groupon needs to be continually scanning and innovating is that buyers/consumers and suppliers can easily switch from one discount coupon service provider to another. There is no commitment or investment on the part of either buyer or merchant. Groupon needs to find ways to make their service more beneficial so that merchants choose Groupon to advertise their products and services. Without a constant supply of new merchants, people will seek deals elsewhere.
More and more people are using mobile coupon and discount apps. Groupon already has one of the largest active customer bases and can continue to grow their reach as new customers access coupon apps.
The number of mobile Groupon app downloads worldwide has been recorded on a quarterly basis since December 2013. In September 2017, over 164 million people had downloaded the Groupon mobile app. As of that period, 69 percent of global Groupon sales were completed via mobile (Statista, 2017).
1

External Environment – Competition
Living Social – offers one deal a day like Groupon
Tippr – same business model as Groupon but offers 3 deals
BuyWithMe – similar model but only offers deals if enough people bought it
Yippit – deals that are city-based
Woot – offers deals that can be purchased from its website, no coupons required
Tanga – deals that are available for a limited time
Ebates – coupons, deals and rebates offered for each purchase

There are plentiful choices for consumers searching for deals, and for merchants searching for this type of advertising.
Listed here are some of the the competitors that Groupon faces. Living Social was a top competitor and Groupon bought them in 2016, effectively gaining around 1 million new users. The other listed companies vary in size and offer deals to its users but in varying ways. The cost of marketing can be quite high – one of the reasons why Living Social had trouble was it didn’t have the budget for marketing (Lunden, 2017).
Even though there is a lot of competition, Groupon’s branding has established it as a household name, and the ease of use of its app downloaded by so many people makes it a first choice for many looking for a deal.
2

February 22, 2018

Potential global strategies-Expand the company marketplace

Potential global strategies
Focus in on high-margin countries
Strategic competition
Strategic management
Use of technology
Expand the company marketplace
Groupon has clear, simple mission statement
Groupon culture

Danyelle – Assess potential global strategies for the organization.
Groupon is an American e-commerce marketplace that connects local merchants with subscribers worldwide. It has grown at an exponential rate due to its use of strategic methods that give it a competitive advantage such as coming up with various production styles. Its unique brand and the use of distribution channels have also made it more competitive.
Since the new CEO took over 2015, he has committed Groupon to operating in countries where it has the highest margins, taking Groupon’s geographical reach from almost 50 countries down to just 15 (Dille, 2014).
The company has been able to strategically settle its financial obligations such as leverage, and it controls its costs by using cost-effective production methods in such a way that it has been able to profit from its business strategy.

Groupon is well positioned in the market as it can exploit modern technology and mobile communications. These avenues ensured more quality goods and services reach its clientele, and as production is enhanced, time is also saved, resulting in the net increase in the efficiency and effectiveness of the company. Consequently, the company’s customer base has been increased.

Its mission statement communicates of Groupon’s goals in a simple manner that ensure that’s all employees and other stakeholders are motivated to work towards achieving the company’s main objectives. Groupon’s culture is unique since it exhibits the organization’s values and mission, a fact that encourages its stakeholders to work with all the seriousness required since they are all working towards a common objective. The company’s culture is good evidence of why the company excels in its line of work.
1

Potential global strategies, continued
Good customer relations
Groupon is situated in strategic position
Strong international brand
Groupon Corporate social responsibility
Use of the private equity and capital
Groupon has created new market spaces
Organization structure

Danyelle –
Groupon is well known for treating its customers in the right manner and more so for meeting their expectations by providing what they want and need at a bargain. The company has good customer relations, and it is always available to meet its customers’ complaints and demands, among other considerations, which makes its clients feel cared for and valued. This enduring practice has attracted Groupon a lot more customers from all corners of the world. Being that Groupon’s customer services is always available, so that its consumers can freely contact it in case of anything. It fulfills its obligation to satisfy its clientele by responding to their queries in an expeditious manner.

In deciding on a geographic location, Groupon settled for a city center as it is a conveniently accessible location for its investors, employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. This operating environment being convenient is particularly beneficial during economic slowdowns and recovery (Mileski, J. P., & Franklin, C. L, 2017).

Groupon continues to have strong and unique brands that give it so much competitive advantage that the company has almost become a monopoly. This advantage has continued to make the company attractive to various investors who have been encouraged by its potential for long-term sustainability. The company has been consistent in using its capital and private equity for its growth and development, so much so that it has become a global force.
Indeed, the company’s structure greatly impacted on its growth and success. It remains one of the reasons that Groupon has remained flexible and able to easily adjust to changes arising in its operational environment. With a first mover status, the company was able to grab huge market share even as it retains a huge portion of its loyal clientele. More importantly the company has brought to the coupon industry value components such as collective buying.
It should be known that all these global strategies alone cannot work. Good management is vital to ensure that all are strictly followed and that each of them is productive. Management should always work with the employees to ensure that ideas are shared and that business operations are improved in both the short and long term (Chaston, 2015).
2

February 22, 2018

Strategic Plan, Part 3: Strategic Evaluation-describe the three global strategy categories in detail: multi-domestic, transnational and global.

Strategic Plan, Part 3: Strategic Evaluation

The presentation includes the assessment of the potential global strategies for the organization. (2 points)
Please review the highlighted portions and make modifications

1.5

describe the three global strategy categories in detail: multi-domestic, transnational and global. You have to read the material and apply this information to your discussion.
a well-developed assessment of Groupon’s global strategy. You spoke to the deliberate decision to shrink global presence but much of the conversation here was not related to global strategy assessment.

February 22, 2018

review the case study entitled “Evaluating Vision and Mission Statements at PepsiCo.” Alternatively, you may choose an organization of your choice; however, be sure to include a copy of the vision and mission statement in your submission.

review the case study entitled “Evaluating Vision and Mission Statements at PepsiCo.” Alternatively, you may choose an organization of your choice; however, be sure to include a copy of the vision and mission statement in your submission. Address the questions posted.
academic writing standards and APA style guidelines, citing references as appropriate. Submit your findings in a 2-4-page document in the Assignment Dropbox.

February 22, 2018

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper in which you describe a project you have managed personally or professionally. Examples may include a trip you planned, a new product or service developed for your employer, a staff reorganization, and so on.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper in which you describe a project you have managed personally or professionally. Examples may include a trip you planned, a new product or service developed for your employer, a staff reorganization, and so on.
Develop a project overview that addresses the following questions.

What were the mission and objectives of the project?
What were the high-level tasks or scope of the project?
How was the need for the project identified?
What was the cost and how was it funded?
What was the timeline?
Who were the parties involved in the project and what were the roles of each party (team) member?
What steps did you establish to ensure the project was a success?
How did you measure the success of your project?
Overall, how did project management help to make this project a success?

Note: This overview should include the elements of a project charter.
Format your paper according to APA guidelines.

February 22, 2018

analyze the ethical issues surrounding the use of child labor around the world

Essay- Business Ethics 21st Century Perspective

BBA 4751, Business Ethics 2
7. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content related questions.
8. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates.
CSU Online Library
The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases, journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library webpage. To acces
The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. E-mail (library@columbiasouthern.edu) and telephone (1.877.268.8046) assistance is available Monday Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The
e, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page.
Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information. Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other services.
LibGuides
Click here for the LibGuide for this course.
Think of a LibGuide (a Library Guide) as a mini-website to help you with your assignments. It has relevant information such as databases, e-books, and websites specific to your courses. If you have any questions, please reach out to your friendly library staff.
Unit Assignments
Unit I Essay
For this assignment, you will watch a series of short video segments from the film Business Ethics: A 21st-Century Perspective. In combination with the assigned reading, provide a response to the questions that follow. In order to access the video segments, you must first log into the myCSU Student Portal and access the Films On Demand database within the CSU Online Library.
Daly, F., White, T., & Vogel, D. (Writers). (2000). Business ethics: A 21st-century perspective [Video file]. Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx? wID=273866&xtid=10685
After locating the video, complete the steps below:
you would analyze the ethical issues surrounding the use of child labor around the world?
difference between a temptation and an ethical dilemma in the context of an experience you have had, and describe how you resolved the matter.
21st century businesses today, and explain how you would analyze and resolve the issue. For example, what questions and/or research would you employ, and on what basis would you make your determination?
The Unit I Essay should be at least 500 words in length, double-spaced, and written in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Be sure to cite and reference all paraphrased and quoted material using APA style.
Information about accessing the Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
you would analyze the ethical issues surrounding the use of child labor around the world?
difference between a temptation and an ethical dilemma in the context of an experience you have had, and describe how you resolved the matter.
questions and/or research would you employ, and on what basis would you make your determination?

February 22, 2018

Describe one improvement that your healthcare organization could implement with how it currently makes capital budgeting decisions. You may include a government agency such as your town or your state. Does your organization take risk into account in evaluating projects or outlays?

You work in a hospital. Describe one improvement that your healthcare organization could implement with how it currently makes capital budgeting decisions. You may include a government agency such as your town or your state. Does your organization take risk into account in evaluating projects or outlays? If so, how? If not, what could they do? Support your answer with 3 credible sources. Cite your sources properly in APA format (both in-text and reference entries). Needs to be 300 words.

February 22, 2018

Inventory Management-Determine the types of inventories these companies currently manage and describe their essential inventory characteristics.

Assignment 2: Inventory ManagementDue Week 8 and worth 300 points
Research two (2) manufacturing or two (2) service companies that manage inventory and complete this assignment.Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

Determine the types of inventories these companies currently manage and describe their essential inventory characteristics.
Analyze how each of their goods and service design concepts are integrated.
Evaluate the role their inventory plays in the company’s performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Compare and contrast the four (4) different types of layouts found with each company; explain the importance of the layouts to the company’s manufacturing or service operations.
Determine at least two (2) metrics to evaluate supply chain performance of the companies; suggest improvements to the design and operations of their supply chains based on those metrics.
Suggest ways to improve the inventory management for each of the companies without affecting operations and the customer benefit package. Provide a rationale to support the suggestion.
Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Evaluate the processes used in designing and producing goods and services.
Determine four layout patterns and when they should be used.
Utilize the concept of supply chain management.
Employ the concept of capacity management.
Evaluate the management of inventories and resources.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in operations management.
Write clearly and concisely about operations management using proper writing mechanics.

February 22, 2018

Identify the critical path, earliest start and finish and slack for each task

Each student should complete the following problem and submit a single file in Word or Excel with all requirements in either format.
Given the following information about a small project,
Task     Duration         Immediate
            Estimates        Predecessors
A          2 days              None
B          5 days              A
C          1 day               B
D          2 days              A
E          3 days              B & D
F          12 days            E & C

a. Draw a network diagram.
b. Identify the critical path, earliest start and finish and slack for each task.
c. Using MS Excel, produce a Gantt chart for this project.
d. What would happen if a new estimate for task D increases its expected duration from two days to six days? Would the project take longer? Would anything else change?

February 22, 2018

Batman and Commissioner Gordon constantly involved themselves with local, state, and federal regulations. Think about the regulations in your locality and specifically reflect on one regulation that could use some improvement. What could be improved regarding this regulation? Your answer must be at least 300 words. No references or citations are necessary.

Batman and Commissioner Gordon constantly involved themselves with local, state, and federal regulations. Think about the regulations in your locality and specifically reflect on one regulation that could use some improvement. What could be improved regarding this regulation? Your answer must be at least 300 words. No references or citations are necessary.
Batman & Commissioner Gordon in Batman—Ethics in Local, State, and Federal Regulations for Business.
Superheroes add another dimension to the discussion of ethics. The story of Batman and Robin has withstood the test of time, moving from a comic book to a television series and through a series of motion picture movies. Batman, first introduced in 1939, has a 70-year old venue. The basic storyline revolves around a masked superhero named Batman, his young assistant Robin, and Commissioner Gordon. The trio set out to rid the world of numerous unscrupulous characters, such as the Joker, Catwoman, Bane, Harley Quinn, and the like. Each villain has their own creative path of destruction that Batman and Robin attempt to fend off with the ultimate goal of saving the world.
As Batman and Robin attempt to stop Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from freezing Gotham City, the audience is always prepared for non-stop action and special effects. Ethically speaking, Batman and Robin look to maintain justice for the community and world. Mr. Freeze will freeze anything that gets in his way—no matter the cost to humanity.
Joker, on the other hand, attempts a social experiment where he hands two detonators over—one to each ferry driver. Joker tells each ferry driver that he or she has the power to blow up the other ferry. If the ferry drivers do not blow up the other ferry in a prescribed amount of time, the Joker states that he will blow both of them up.
Batman always seemed above the law when contemplating appropriate solutions to these dilemmas. Batman had an uncanny ability to maintain an aura as a detective in the space of “for the better of all.” Applying this thinking to modern-day ethics, if an individual puts on a mask and promises to better the interests of society, is this behavior ethically correct?
Batman used techniques such as kidnapping, extortion, blackmail, and assault, to name a few. One might suggest that lying to the public, while officials (Commissioner Gordon) secretly supported a law-breaking, crime-fighting activity, would be justifiable, which is a slippery slope to approach when the justification is “for its own good.” One of the more recent movies using technology showed Batman tapping into every cell phone in Gotham City in hopes of locating the Joker. With the ongoing discussion of behavioral tracking, identity theft, and privacy, Batman again approached an ethical wall.
Recognizing ethical issues within business seems to be at the forefront of ethical decision making. Commissioner Gordon seemingly did not recognize the ethical issues or possibly chose to ignore them. Business people constantly face ethical decisions in which they are asked to make the most ethically sound decision while also making the decision that is in the “best interests of the company.” The easier decisions are those where these two coincide, but more times than not, they do not line up, which causes disparity and potentially unethical business decisions, as demonstrated in the Batman shows. In today’s business world, lying to supervisors, falsifying records, alcohol/drug abuse, conflict of interest, and stealing or receiving unauthorized gifts are unfortunately common practice.