Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace Essay

Understanding how organizations create a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Introduction: Through case studies and a business simulation, you gain an understanding of how strategic management creates a competitive advantage. Examine the five companies that “Changed the World:” Google, Nike, Toyota, Apple, and Harley-Davidson for an in-depth study on how they applied strategic management and best practices to change their organizations and their industries. Deliverables: Required to be a minimum of 750 words that clearly demonstrate your understanding of the activity. Post project essays should have a clear introduction, thesis statement and conclusion, written in APA format (Purdue OWL). A minimum of three sources, at least two from the lesson, must be cited in-text and in the Reference list. Activity Details: Perform the following steps: Select two of the companies highlighted in this topic: Google, Starbucks, Toyota, Apple, and Harley-Davidson Step 1: Read the following questions, and use what you have learned about Best Practices in Management to summarize your responses in a paper: Identify the best practices of both companies, compare and contrast these practices. A.Make recommendations regarding how each of these organizations could improve their practices. B.Select one of the companies, and using the corresponding book (most of which come from the series of Corporations that Changed the World) explain how the organization created a competitive advantage in the marketplace. C.Leadership and Strategic Planning Scott V. (2010). Google (Corporations That Changed the World). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, CA Bussing-Burks, M (2009). Starbucks (Corporations That Changed the World). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood. Chambers, D.K. (2010). Toyota (Corporations That Changed the World). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood. Elliot, J. Leading Apple with Steve Jobs: Management Lessons from a Controversial Genius. (2012), Wiley Hoboken, NJ Scott, M. (2008). Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Corporations That Changed the World). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood. Use these writing guidelines:  · Include a cover page and references in addition to your required word count.  · Use correct APA format  · Double-space text  · Use size 12 Times New Roman  · Use section headings to organize  · Indent paragraphs  · Include in-text citations  · Use correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and verb tense