Know-How Exchange : Student Questions

It looks like you have a pretty sound outline. The question only asks for a strategic relationship so that's all I would give. Depending on your professor, they may view SWOT as a TACTIC, versus a strategy, but you should be pretty safe. Nevertheless, it will show you have explored the issue.

Using Mike Porter's strategy theory is certainly "by the book", but again, in a college course, depending on the professor, most of the time "by the book" is what they want to see. Too many students try to flex and show-off their extended study and get off tangent and can be frowned upon by professors. If your's encourages creative thinking, then go for it! But being limited to 1000 words, I would stick to what has been discussed in class and in assigned readings.

Unfortunately, as mentioned above, students try to think too much and it ends up counting against them. Fellow students frequently asked me how I managed to set the curve on almost every test. My answer was simple, "Give the professor what they want and follow the instructions to a tee. Use your free time and career to expand and "flex" your ideas".

Good luck!

Hi francoisec,

I think you will have to trim down your outline and answer.

At 1000 words, that is 142 words per 7 sections and your intro and conclusion will take up 25% of this.

By example, Jett's post is 200 words.

Plus, you are asked to give examples which will take up even more room.

My suggestion is to combine everything in section 2.1, 2.2, & 2.3 into one section. These three alone could take up a 3500 page paper and they are just 3 of many competitive analysis and positioning tools/theories available.

Also, it sounds like the crux of what instructor wants is for you to find examples and provide an explanation of the relationship between IS and strategic positioning, not explain different strategic positioning models.


1.0 - Introduction

2.0 -(Value of ) Strategic Information Systems

3.0 - Combine 2.1, 2.2 & 2.3 into one brief section explaining that there are many types of strategic tools and theories available for determining competitive advantage and positioning, however these are business specific. You could just mention the ones you have.


4.0 - Examples of the relationship between IS & strategic positioning

Conclusion

Good Luck!