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Software for note (9-380-175). Spreadsheet model helps students assess potential risks and returns of achieving a viable market position. Calculates the capital requirements for entering the diaper industry under different scenarios. Requires Windows and Excel.

Describes the competitive situation facing the market leader in antiknock additives, the Ethyl Corp. Demand is declining rapidly and Ethyl has to decide whether to close capacity, and if so, how. Raises issues of corporate as well as SBU strategy because antiknock additives are Ethyl's principal product.

Describes a company that had traditionally followed a strategy quite distinct from its major competitors', its eventual decision to imitate them, and its subsequent performance.

Describes an attempt by Fox Broadcasting to enter the U.S. television broadcasting industry as a fourth network. Intended to integrate the analysis of major investment decisions with business strategy. Leads to a discussion of the investment decision based on industry structure, competitive positions, and sustainability.

The success of a business depends on its ability to sustain its competitive advantage over time. Product innovation, production processes, and marketing are areas in which intense competitive pressure has multiplied with the increase in domestic and international competition. Analyses of companies identified as outstanding performers in their industries sought to understand the sources of their competitive advantage, to determine why the advantages proved sustainable, and to assess their future security.

Facilitates a discussion of the sources of Wal-Mart Stores' competitive advantage in discount retailing, and the future sustainability of that advantage. Also profiles the company's major diversification move in the early 1980s.

Spreadsheet Supplement for case 387-019.

Many managers see the experience curve as out of date, but experience curve strategies can improve competitive performance in some clearly defined situations. Successful use of the curve requires understanding why and how it works and when to apply it. Industry examples explain how products have different experience curve slopes, experience bases, and cost reduction sources. Managers should study three critical variables to discover both the opportunities and traps in putting the experience curve to work for their companies: industry structure, the relative position of key competitors, and government impact.