Prepare a report (1500 words) on the competitive environment of a given industry, identifying and analysing in appropriate depth key factors and issues. Groups will be required to prepare and work both in-class and independently. The assignment grade includes a preparation and participation component which will be marked individually.

The assignment has two parts with different weighting as outlined below:

1) Industry characteristics and planetary issues [30% weighting]

Outline the nature, size, and general characteristics of the industry (some examples might include the nature of its business, industry background, size, market sector, number of competitors, key competitors, international trade, et cetera).

Evaluate the key ecological and social responsibility issues facing the industry and the degree to which the issues are being addressed (some examples might include waste management, energy conservation, customer rights, workforce welfare, dealings with smaller suppliers, transparency and disclosure, diversity and equality, et cetera).

2) The general business environment [60% weighting]

Analyse three of the following factors influencing the industry’s business environment: the political, legal/regulatory, demographic, socio-cultural and/or technological factors; assess the rate of change for these factors.