Case : Toyota: Keeping up with the Challenge
In this case we will be looking inside the company in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to consider how these factors will either help the company overcome the threats (or make them more vulnerable), or put them in a position where they can take advantage of opportunities (or will have to let them pass by because they do not have the internal resources to act). We will be answering the general question:
How well does Toyota capitalize on its strengths to meet threats and take advantage of opportunities, and will their weaknesses impede these efforts?
Case Instructions:
1. Read the following article about Toyota and review the annual report for information about the internal operations of the company, as they relate to the variables discussed in the RBV described in the background readings. If you need to, you may conduct additional research. Think through your answer before jumping into the research so as not to waste time.
2. Perform an Internal Analysis at Toyota; identify at least two weaknesses and two strengths.
3. Explain how these strengths and weaknesses will either help or hinder the company in dealing with the opportunities and threats you identified in Module Two.
Yoshio Takahashi. (2010, May 12). Toyota Registers Surprise Profit; Auto maker forecasts 48% growth in fiscal-year earnings as it bounces back from recall-related concerns. Wall Street Journal (Online). Retrieved May 17, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global.
Toyota Annual Report:
https://www.toyota.co.jp/en/ir/library/annual/pdf/2009/index.html
Expectations:
1. The results of your Internal Analysis.
2. Your critical assessment of the major strengths and weaknesses facing Toyota as a company. (See reading on SWOT on the background page)
3. How these strengths and weaknesses help or hinder the company in taking advantage of opportunities and warding off threats.
A conclusion reprising your main findings from the analysis.