Assignment: Examining Business Strategy and the Five Forces Model: The Challenges Facing eBay; Time for Changes in Strategy? This week we look at strategic thinking in the business environment.

Your assignment this week is to:

1. First, research and create a Porter’s Five Forces Model of eBay in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint format. Use external sources to assist in populating your model.

Next, report and analyze your findings, touching on the following questions:

1. What does your five forces analysis reveal about the nature and strength of the various competitive pressures eBay faces? Are the competitive pressures facing eBay and other online auction companies conducive to earning good profits? Why or why not?

2. Based on your analysis of the industry and eBay’s situation, what problems and issues does eBay’s top management need to address? Which ones are top priorities?

3. What do you see as the key success factors for organizations in the online auction industry?

Here are the paper requirements:

• Review and follow the grading rubric
• Develop a clear introduction, body and conclusion. Use paragraph format and transitions. Focus on quality of writing and content. A strong paper will be a minimum of 2 pages (not counting title or reference pages).
• Use APA format with a title page, in-text citations and references. No abstract required.
• Research and cite at least 2 credible sources in APA format.
• Upload your assignment to the SafeAssign link by Sunday at 11:59 pm (EST)
• Place model in appendix or as separate PPT submission.