The final assessment is designed to assess important concepts presented in the course. This assessment is a cumulative testing of those concepts to better test your understanding of the material presented. 
Our course examined concepts and theories that form the foundation of business strategy. Here we discussed benchmarks such as core competencies, the internal and external environment, and sustainable advantages. Consider these ideas and others offered in the readings to reply to the questions below: 
Use one of the organizations of your choice from the list shown below: 
1.    Wal-Mart 
2.    Starbucks 
3.    McDonald’s 
4.    Sears 
After choosing one of the companies from the list above, reply to the following. Each answer should be a minimum of 200 words in length.
1.    What are (or were) this company’s core competencies? In your own words define at least three of the competencies and whether those competencies have/have not helped the organization rise to the position they are at today. 
2.    Porter’s 5 Forces is an important concept in assessing a company’s position in the Industry it operates in. Using each one of the Five Forces, explain your company’s standing. Describe in detail why that company is succeeding or failing? 
3.    Maintaining a sustainable advantage is critical if the company is to be competitive in the Industry. Describe the internal and external environments that impact the organization. In your own words, describe what the firm has done to (or has failed to do) to maintain a sustainable advantage.