Porter's forces analysis - Essay Example

Your essay must be typed using 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced with 1" margins all around. The maximum size of this essay will be three (3) pages. Spelling and grammar will be assessed in grading. This essay MUST be submitted on the day of your class final or it will not be accepted for credit. Use this page as a cover page. The competition among US business schools to recruit new applicants, both foreign and local, is particularly intense. The US recession, the negative impact of the US recession on Europe and Asia will lead to a reduced demand for business studies in the future.

The US business schools knows the qualities that makes them strong and unique. These schools sought to define their respective unique and distinctive contributions to the society. Competitiveness among business schools requires systematic and innovative thinking which relies on the ability to generate ideas from various sources and the quick capability to act based on the information received. Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, amd Northwestern University made use of student assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships to attract the best business school applicants.

Other alternatives include securing additional external funding and implementation of cost cutting measures combined with aggressive marketing of premiere programs. Porter (1985) stated that organizations that thrive in competitive environments are able to continue since they are implementing one of three specific strategies: cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. Moreover, Porter (2008) stated that the strength of the competitive forces has an impact on the prices, costs, and the investment of the firms.

The competitive forces are directly tied to the income statements and balance sheets of industry leaders. Despite the stiff international and local competition, Baruch's Zicklin School of Business still retains its competitive advantage vis--vis other foreign and local business schools. The Zicklin Business School has a long history, a strong alumni support and a huge funding base. Cost leadership pertains to providing either superior value at lower prices or special benefits that offset higher prices (Porter, 1985).

The effective pricing of MBA and DBA programs by Zicklin Business School also constitutes a distinct competitive advantage.II. SUPPLIER POWER -HIGH The business schools have the power to choose the kind of business students it wants to admit. A business school relies on its good reputation. Given the fiercely competitive nature, changes happen very quickly. Most business schools generally keep abreast of new ideas and new technologies to improve its