Read the case study on Costco and answer the following questions. Demonstrate that you have command of the strategic concepts and analytical tools to which you have been exposed.

Read the case study on Costco and answer the following questions. Demonstrate that you have command of the strategic concepts and analytical tools to which you have been exposed.

1. What is Costco’s business model? Is the company’s business model appealing? Why or why
not?

2. What are the chief elements of Costco’s strategy? How good is the strategy?

3. Do you think Jim Sinegal was an effective CEO? What grade would you give him in leading the process of crafting and executing Costco’s strategy? How well is Craig Jelinek performing as Sinegal’s successor; what grade would you give him so far in leading the process of crafting and executing strategy? What support can you offer for these grades?

4. What core values or business principles did Jim Sinegal stress at Costco?

5. What is your assessment of the strength of competitive pressures stemming from rivalry among Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale?

6. What is your assessment of the strength of competitive pressures stemming from the threat of entry of new competitors into the North American wholesale club market, from substitutes for shopping at wholesale clubs, from suppliers to the three North America-based wholesale club competitors, from the customers/members of the three North America-based wholesale
club competitors?

7. What is the collective strength of the five competitive forces facing the three North America- based wholesale clubs?

Use of appropriate analytical tools and techniques, including the use of charts and tables where appropriate. You are expected to demonstrate that you can use the tools and techniques of strategic analysis presented in the chapters.

Presenting realistic, workable, well-supported recommendations for action.

Use of good communication skills-failure to use good grammar, spelling, and other written communication skills will result in a two-letter grade reduction.

The paper should be organized consistent