Strategic Analysis – Case Study
- What are the key industry conditions which render profits elusive for airlines? Using the five forces model of
competition, what does the structure of the industry reveal about competitive rivalry and profit potential? - Discuss Southwest Airlines’ business-level strategy and its record of success. How is the company stacking
up against other major airlines today? Are there any strategic shortcomings that need to be addressed? - Identify and explore the opportunities and challenges presented by Southwest Airlines’ acquisition of
AirTran. What are the merits and concerns of using the acquisition to launch the company’s expansion into
international territories? - Does Southwest Airlines have a sustainable competitive advantage? What strategic recommendations can
be made to strengthen the durability of the company’s competitive advantage; or do conditions suggest that it
is time for a shift in Southwest Airlines’ strategic direction to achieve long-term competitiveness against its
rivals?