PART 1

Answer the Initial discussion questions in a minimum of a 100-word response and at least one reference with in-text citations.

Executives of an American corporation intend to enter the Indian market.  (a) How might the self-reference criterion influence the American executives’ PEST analysis of India? Be specific.   (e.g., the self-reference criterion might cause American executives to dismiss the significance of the caste system in the psyche of Indians.) 

(b) What can the American executives do to avoid the mistake of self-reference criterion?  P.S. This question does not require you to perform a PEST analysis.

PART 2

 The complete section must be 200 words per question. You must use two references in each complete unit. In-text citations and references are required when utilizing outside sources of any kind.

1. In a narrative format, discuss these firms from a strategic perspective. Information concerning recent changes in the firms is readily available online and should be accessed. Strategic issues should be discussed in “real time.”

2. How would you define Auto Zone’s industry? Would you include new car dealerships and/or discount stores in the industry? Why or why not?

3. How has Auto Zone responded to changes in its macro-environment? Is Auto Zone immune to threats associated with economic downturns? Why or why not? 

4. Review the discussion in the reading on changes in social forces associated with automobiles. Suppose that you are the CEO of Auto Zone. What changes present opportunities for your firm? Which changes concern you the most? 

THIS IS THE REFERENCE FOR THE TEXT:

Reference:

Parnell, J.A. (2008). Strategic Management: Theory and Practice (3rd edition). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning/Savant Learning Systems.