Discussion: Foundations for Competitive Advantage

An organization must have a deep understanding of its underlying capabilities and processes in order to successfully use its information technologies to achieve a strategic advantage.

To prepare for this Discussion, review the Learning Resources for this week and conduct further research of models for IT contributing to competitive advantage.

By Day 3

Post an assessment of the influence of IT in the creation of competitive advantage in organizations, incorporating the Required Readings on strategy and competition. In your assessment, address the following:

• What is competitive advantage and what are the ways it is created?
• How does IT contribute to competitive advantage?
• What are the risks associated with using technology for competitive advantage?
• Also, include in your post a current theory related to IT for competitive advantage. Select a theory that extends beyond the resources provided in the readings for this week and involve your own research in the Walden Library using recent peer-reviewed sources. For the theory, provide a summary using these section headings:
  • The name of the theory
  • The year the theory was introduced
  • The theorist/author
  • Key components of the theory
  • A statement of how the theory does or does not apply

Be sure to support your work with a minimum of three specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and at least one additional scholarly source.

Refer to the Week 1 Discussion Rubric for specific grading elements and criteria. Your Instructor will use this rubric to assess your work.