Business Plan and Strategy Management

Business Plan

IT Management

Individual Project 1-5

Kimberly Davidson

November 27, 2017

Contents

Qualitative Evaluation of the Industry’s Strategic Position

Strategic Information Systems Assessment

Information Systems Business Case

Strategic Business Plan

Project Management Plan

References:

Qualitative Evaluation of the Industry’s Strategic Position

The central processing unit (CPU) is the computer component that's responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's other hardware and software. All sorts of devices use a CPU, including desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, smartphones... even your flat-screen television set.

Intel andAMD are the two most popular CPU manufacturers for desktops, laptops, and servers, while Apple,NVIDIA, andQualcomm are big smartphone and tablet CPU makers.

You may see many different names used to describe the CPU, including processor, computer processor, microprocessor, central processor, and "the brains of the computer."

Computermonitors, or hard drives are sometimesvery incorrectlyreferred to as the CPU, but those pieces of hardware serve entirely different purposes and are in no way the same thing as the CPU.

Unlike other components of a notebook computer, the processor is a fixed component. This contrasts with RAM and hard disk storage which can be upgraded in many cases. Therefore, another consideration is the fact that the CPU you choose will be the same throughout the life of the system. This implies that as applications and operating systems become more sophisticated, the computer's ability to handle them will be directly affected by the purchase decision made all that time ago. This choice may mean the difference between a system that is useful for another year or two versus one that is not.

Threat of new entrants:Low

There are plenty of companies that make CPU’s all around the world however, non-have proven to have the capability or standards of those in the top ten most made or produced in Silicon Valley.

Bargaining power of customers:Low to moderate

Customers must know the common metrics used for CPU comparison. These are clock speed (GHz frequency), number of processor cores, cache memory capacity, and overclocking capabilities.Buying the best CPU entails matching performance metrics with the planned use of the PC. Avoid common mistakes like buying an Intel Core i7 for gaming, thinking it that it outperforms the lesser-priced Intel Core i5 in that area. It doesn’t—Intel Core i7 architecture is tuned for pro content creation applications and offers negligible advantages for running games. (newegg.com)

Consider first what you want the computer to do and choose components most appropriate for those tasks. Start like this:

Collect system requirements for games of applications you plan to use.
Set a budget for the entire system; how much do you have to spend?
Think about the lifecycle of your PC hardware; how long before you want to upgrade?

Bargaining power of suppliers:low

The bargaining power of buyers is weak to moderate which is because the number of large players with established brand image is low. The customers are mainly either individuals or organizations. Customer loyalty is high becausecustomers would buy from a brand they consider reliable. Dell has focused on excellent customer service and these factors together reduce the bargaining power of buyers

Intensity of competitive rivalry:moderate

AMD and Intel this year, are both doing drastically different things with their processors. Intel has kept its focus on higher clock speeds and lower core counts while AMD has doubled down on what it knows by integrating insane numbers of cores in its processors at acceptable frequencies. AMD is building up quite the savings account with itsRyzen- branded processors, namely the ‘high-performance’ chips gamers enjoy such as those featured in theThreaddripper series. Meanwhile, Intel is experiencing a wealth of growth except in the desktop processor category, indicating some sure-fire competitive progress from AMD. That said, it isn’t far-fetched to say AMD and Intel can cater to different audience’s side-by-side with some overlap in between. (techradar.com)

Strategic Information Systems Assessment

The following chart is a SWOT analysis of the company AMD which is the 2nd largest global supplier of microprocessors.

SWOT Analysis
Strengths / 1. Strong brand in Microprocessor and PC market
2. Strong focus on Research and development capabilities
3. AMD has a global presence
4. AMD operates in GPU (graphical processing unit) and Microprocessor market with only single competitor in each market, Nvidia and Intel respectively.
Weaknesses / 1. Weak performance of computing segment due to advent of tablets, handhelds
2. Lack of penetration into mobile market
3. Intense competition means limited scope for capturing huge market share
Opportunities / 1. Innovation for mobile platforms and tablets
2. New product and services expansions
3. Presence in virtualization space
Threats / 1. Competition from Intel and Nvidia
2. Environmental regulations
3. Declining PC shipment
Competition
Competitors / 1.Intel
2. Nvidia

(hbr.org)

Though not considered the behemoth in the personal computing space as Intel, AMD is a decisive runner-up—and arguably the only true competitor Intel has in this domain. After spending much of the early to middle 2000's as being the performance and value leader with their Athlon 64 line of personal computing processors, AMD—unable to mimic this success in more recent years, has shifted their focus towards both enthusiast and budget-oriented system configurations. As a result, AMD is a viable alternative to Intel. Their current offerings are flanked by the Phenom series processors and Fusion APU processors. The Fusion APU (AMD A-Series) is a relatively new platform (as of 2011 and ongoing) that attempts to merge high-end graphical capabilities on the same chip as the processor. This means if your work or play requires a powerful graphics card, then AMD can potentially offer a cost-effective alternative.

The tables below are processor comparison tables from wisc.edu to show that while very different because of the computer industry, both have the same quality on some of the same levels.

Intel Comparison Table

/ Recommended For / Last Generation Released (Codename) / Number of Cores / Notable Features / Additional Product Information / Product Commentary
Core i7

/ Enthusiasts, Superior All-Around Performance, Multi-tasking, Multimedia Creation, Advanced Productivity and Advanced 3D Graphics / 2012 ("Ivy Bridge") and upcoming / 2 or 4 / (1) Hyper-Threading
(2) Turbo Boost
(3) QuickPathInterConnect
(4) Tri-Gate (3D) Transistors
(5) Intel HD Graphics
(6) 64-bit / Intel / The Intel Core i7 represents the company's most feature robust processor offering. They are Intel's flagship series of processor, achieving the greatest levels of relative performance. As an excellent all-around processor, the i7 is ideal for enthusiasts, gamers, power users and content creators alike. They are available for both desktop and notebook platforms. The current generation of i7 (as well as i3 and i5) processors is Ivy Bridge as of Mid-2012.
Core i5
/ All-Around Performance, Multi-tasking, Advanced Producivity, Multimedia, Advanced 3D Graphics / 2012 ("Ivy Bridge") and upcoming / 2 or 4 / (1) Hyper-Threading (on i5 Mobile Dual-Core only, not available on Quad-Core desktop version)
(2) Turbo Boost
(3) QuickPathInterConnect
(4) Tri-Gate (3D) Transistors
(5) Intel HD Graphics
(6) 64-bit / Intel / The Intel Core i5 is a class of high-performance processor just a notch beneath the i7. Though they generally possess same features as the i7 with some exceptions (see Features), they have less cache (L3) memory which amounts to similar, but lesser all-around performance. Like the i7 and i3, the i5 features Intel's high performance integrated graphics in the HD 3000/4000. Most users will find the general level of perfomance offered by the i5 to be an attractive option compared to a more expensive i7-equipped system.
Core i3
/ Productivity, Multi-tasking, Basic Graphics, Multimedia / 2012 ("Ivy Bridge") and upcoming / 2 or 4 / (1) Hyper-Threading
(2) QuickPathInterConnect
(3) Tri-Gate (3D) Transistors
(4) Intel HD Graphics 3000
(5) 64-bit / Intel / The Intel Core i3 processor is the closest successor to the now out-of-production Core2Duo processor. The most significant differences between the i3 and i5/i7 is the lack of Turbo Boost and less cache (L3) memory. The i3 offers moderate all-around performance and is often found in budget-oriented systems.
Pentium (Post-2009)
/ Productivity, E-mail, and Web Browsing, Photos and Music / 2011 ("Sandy Bridge") / 2 / Hyper-Threading (however, most currently do not support this feature) / Intel / The Intel Pentium as a product line had built a strong reputation with consumers in the 90's through the early 2000s with the Pentium I/II/III/4 series. Formerly a flagship line of processor, the Pentium is currently in production as a budget-oriented option just above the Celeron in terms of relative performance. The most recent iteration of the Pentium takes some architectural cues from the Core i series with the 2011 Pentium based on the Sandy Bridge, offering performance suitable for most basic tasks.
Celeron
(Post-2010)
/ Productivity, E-mail, and Web Browsing, Photos and Music / 2011 ("Sandy Bridge") / 2 / 64-bit / Intel / Throughout its many iterations, the Intel Celeron has occupied the lower end of the processor market in terms of both price and performance. Updates to the Celeron based on current generation architecture have been made to keep the processor relevant. The improvements are enough such that they allow for running current productivity packages and web applications. They are best considered for an entry-level system.
Atom
/ Basic Productivity, E-mail, and Web Browsing / 2012 ("Cedar Trail") and upcoming / 1 or 2 / (1) Hyper-Threading
(2) 64-bit / Intel / The Intel Atom belongs almost exclusively to a class of personal computers known as netbooks (nettops and tablets are the lesser common instances). The Atom is focused not so much on performance as it is on reducing power consumption. As a result, many netbooks offer excellent battery life at the cost of being unable to run more sophisticated applications beyond web browsing and word processing. Generally speaking, netbook processors such as the Atom do not see substantial performance gains with subsequent generations.
Retiring/Retired Product Lines
Core 2 Duo & Core 2 Quad / Multi-tasking, Productivity and Multimedia / 2008 / 2 or 4 / 64-Bit / Intel
-Core 2 Duo
-Core 2 Quad / Though the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors are still in production, the platform has been succeeded by the Core i Series since late 2008. Despite this, these processors are still very servicable providing adequete levels of performance for multitasking to varying levels of multimedia creation and productivity applications.
Core Solo/Core Duo/Centrino & Celeron (Pre-2010) / Basic Productivity, E-mail, and Web Browsing / 2006 / 1 or 2 / 32-bit / N/A / The Core Duo/Duo Centrino processors preceeded both the Core2 and Core i series of processor. Generally do not recommend running current software for optimal use; consideration of an upgrade path is recommended soon.
Pentium III & Pentium 4 / Legacy software and operating system / Late 90s/Early 2000s / 1 / Pentium 4: mostly 32-bit later versions 64-bit, w/Hyper- Threading / N/A / An upgrade path is highly recommended; Usefulness is relagated to doing basic tasks such as running older versions of Microsoft Office or browsing webpages absent of the latest media or plugins such as Flash or Java.

AMD Comparison Table

/ Recommended For / Last Generation Released (Codename) / Number of Cores / Notable Features / Additional Product Information / Product Commentary
FX
/ Desktop Enthusiasts, All-Around High Performance / 2012 ("Bulldozer") and upcoming / 4, 6, 8 / (1) HyperTransport
(2) Integrated DRAM Controller with AMD Memory Optimizer
(2) AMD Turbo CORE
(3) AMD Virtualization
(4) AMD PowerNow! (Cool'n'Quiet) / (1) AMD
(2) Architectural Features / Available exclusively on desktop platforms, AMD FX targets custom builders and enthusiasts. This is a processor that far surpasses the needs of the average user. However, given the amount of performance it provides combined with the relative low cost, it becomes an attractive option for budget custom PC builds. The FX along with the A-Series, represent AMD's current flagship products and later releases within these product lines are planned.
A-Series (Fusion)
/ A4: Basic
All-Around Use/Productivity, Casual Gaming
A6, A8: All-Around Performance, Multimedia, Advanced 3D Graphics / 2012 ("Trinity") and upcoming / A4: 2
A6, A8: 4 / DirectX 11 Capable Graphics / (1)AMD
(2)Notebook Features / The AMD A-Series (AMD Fusion) are a type of chip that merges the CPU with a high-performance GPU (graphics processing unit) resulting in a versatile system that is very power efficient. They are available in desktops, laptops and most recently, ultrabooks. Where the A4 APU is found in less expensive, entry level systems, the A6 and A8 are more suited for all-around use w/advanced graphics applications (such as gaming or 3D modeling). In May 2012, AMD released the next generation of Fusion A-Series processors known as "Trinity", these processors promise much greater graphical and general purpose performance. AMD has aligned Trinity as an answer to Intel's Ivy Bridge.
Phenom II
/ Advanced Productivity, HD Video, 3D Graphics, Photos and Music / 2010 / 2, 3, 4, 6 / (1) HyperTransport™
(2) Integrated DRAM Controller with AMD Memory Optimizer
(3) AMD Turbo CORE
(4) AMD PowerNow! (Cool'n'Quiet)
(5) AMD CoolCore! / (1)AMD
(2) Key Architectural Features / The AMD Phenom II is primarily a class of high-performance desktop processor.In 2010, AMD claimed to be the first in the industry to offer a consumer class six-core processor though the X6. Mobile variants of the Phenom II were introduced as well, but not in the six-core flavor. Though new generations of this product line are no longer in the works, this line of processor is still sold as a low-cost, budget-oriented option for custom system builds. The performance of this processor is more than enough for everyday usage and productivity.
Athlon II
/ Basic Multi-tasking, Productivity and Multimedia Applications / 2011 and upcoming / 2, 3, 4 / (1) AMD Virtualization
(2) AMD PowerNow! (Cool'n'Quiet)
(3) AMD CoolCore! / (1)AMD
(2)Key Architectural Features / The Athlon II is a relatively recent processor taking design cues from the Phenom II. Unlike the Athlon Classic, is still in production and far more suited to current productivity applications such as Microsoft Office as well as multitasking and multimedia applcations. It is found in both laptops and desktops as a reasonably-powered, cost-effective option.
Turion II
/ Productivity, Photos, and Music / 2010 / 1 or 2 / (1) HyperTransport
(2) 64-bit / AMD / The Turion II is a processor based from the same architecture in the Phenom II and Athlon II. It was introduced as a competitor to Intel's Core 2 Duo. As a result, its performance should be very suitable for productivity software. They designed with power efficiency in mind and is found primarily in notebook configurations.
Sempron
/ Basic Productivity, E-mail, and Web Browsing / 2010 / 1 or 2 / (1) HyperTransport
(2) 64-bit / AMD / The Sempron is the AMD analogue to the Intel Celeron. It offers very basic levels of performance and is updated every so often so as to offer an inexpensive option capable of running recent versions of productivity software such as Office 2010 as well as web applications.
Retiring/Retired Product Lines
Phenom / Multi-tasking, HD Video, Basic Graphics / 2008 / 2, 3, 4 / (1) HyperTransport
(2) AMD PowerNow! (Cool'n'Quiet)
(3) AMD CoolCore! / AMD / The AMD Phenom processor preceded the Phenon II. Though the processor is no longer in production, it is generally considered lower-middle range in performance; suitable for multi-tasking and more than casual use. The Phenom was available only for desktop platforms.
Athlon (Classic) / Web Browsing, E-mail / Not In production (1999-2005) / 1 or 2 / 32-bit or 64-bit / N/A / Formerly known as just the Athlon, the Athlon Classic has not been in production since 2005. The kind of performance is extremely limited for today's applications and is recommended for only the most basic of uses. Generally, a complete system upgrade from this processor range would be advisable if your needs fall beyond web browsing and e-mail tasks.

Wiseman’s Framework analysis:

Differentiation thrust: This helps in focusing on the information that has been left unfulfilled or there is some gap in the expected and provided service.
Cost thrust: this kind of thrust focuses on minimizing the cost and increasing the competitor cost.
Innovation thrust: This kind of thrust focuses on doing something different which includes making new products with differentiating features and specifications.
Growth thrust: This kind of thrust focuses on increasing the horizon of the business that includes increasing volume and market size.
Alliance thrust: This kind of thrust focuses on the mergers and acquisitions for increasing the business and making the firm more competitive. (mbaskool)

With our company trying to acquire AMD we can possibly make it more profitable than it already is because our cost are not as high as our number one competitor Intel, the technology changes fast because of engineers with qualified skillsets vying to be the next best thing or the next new name in the industry. According to the United States Census Bureau 78% percent of households had a computer in 2015, 75% percent had a handheld computer such as a smartphone or tablet.Ninety percent of households with householders aged 15 to 34 had a handheld computer, compared with 89 percent where the householder was aged 35 to 44, 78 percent where the householder was aged 45 to 64, and 47 percent where the householder was 65 years and older. Similar to desktop or laptop ownership or use, there were narrow differences in broadband Internet subscription among the three younger age groups, with percentages ranging from 80 percent for the 45- to 64-year-old group to 84 percent for the 35- to 44-year-old group, compared with only 62 percent of households headed by a person aged 65 and older.