,MNG3701 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 14 April 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
Questions Marks 1 Strategic leaders can analyse a particular
competitor in the industry in detail by applying the four-corner
analysis to predict what a particular competitor will do in the
future. Identify one major competitor of Standard Bank of
South Africa and apply the four-corner analysis to analyse the
competitor. a) Briefly explain the ‘four-corner analysis.’ (1 mark)
b) Identify one major competitor of Standard Bank South Africa.
(1 mark) c) Apply the four-corner analysis to analyse the
identified competitor of Standard Bank South Africa. (8 marks)
10 2 The report states that South Africa’s credit recovery
remained strained with high inflation, tighter credit conditions,
a weaker rand, interest rate increases, and an increase in
unemployment. As an expert in strategic planning, advise
Standard Bank of South Africa on the reasons why the cost
leadership strategy would be an appropriate Business-level
strategy to follow. Hint: a) Discuss what cost leadership entails.
(2 marks) b) Briefly discuss one practical way in which Standard
Bank of South Africa can apply the cost leadership strategy. (2
marks) c) Use the three evaluation criteria to evaluate the
appropriateness of the cost leadership strategy in relation to
Standard Bank of South Africa. (6 marks) 10 3 Standard Bank of
South Africa report mentions the following: “We compete head-
on with the other South African players who have a similarly
,broad offering as well as with new entrants with more niche
offerings”. a) Identify two of Porter’s Five Forces referred to in
the above statement. Use the identified forces to analyse the
Banking industry in South Africa. (6 marks) b) Perform a SWOT
analysis for Standard Bank of South Africa. (4 marks) 10
MNG3701/101/3/2025 4 Use a suitable model to analyse the
macro-environment of the banking industry where Standard
Bank of South Africa is operating. Hint: your analysis should
include five (5) factors. Explain each factor and discuss the
impact of each on a company such as Standard Bank of South
Africa
Question 1: Four-Corner Analysis of a Competitor of Standard
Bank South Africa
a) Four-Corner Analysis Explanation (1 mark)
The Four-Corner Analysis is a strategic tool used to analyze a
competitor's potential future moves based on four key factors:
1. Current Strategy: The competitor's existing approach to
business.
2. Objectives: What the competitor aims to achieve (e.g.,
market share, profitability, customer satisfaction).
3. Capabilities: The competitor’s resources, skills, and overall
ability to execute its strategy.
4. Assumptions: The beliefs and perceptions the competitor
holds about the industry, market, and competitors.
, This analysis helps predict what a competitor might do based
on their strategy, goals, resources, and outlook on the market.
b) Major Competitor of Standard Bank South Africa (1 mark)
One major competitor of Standard Bank in South Africa is First
National Bank (FNB). FNB, as part of the FirstRand Group, offers
a broad range of banking services and competes directly with
Standard Bank in the retail, commercial, and investment
banking sectors.
c) Applying the Four-Corner Analysis to FNB (8 marks)
1. Current Strategy: FNB focuses on delivering innovative
banking solutions with an emphasis on digital services,
mobile banking, and customer-centric offerings. They aim
to leverage technology to improve customer experience
and reduce costs.
2. Objectives: FNB seeks to increase its customer base,
particularly in the digital banking sector, and expand its
market share in South Africa. The bank is also focused on
driving financial inclusion by providing accessible banking
services to underserved populations.
3. Capabilities: FNB has strong technological capabilities,
particularly in mobile banking, and has a broad geographic
presence in South Africa. The bank also benefits from
strong brand recognition and the support of the larger
FirstRand Group.
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 14 April 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
Questions Marks 1 Strategic leaders can analyse a particular
competitor in the industry in detail by applying the four-corner
analysis to predict what a particular competitor will do in the
future. Identify one major competitor of Standard Bank of
South Africa and apply the four-corner analysis to analyse the
competitor. a) Briefly explain the ‘four-corner analysis.’ (1 mark)
b) Identify one major competitor of Standard Bank South Africa.
(1 mark) c) Apply the four-corner analysis to analyse the
identified competitor of Standard Bank South Africa. (8 marks)
10 2 The report states that South Africa’s credit recovery
remained strained with high inflation, tighter credit conditions,
a weaker rand, interest rate increases, and an increase in
unemployment. As an expert in strategic planning, advise
Standard Bank of South Africa on the reasons why the cost
leadership strategy would be an appropriate Business-level
strategy to follow. Hint: a) Discuss what cost leadership entails.
(2 marks) b) Briefly discuss one practical way in which Standard
Bank of South Africa can apply the cost leadership strategy. (2
marks) c) Use the three evaluation criteria to evaluate the
appropriateness of the cost leadership strategy in relation to
Standard Bank of South Africa. (6 marks) 10 3 Standard Bank of
South Africa report mentions the following: “We compete head-
on with the other South African players who have a similarly
,broad offering as well as with new entrants with more niche
offerings”. a) Identify two of Porter’s Five Forces referred to in
the above statement. Use the identified forces to analyse the
Banking industry in South Africa. (6 marks) b) Perform a SWOT
analysis for Standard Bank of South Africa. (4 marks) 10
MNG3701/101/3/2025 4 Use a suitable model to analyse the
macro-environment of the banking industry where Standard
Bank of South Africa is operating. Hint: your analysis should
include five (5) factors. Explain each factor and discuss the
impact of each on a company such as Standard Bank of South
Africa
Question 1: Four-Corner Analysis of a Competitor of Standard
Bank South Africa
a) Four-Corner Analysis Explanation (1 mark)
The Four-Corner Analysis is a strategic tool used to analyze a
competitor's potential future moves based on four key factors:
1. Current Strategy: The competitor's existing approach to
business.
2. Objectives: What the competitor aims to achieve (e.g.,
market share, profitability, customer satisfaction).
3. Capabilities: The competitor’s resources, skills, and overall
ability to execute its strategy.
4. Assumptions: The beliefs and perceptions the competitor
holds about the industry, market, and competitors.
, This analysis helps predict what a competitor might do based
on their strategy, goals, resources, and outlook on the market.
b) Major Competitor of Standard Bank South Africa (1 mark)
One major competitor of Standard Bank in South Africa is First
National Bank (FNB). FNB, as part of the FirstRand Group, offers
a broad range of banking services and competes directly with
Standard Bank in the retail, commercial, and investment
banking sectors.
c) Applying the Four-Corner Analysis to FNB (8 marks)
1. Current Strategy: FNB focuses on delivering innovative
banking solutions with an emphasis on digital services,
mobile banking, and customer-centric offerings. They aim
to leverage technology to improve customer experience
and reduce costs.
2. Objectives: FNB seeks to increase its customer base,
particularly in the digital banking sector, and expand its
market share in South Africa. The bank is also focused on
driving financial inclusion by providing accessible banking
services to underserved populations.
3. Capabilities: FNB has strong technological capabilities,
particularly in mobile banking, and has a broad geographic
presence in South Africa. The bank also benefits from
strong brand recognition and the support of the larger
FirstRand Group.
