ead Amazon’s Annual Report 2017:

(https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1018724/000101872417000011/amzn-20161231x10k.htm)

Question 1: Based on information in the report, what specific segments and the associated key trends and events in the macro-environment have great impacts on the firm’s growth and profitability? How do they affect the firm’s growth and profitability? Explain.

Question 2: Based on the information in the report, briefly discuss the nature and strength of each of the five competitive forces. Specifically, place the industry (not the firm) at the center of the five forces diagram and identify the suppliers, buyers, competitors, and substitutes of the industry (not the firm). In this industry, what are the key structural determinants that affect each force of competition? Using bullet point, explain how these determinants affect the strengths of each force. Draw the information from 10-K or Annual Report to support your argument. Conclude the strength of each force (e.g., “…Based on these factors, I conclude that the threat of entry is very high/low”). What would you say about the attractiveness of the industry?

Question 3: Draw a strategic group map and identify any strategic groups that might exist in the industry. According to the map, which firms are your chosen firm’s closest competitors? With which strategic group does your chosen firm compete the least? How does the intensity of competi tion differ across the strategic groups you have identified?