This document discusses evaluating a company's external environment. It covers:
1. The five forces model of competition - analyzing rivalry, threat of new entrants, substitute products, supplier power, and buyer power. Key factors that influence each force are identified.
2. Common drivers of industry change such as growth rates, technology, regulations. Their impact on industry attractiveness must be assessed.
3. Key success factors - the strategic elements, attributes, resources necessary for competitive success in an industry.
4. Strategic groups - clusters of rivals with similar competitive approaches and positions. Strategic group maps can assess competitors' market positions.