Dale is a 48 year old male coming to you for weight management. He is 5’10” tall and weighs 230#. He was a “normal” weight as a teen and younger adult, but has struggled with his weight since his mid-20’s. He has tried many diets and his weight has cycled up and down for some time. He is very frustrated and is considering talking to a physician about weight loss surgery or medication. He is coming to you to see what you think his options may be. Discuss how you would approach your appointment with Dale. In your discussion include other assessment information you would want to gather, potential treatment options (include which treatment options he is considering may or may not be appropriate for him based on standard criteria), and what type of outcomes you could expect (rate of weight loss, etc.) from those potential interventions. What is your most likely course of action for a nutritional care plan?

Southwest Airlines is a major American airline and the worldÕs largest low-cost carrier. Instead of following the typical Òhub and spoke system,Ó Southwest does not have a hub airport and prefers instead connecting cities directly. Additionally, Southwest only uses one type of airplane, the Boeing 737. Because of these two major factors, Southwest gains efficiency allowing for better profitability. This is an example of (a) _______________.

Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts are considered rival competitors in their industry. According to PorterÕs Five Forces, which of the following provides the BEST explanation for why these two companies have such fierce rivalry?

What would be an example of an opportunity for an organization?

Considering PorterÕs Five Forces, which company is a threat of a potential entrant to American Airlines, an airliner providing flights across the United States and internationally?

Tesla produces electric vehicles and state-of-the-art technology using sustainable energy. They were one of the first companies to produce electric vehicles on a large scale for an attainable price. TeslaÕs main competitors are the traditional auto companies, such as Honda, Ford, and GM. TeslaÕs mission statement is Òto accelerate the worldÕs transition to sustainable transport.” Tesla may be famous for their innovative auto technology, but they have other products, such as solar panels for homes. Based on the information above, which of the following is true?

After 20 years of running a successful business, Penny Pencils Inc. is considering adding mechanical pencils to their product line. Despite being successful in the past with conventional pencils, Penny Pencils Inc. faces competition from other organizations within their industry. From these options which is NOT a potential threat to the addition of this new product?

After years of growing your business in the fast-food industry, you are still faced with fierce competition. You want to get out of the industry but are held back by exit barriers. Which of these is an exit barrier that might be holding you back?

Bob recently acquired a company operating in an industry that has low competition and low threat of substitutes. Also, the chances of another company entering the industry is low because initial capital requirements are high. The industry has multiple suppliers and many buyers willing to pay for its products. Do you think that Bob will be profitable with his new company in this industry, and why or why not?

Which resource or capability characteristics result in a competitive parity?