Introduction to Business (BUSA 101) SWOT + Porter's Five Forces Competitive Strategy Study Guide
University of Southern California
Introduction to Business (BUSA 101) | Study Guide

Overview
A strategy quick-sheet for BUSA 101 that helps you build SWOT analyses, apply Porter's Five Forces, and connect frameworks to real competitive decisions.

Key topics
•SWOT structure and evidence
•Porter five forces definitions
•generic strategies cost vs differentiation
•value chain overview
•common exam-style framework questions

Suggested study tasks
•build a one-page SWOT for a familiar company
•score five forces for an industry and justify each force
•write one paragraph linking SWOT to a recommended strategy
•spot a weak SWOT that mixes internal/external

Common pitfalls
•listing opinions instead of evidence
•mixing strengths with opportunities
•forgetting supplier and buyer power
•using frameworks without making a decision