MNG3701
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: APRIL 2026
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................... 1
Question 1: External Environmental Analysis ................................ 2
2.1 Purpose of External Environmental Analysis ........................... 2
2.2 Macro-Environmental Analysis of Vodacom
(PESTEL Model) ............................................................................ 3
2.3 Contribution of Macro-Environmental Understanding
to Strategic Resilience and Long-Term Value Creation ................. 5
Question 2: Internal Environmental Analysis –
Resource-Based View (RBV) ........................................................... 7
3.1 Explanation of the Resource-Based View (RBV) ....................... 7
3.2 Vodacom’s Core Resources and Capabilities ............................ 8
3.3 Evaluation of Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Using RBV Criteria ........................................................................... 10
Question 3: Business-Level Strategy .......................................... 12
4.1 Explanation of the Best-Cost Provider Strategy ........................ 12
4.2 Application of the Best-Cost Provider Strategy to Vodacom
......................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Evaluation of Vodacom’s Business-Level Strategy
Conclusion ....................................................................................... 15
References ...................................................................................... 16
1
, MNG3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 MEMO 2026
DUE APRIL 2026
QUESTION 1
a) Vodacom Group Limited operates in a complex and dynamic external
environment across multiple African markets. Briefly explain the
purpose of external environmental analysis in strategic management (3
marks).
In modern fast-changing and highly competitive business environment, organisations
must develop clear strategies that enable them to achieve long-term success and
remain competitive. Strategic management plays an important role in guiding
organisations by setting goals, analysing internal and external environments, and
choosing appropriate strategies. Vodacom Group Limited operates in the
telecommunications industry, which is characterised by rapid technological change,
strong competition and increasing customer expectations.
My assignment examines Vodacom’s strategic management practices using key
concepts from the study guide. It evaluates Vodacom’s strategic goals using the
SMART principle, analyses macro-environmental factors that influence strategic
decision-making, and assesses Vodacom’s responsibility as an organisation based on
its Integrated Report. The assignment further explores Vodacom’s internal environment
using the Resource-Based View (RBV) and evaluates its business-level strategy, with
specific focus on the best-cost provider strategy. Through this discussion, the
assignment aims to demonstrate how Vodacom creates value, builds strategic
resilience and sustains competitive advantage in the long term.
2
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: APRIL 2026
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................... 1
Question 1: External Environmental Analysis ................................ 2
2.1 Purpose of External Environmental Analysis ........................... 2
2.2 Macro-Environmental Analysis of Vodacom
(PESTEL Model) ............................................................................ 3
2.3 Contribution of Macro-Environmental Understanding
to Strategic Resilience and Long-Term Value Creation ................. 5
Question 2: Internal Environmental Analysis –
Resource-Based View (RBV) ........................................................... 7
3.1 Explanation of the Resource-Based View (RBV) ....................... 7
3.2 Vodacom’s Core Resources and Capabilities ............................ 8
3.3 Evaluation of Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Using RBV Criteria ........................................................................... 10
Question 3: Business-Level Strategy .......................................... 12
4.1 Explanation of the Best-Cost Provider Strategy ........................ 12
4.2 Application of the Best-Cost Provider Strategy to Vodacom
......................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Evaluation of Vodacom’s Business-Level Strategy
Conclusion ....................................................................................... 15
References ...................................................................................... 16
1
, MNG3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 MEMO 2026
DUE APRIL 2026
QUESTION 1
a) Vodacom Group Limited operates in a complex and dynamic external
environment across multiple African markets. Briefly explain the
purpose of external environmental analysis in strategic management (3
marks).
In modern fast-changing and highly competitive business environment, organisations
must develop clear strategies that enable them to achieve long-term success and
remain competitive. Strategic management plays an important role in guiding
organisations by setting goals, analysing internal and external environments, and
choosing appropriate strategies. Vodacom Group Limited operates in the
telecommunications industry, which is characterised by rapid technological change,
strong competition and increasing customer expectations.
My assignment examines Vodacom’s strategic management practices using key
concepts from the study guide. It evaluates Vodacom’s strategic goals using the
SMART principle, analyses macro-environmental factors that influence strategic
decision-making, and assesses Vodacom’s responsibility as an organisation based on
its Integrated Report. The assignment further explores Vodacom’s internal environment
using the Resource-Based View (RBV) and evaluates its business-level strategy, with
specific focus on the best-cost provider strategy. Through this discussion, the
assignment aims to demonstrate how Vodacom creates value, builds strategic
resilience and sustains competitive advantage in the long term.
2
