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This assignment requires you to answer a specific question based on the Netflix case. You find some information
relevant to the case in this document. There will also be case information presented via iLearn. In addition, you
are encouraged to seek additional information (but you must properly reference such material). The assignment
should be submitted through Turnitin at the latest 6 April 23.59. Title your document with your surname and
student number, e.g., Smith20062007. The Turnitin link can be found on the unit’s iLearn site.
Make sure that your name and student number can be found in the header of each page. Your answers should be
written in Times New Roman, size 12, single spaced just like this document. Note that you have a word cap of
1000 words. The highest marks will be awarded to answers that are:
parsimonious, i.e., the answer is to the point and does not include irrelevant concepts, theory or
arguments;
well argued the, i.e., it is easy to follow the logic of the arguments and to see which assumptions they
are based upon;
complete, i.e., they do not omit important components;
correct, i.e., the answer addresses the task set in the question and the answer contains no errors; and
well written, i.e., the answers are appropriately structured, clearly expressed and grammatically correct.
At the end of this document, you find a marking guide that further specifies what is expected of the assignment.
You may use additional references to the journal papers we have covered in the unit but are not required to do so.
Note that using alternative references when the core readings could have made the same point is seen as an
indicator that you are not familiar with the core readings. The reference list does not count towards the word
limit. On iLearn you can find the Netflix case. This assignment, as well as the rest of the group assignment, is
based on the Netflix.
Note that you only have 1000 words at your disposal. Note also that there is no need to summarise the papers or
the case (you can assume the reader is well familiar with the texts). However, you may want to make a summary
of the papers for your own use to get a better overview, but do not incorporate summaries in your submission.
Your text should focus on analysis and evaluation. The most important aspect of your discussion is that you
demonstrate understanding of the theories and their application (this does NOT mean you should explain
these theories, rather you should use them appropriately in your discussion). A common mistake is to make
extensive references to facts in the case but not explain why the facts are important. The argument is central, facts
should only be mentioned to support claims relevant to your argument. Every time you mention a fact from the
case, ask yourself “why am I mentioning this ” and “what theoretical construct or claim is this fact supporting ”.

1
QUESTION
Discuss whether Netflix currently has, or is about to establish, any competitive advantages. In the
discussion draw on the theory in Barney (1991) and Porter (1996, 2008). Do you think that Netflix has a
competitive advantage If so, why If not, why not You must address the key resources and capabilities that you
think are most relevant to Netflix’s position in their industry. You must also spell out which actors you compare
to, that is, which actors that you consider being strategically relevant to Netflix. Note that different authors mean
different things with “a competitive advantage” and particularly “a sustainable competitive advantage.” For the
purpose of this discussion assume that a competitive advantage is something that will allow a business to make
attractive profits, and that a sustainable competitive advantage allows the business to maintain such profits for a
long period of time (i.e., it can withstand attempts at imitation and/or market disruptions).
You may want to consider questions such as: What resources and capabilities could be the foundation of a
sustainable competitive advantage What existing firms or potential entrants can copy Netflix’s potential
competitive advantages Can anyone or anything make Netflix’s potential advantages obsolete (or have they
already) Is Netflix’s growth an indicator that it has a competitive advantage (why/why not) How are Porter’s
Five Forces impacting Netflix and the Industry Note that the questions in this paragraph are for your inspiration.
It is not a requirement to address them in your submission. They are meant to help you think about the core issues.
Please, focus your discussion on the resources and capabilities currently under Netflix’s control or resources that
are about to emerge given the current trajectory of Netflix. Do NOT discuss potential future directions of
Netflix, such as giving suggestions about what Netflix ought to do.
Again, note that you only have 1000 words at your disposal, so you need to be concise and structure your
arguments carefully. Note also that 1000 words is a cap, not a target. You do NOT have +/-10%. 1000 words is
the maximum. Please write down your word count at the end of the document. It is generally expected that
you edit and proofread your assignment to make it brief and easy to follow. Making a concise argument is part of
the assignment.
REFERENCES
Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
Porter, M. E. (1996). What is strategy Harvard Business Review, 74(6), 61-78.
Porter, M. E. (2008). The five competitive forces that shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 78-93.