Environmental Scan

There are a vast variety of internal and external elements that can affect a corporation in its future planning and potential for growth and/or expansion. Environmental scanning is one of these processes that monitors, evaluates, and disseminates a company’s information from both its internal and external environments. These internal and external factors are strategic factors that can determine the corporation’s future ability to conduct business. This type of environmental scan can be conducted through a SWOT analysis. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis looks into all of the internal aspects of the corporation and allows for the determination of any strengths and weaknesses that may be occurring at the time. It also is capable of deciphering all of the strengths and weakness that may be occurring outside of the organization.

This paper will describe specific research of the internal and external aspects of IKON Office Solutions Inc. and A.O. Smith Water Products Company through the environmental scanning process. A SWOT Analysis will also be used to help determine the competitive nature of these two businesses. As part of the SWOT process, advantages will be made of both companies and the strategies that they are using. The environmental scan of the corporations will include a multitude of information such as how each instills value and sustainable competitive advantages through the use of business strategy. The paper will explain the measurement guidelines that the organizations use to verify their strategic effectiveness. The paper will also explain the effectiveness of each company’s use of their measurement guidelines.

IKON Office Solutions Inc.

IKON Office Solutions, Inc. is an industry leader in providing document management systems and services. The company offers: copiers, laser facsimile systems, laser print devices, multi-functional products, digital imaging and printing systems, digital duplicators, workflow management products, and office supplies. IKON Office Solutions Inc. also provides management of document services on and off-site managed services, customized workflow design implementation, and technical service and support. Additionally, the company offers other types of services such as professional, legal document, online support, integrated solutions portfolio and financing. They also offer a variety of document strategy assessments, Web-based solutions, and color solutions suited to satisfy your company’s specific needs.

In today’s competitive business world, it’s important for a company to keep up with what technology is available. Maintaining a successful traditional marketing agenda is becoming more streamlined. With the advancements in computers, the same tasks can be handled at a much lower overhead cost. Environmental sustainability increases costs. There are also ethical considerations for