L3M1 practice question 8 of 10

Thinking of Michael Porter’s Industry Structure Analysis (commonly referred to as Five Forces Analysis), which of the following are seen as threats (select all that apply):

Full set: 90 questions
Answer options
A: Substitutes Correct answer
B: Buyers
C: New entrants Correct answer
D: Suppliers
Correct Answer:
A. Substitutes; C. New entrants
Explanation

Michael Porter’s Five Forces framework evaluates the structural attractiveness and competitive intensity of an industry. Within this framework, two forces are explicitly categorized as direct structural "threats": the Threat of New Entrants (the risk of new competitors entering the market and eroding market share) and the Threat of Substitutes (the availability of alternative products or services meeting the same customer needs).

Why Incorrect

B. Buyers: In Porter's model, buyers exert competitive pressure specifically through the "Bargaining power of buyers" rather than being categorized as a direct threat.
D. Suppliers: Suppliers influence industry profitability through the "Bargaining power of suppliers" regarding pricing and contract terms, rather than being classified as a structural threat.

References

- Porter, M.E. (1979) "How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy", Harvard Business Review, 57(2), pp. 137–145.

- Porter, M.E. (2008) "The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy", Harvard Business Review, 86(1), pp. 78–93.

- CIPS Study Guide L3M1: Procurement and Supply Environments, Unit 1, Section 1.2 "External Environmental Factors".

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