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Cases

Ohjelma
Bike Lease Finland

Bike Lease Finland

Leasing and maintenance of employee bicycles, digital services.

Ohjelma
Excelence Solutions

Excelence Solutions

Consulting and data analytics, expert services and consulting.

Ohjelma
Finnish Timber Oy

Finnish Timber Oy

Ecological log buildings and construction site processes, project business.

Ohjelma
Green Scape

Green Scape

Customized green wall services for B2B clients, service business.

Ohjelma
Marine Craft

Marine Craft

Customized motorboats, project delivery, manufacturing industry.

Ohjelma
Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian Design

Leasing and maintenance of company bicycles, digital services.

Task

Analysis of Distinctiveness



In this task, the student compares the business idea of a case company with the business ideas of two competitors. They briefly describe the operations of all three actors, identify 3–5 factors in which the case company stands out, and assess the sustainability of these differences. Finally, the student summarizes the conclusions about what could be the case company's main competitive advantage and where it should focus its efforts. The task supports the ability to analyze markets and understand where the company's true distinctiveness arises.

Learning objectives

After completing the task, the student:
1. Can compare the business idea of the case company with competing solutions in essential areas.
2. Can identify 3–5 concrete factors in which the case company stands out from competitors.
3. Can assess which distinguishing factors are sustainably enduring and difficult to replicate.
4. Understands how distinctiveness relates to competitive advantage and the company's strategic choices.

Step by step

  1. Distinctiveness analysis

    Objective:
    The objective of this assignment is for the student to be able to compare the case company’s business idea with competing solutions and identify the factors in which the case company stands out. The aim is also to assess whether these differences are sustainable in the long term and difficult to replicate.

    Material:

    • The case description of the selected case company from the learning material.

    • The same case material usually includes references to competitors; otherwise, you may define two typical competitors in the case company’s sector based on justified assumptions (e.g. “Competitor A: cheaper basic solution”, “Competitor B: premium service”).

    • The assignment is based on the information in the case description and logical assumptions about the market and competitive situation.

    Assignment process (instructions for the student):

    1. Briefly describe the case company’s business idea
      Write a 5–8 sentence summary of what the case company does:

      • who it sells to (customers)

      • what problem it solves

      • with what solution and revenue model.
        This forms the basis for the comparison.

    2. Define two competitors for comparison
      Select two competitors:

      • use competitors mentioned in the case material, if available

      • or describe two typical competitors (e.g. “low-cost basic service”, “comprehensive service package”).
        Write 4–6 sentences about each:

      • what kinds of customers they serve

      • what they offer

      • what they emphasise (e.g. price, quality, convenience, brand).

    3. Compare the business ideas using the same components
      Make a short comparison between the case company and the two competitors using the same perspectives, for example:

      • customer and target group

      • customer problem or need

      • offered solution and service experience

      • pricing and revenue model.
        Write 1–2 paragraphs describing how the case company positions itself compared to competitors.

    4. Identify 3–5 factors in which the case company stands out
      List at least 3 and no more than 5 concrete differentiating factors, such as:

      • service content or quality

      • customer experience

      • technology or expertise

      • specialisation in a certain segment

      • operating method or brand.
        Write a short explanation for each factor: how the case company stands out and why it may be important to the customer.

    5. Assess whether the differences are sustainable
      Reflect on each differentiating factor and answer:

      • is it easy for a competitor to copy this advantage (yes/no – why?)

      • does the difference rely on e.g. expertise, relationships, processes, location, brand or another resource that is difficult to replicate

      • would it take the competitor a lot of time, money or changes in operating methods to close the gap.
        Write approximately one page analysing which differences are most likely to be sustainable competitive advantages and which are only temporary differences.

    6. Summarise conclusions for management
      Write a 5–7 sentence summary in which you explain:

      • what the case company’s most important differentiating factor is

      • which differences appear to be sustainable in the long term

      • which difference management should particularly focus on

      • in which areas the case company should improve to strengthen the differences compared to competitors.

    Submission and evaluation:
    Submit a text of approximately 2–3 pages showing:

    • a concise description of the case company’s business idea

    • a brief description of the two selected competitors

    • a comparison of the key components

    • 3–5 clearly identified differentiating factors

    • an assessment of which differences are sustainable and why.

    In the evaluation, attention will be paid to how well you:

    • describe the competitors’ business ideas with appropriate detail for the case

    • identify concrete differentiating factors from the customer’s perspective

    • justify convincingly the sustainability and difficulty of copying the differences.

    Recommended working time: approximately 45–60 minutes, individually or in pairs.

Tasks by audience and theme

University of applied sciences

Polytechnics and higher education studies.

68 tasks