The advance of China in the space ecosystem has been nothing short of remarkable.
In this discussion, we will explore whether China is effectively utilizing its base of resource endowments. The tool we will use for this discussion is a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis (SWOT). The SWOT is a relatively quick look at an organization that still provides a fairly comprehensive picture. While not strictly an NSIS evaluation of China, consideration of these factors should facilitate your analysis. A good SWOT Analysis also provides a useful addition to the NSIS model in that it specifically includes transient events in the future.
Items to Specifically Consider
Along with the other attributes analyzed in a SWOT, specifically consider these items.
Internal persistent capacity of NSIS
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the NSIS of the Chinese? These should be relatively enduring capacities that provide a source of strength or weakness. This would certainly include endogenous factor endowments, historical factors, and institutional characteristics. However, you should not be confined to these factors.
External events or challenges
This differs from the exogenous forces we consider as a component of the NSIS model. In a SWOT, we are concerned with more temporal events. We are also looking to the future. Consider the following two opportunities:
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- Consider the strategic opportunities for the Chinese to improve its position relative to its peers. Entering into an alliance might be a good example of this. Other options can involve taking advantage of technologies to develop new markets or lines of development, whether they are government or commercial programs.
- Consider that threats might include situations where other countries might take advantage of weaknesses. Threats can also include external events, such as economic disruptions, which will lead to a precipitous decline or lost capability. Other nations’ entering into challenging alliances could also present a threat to the Chinese.
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Synthesis
The final section of the SWOT brings things together and comes to a specific conclusion about whether the Chinese is using its NSIS effectively. It relates to what the Chinese need to do to make more effective use of its NSIS.
Make sure to include your references at the end of your initial post and relevant images or figures.
Make your initial post by 11:59 pm ET on Friday.
Use the remainder of the module week to read and reply to at least two of your classmates’ responses and any comments given to you by your instructor with constructive commentary. Your responses to your classmates should be thought-provoking and continue the conversation.