Introduction and Analysis of the industry and the firm The Boeing Company is a firm that designs, puts together, and sells large jets and aircraft and provides services related to the maintenance of the aircraft. It also offers training for customers worldwide. The company is registered under the standard industrial code groups which the government uses to enable reporting. The company’s standard industrial code (SIC) code is 3721. It is a multinational firm that is primarily involved in making aircraft and spacecraft. It is a defense corporation. The firm has many divisions within it which specialize in certain activities. The divisions involve; Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Capital, Engineering, Operations & Technology, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Boeing Shared Services Group. The firm is the largest and dominant producer of aircraft around the world. The main competitors in the aircraft manufacturing industry include Airbus. The aircraft and aerospace industry has seen the two firms have stiff competition among them. Boeing is the leading contractor of government jobs. The two firms have a competitive aircraft manufacturing wing but merged the production of aerospace operations. This saw increased competition between the UK where airbus is based and America where Boeing is based. The aircraft manufacturing industry is quite competitive with very high standards in the production of aircraft. The industry has underseen various changes which have seen many defective aircrafts being recalled by the manufacturer to retain their standing in the aircraft they provide. Several mergers take place in the industry so that the weaker producers can thrive under new ownership. Many large firms like Boeing and Airbus have acquired various firms to strengthen their operations. The industry has had new entrants including many manufacturing firms from the east mainly in China and Japan. These new firms have provided the big players in the industry a run for their money and have been able to gather a small market share (Eugene Michael 1998). SWOT analysis relative to competitors and the industry The firm has various strengths such as diversified businesses opportunities and a strong improvement in its research and development. These strengths have enabled the firm to have a consistent and strong financial performance. The opportunities for the firm include increasing demand for commercial airlines. There is also increased spending in the defense department where Boeing is the key contractor. The firm has stable financial operations despite the various weaknesses in the industry and the firm. The weaknesses include low turnover ratios in the firm and low employee productivity. There is also heavy dependence on government contracts and major government regulations. The industry is faced with increased prices of aluminum and titanium which are the main parts for the manufacture of aircraft. The lease of aircraft has caused Boeing to report low levels of profits per quarter. However, the total annual reports indicate a profit in the firm. Boeing through its various acquisitions and takeovers has managed to cut off the competition that includes firms offeri