In your own words, describe the differences between the industrial organization (I/O) and the resource-based models of above-average returns. As an analyst, how would you determine the significance or validity of these models with respect to a given industry

The differences between the industrial organization (I/O) and the resource-based models of above-average returns can be summarized as follows:

1. The I/O model stresses that above-average returns can only be achieved given the opportunities and threats of the prevailing market structure.  This implies that the returns that the entity achieves depend on whether the market is a perfect competition, a monopoly, a monopolistic competition, or an oligopoly.  It is eternally-focused.  The I/O model is a market-based strategic approach that is environmentally-driven.

2. On the other hand, the resource-based model explains that the entity could achieve above-average returns because of the entity's unique or heterogeneous resources and capabilities.  Therefore, this approach tends to match a firm's resources and capabilities to the market opportunities that arise in the external environment.  This strategic approach concentrates on the strengths and weaknesses of the internal resources and capability endowment.

3. In any given industry, the significance or validity of these models can be determined by examining how the business entity spends its resources.  Is the entity developing its internal capability through training and, what is its cultural orientation?  Or is it fighting the competition with its resources, thereby dissipating energy on market positioning?

Explanation:

The I/O model or market-based theory is of the view that market opportunities and threats determine the achievable outcomes for an entity.  It takes what the market gives.  The resource-based theory has a different view.  It suggests that the internal resources an entity possesses are valuable, rare, uncommon, and difficult for competitors to replicate.  Therefore, it tries to develop these resources and capabilities in order to achieve superior performance.  It is not a price or profit taker but a price mover and profit shaker.