1. Is it enough to just write down the business strategy of a firm? Why or why not? Conversely, what are the limitations of not writing down the strategy, and instead depending on the firm's actions to define the strategy?
2. Chances are you are a college student taking a course in operations or supply chain management. What were the order winners and qualifiers you used in choosing a school? A degree program?
3. Different customers can perceive the value of the same product or service very differently. Explain how this can occur. What are the implications for developing success- ful operations and supply chain strategies?
4. Go back and look at Hayes and Wheelwright's four stages of alignment. Do firms actually have to develop and then exploit core competencies in the operations and supply chain areas in order to be successful? That is, do all firms need to reach Stage 4?