Question 1: What is core competency? What are the core competencies of the companies for which you work? Give examples. How does your company nurture its core competencies?
Question 2: Describe MBO and how is it different than most other governance/management systems? Critique MBO (good & bad). Would you recommend the use of MBO? Why?
Question 3: What kinds of companies should Apple be looking to acquire? Why? Should they be trying to diversify? Why? Give examples.
Question 4:
1. What are the three most important actions (objectives) Apple should undertake immediately?
2. What are the three most important actions (objectives) Apple should set for their 5-year goal?
3. What are the three most important actions (objectives) Apple should set for their 25-year goal?
Question 5: Assume you were asked by your employer to champion and facilitate a thorough strategic planning initiative for the company. What would be your approach? Would you emphasize the "Playing to Win" approach, or maybe focus on Blue Ocean Strategy, or even another approach? Why?
Question 6: In your opinion, what is the single most important factor in the world of business that determines the performance of a company? Explain why you believe this to be the case. Does this apply to Apple?