Problem 1: What are the three activities or capabilities a firm should possess to support a low cost leadership strategy Can you give an example of a company that has done this?
Problem 2: What are three activities or capabilities a firm should possess to support a differentiation-based strategy? Can you give an example of a company that has done this?
Problem 3: How does strategic analysis at the corporate level differ from strategic analysis at the business unit level? How are they related?
Problem 4: What are three types of opportunities for sharing that form a sound basis for diversification or vertical integration? Give an example of each from companies you have read about.
Problem 5: What key concerns must functional tactics address in marketing? Finance? Production/operations management? Personnel?
Problem 6: What is outsourcing? Why has it become a key element in shaping functional tactics within most business firms today?
Problem 7: Explain each traditional organizational structure.
- Simple organizational structure
- Functional organizational structure
- Divisional structure
- Matrix organizational structure
- Product team structure
Think about any two leaders you have known, preferably one good and one weak, They can be businesspersons, coaches, someone you work(ed) woth, and so forth. Make a list of five trait, practices, or characteristics that cause yo to consider one good and the other weak. Compare the things you chose with the seven factors used to differentiate effective organizational leadership in the first half of this chapter.
This chapter describes seven attributes that enable good leadership -vision, performance, principles, education of subordinates, perseverance, passin and leader selection/development. Which one have you found to be the most meaningful to you in the leaders you respond to the best?
Problem 8: Distinguish between strategic control and operating control. Give an example of each.
Problem 9: How is the balanced scorecard related to strategic and operational control?
Problem 10: What is the difference between incremental and breakthrough innovaction? What risks are associated with each approach?
Problem 11: Why is continous improvemnet, and programs such as CC21 and SIX Sigma, a good way to develop incremental innovation?