Assignment
#1
Choose ONE of the following discussion question options to respond to:
Strategic Alliances
• Under what circumstances should an organization seek a strategic alliance? How have the motivations for strategic acquisitions changed over time and how do those changes affect (potential) M&A decisions made by an organization with which you are familiar?
Six Sins of M&A
• Select two of Jack Welch's Six M&A sins. Assume that an organization with which you are familiar committed both of them. Then, explain behaviors that the organization could employ to compensate for those errors.
Readings
• Rothaermel, Chapter 9: Corporate Strategy: Strategic Alliances, Mergers, and Acquisitions
• Welch, Chapter 14: Deal Heat and Other Deadly Sins
• Welch, "The Six Sins of M&A"
• Welch, "Reverse Hostage Syndrome"
• Hitt, King, Krishnan, Makri, Schijven, & Shimizu, Mergers and Acquisitions: Overcoming Pitfalls, Building Synergy, and Creating Value
#2
Alaska Airlines - Navigating Change
Option 1
• What was Alaska Airline's most dramatic argument, or burning platform, for change? What organizational change tools would you use to address the issues at Alaska Airlines and how would you create short-term wins? Be sure to explain your reasoning.
Option 2
• If you were the CEO of Alaska Airlines, what leadership style would you use and why? How would this leadership style complement the culture you want to create?
Readings
• Kotter, Chapter 8: Generating Short-Term Wins
• Ashkenas, Chapter 4: Streamlining Processes
• Case: "Alaska Airlines: Navigating Change".