Question 1:
“Analysis is the critical starting point of strategic thinking.” Kenichi Ohmae.
Discuss with appropriate instances each of the following in context of analysing the competitive environment of a firm in a given industry.
(a) Supplier power
(b) Buyer power
(c) Substitutes
(d) Threat of new entrants
(e) Competitive rivalry.
Question 2:
A systematic appraisal of the main elements of Macro and Micro external environment should enable the identification of key opportunities and threats which management will have to take account of in developing meaningful future strategies. Discuss this with the help of example.
Question 3:
Using appropriate instances outline and discuss each of following three generic strategies suggested by Michael Porter as being the three (3) main alternative strategies which a company may select from, in the pursuit of a competitive advantage:
(a) Cost leadership
(b) Differentiation
(c) Focus.
Question 4:
Discuss and explain the use of technique of ‘Value Chain Analysis’ in conducting an internal appraisal of a company’s competitive weaknesses and strengths.