Problem 1: What is cost leadership strategy and differentiation strategy? Is it possible for a company or business unit to follow a cost leadership strategy and a differentiation strategy? Why or why not? Support the answer
Problem 2: What are the three (3) advantages and three (3) disadvantages of being a first-mover in an industry? Give an example of a company which used this strategy demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages.
Problem 3: Explain horizontal growth and vertical growth. How does horizontal growth differ from vertical growth as a corporate strategy? Give an example of a company using either or both horizontal and vertical growth and discuss how the strategies helped the business.
Problem 4: Explain either SWOT analysis or portfolio analysis. Give an example. How are directional growth strategies related to the current state of the economy?
Problem 5: How can a corporation identify its core competencies? How about distinctive competencies? Give an example of a distinctive competency.
Problem 6: When should a corporation or business unit outsource a function or activity? What are the pros and cons of outsourcing? Give an example of outsourcing.