REVISION PLAN - January 2019 EXAM

Section A - CASE STUDY: DROPBOX

1. External Analysis –PORTER’S FIVE FORCES
2. Internal Analysis – Resource and Competencies Model (VIRO)
3. Porters’ Generic Strategy
4. Key Success Factors
5. Key Strategic Issues
6. Future Strategic Choices - ANSOFF GROWTH MODEL,
7. Alternate Strategies - Acquisition, Merger, Strategic Alliances, Innovation, Outsourcing
8. Strategy Evaluation - SAFe MODEL
SECTION B – Theory Application
1. Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) Matrix
2. Balanced Score Card
3. Outsourcing
4. Value Chain Analysis
5. SWOT & PESTEL

Individual (Self) Revision Plan

Model To Be Practice Question
Covered
Porter's Five Forces Explain how the use of Porter’s Five Forces framework may be helpful
& when assessing strategic options. (10 marks)
Porter's Generic
Strategies Discuss with examples, the generic strategies that companies can employ
to gain a competitive advantage in their industry. Select the strategy that
would be most appropriate for a new retail store specialising in goods for
left-handed people and explain why. (25 marks)
BCG Matrix The recent poor performance of Global Sports plc has resulted in the
& appointment of a new CEO, who has decided to streamline (reduce) the
Balanced Scorecard company’s portfolio of products from 500 to 300. Write a report to the
board of directors explaining why the Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
matrix is an appropriate model for selecting which products should remain
in the company portfolio and which ones should be discontinued. In
particular explain the strengths and limitations of the BCG matrix. (25
marks)

Until now, True Colours Paint Ltd. has based its strategic decisions on
financial performance only. Write to the Managing Director of the
company to explain how using the Balanced Scorecard may be a more
complete way to measure, monitor and improve the effectiveness of their
business strategies. (25 marks)
Ansoff Matrix a) As a business adviser for a mid-size clothing company, discuss the
& strengths and limitations of Ansoff’s matrix for developing a growth
Alternate Strategic strategy. (15 marks) b) What additional factors, theories or models would
Choices you advise the firm to use/consider in developing their strategy and why?
(10 marks)
Value Chain Analysis Explain the concept of the value chain (9 marks). Analyse and illustrate
& the uses and limitations of value chain analysis. (16 marks)
VRIO

SAFe Model
&
DROPBOX Case
Study Material
Outsourcing Winston Churchill once said, “Plans are of little importance, but planning
& is essential”. The U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower took a similar view
PESTEL & SWOT saying “plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” Discuss the value
and benefits of the strategic planning process as well as the limitations of
strategic plans for 21st century businesses. (25 marks)

Discuss the concept of business ethics and critically evaluate the main
ways in which organisations encourage ethical behaviour. (25 marks)

Discuss the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how it

may influence the development of strategy for an international clothing
brand. (25 marks)