Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2) The strategic design for how a company intends to profit from its strategies, processes,
and activities is often called a strategic deployment plan.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 209
Topic: Explain the role of strategic management Skill: Recall
3) The most fundamental questions about strategy address why firms, facing the same
environmental conditions, have varying levels of performance.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Reference: 209
Topic: Explain the role of strategic management Skill: Recall
4) Studies indicate that organizations that use strategic management have higher levels of
performance.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 209
Topic: Explain the role of strategic management Skill: Recall
6) Generally, strategic plans do not work well for small, entrepreneurial companies.
A) True
B) False
Correct: x
Answer: False
7) The same environment can present opportunities to one organization and pose threats
to another.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 209
Topic: Explain the role of strategic management Skill: Recall
8) The first step in the strategic management process is analyzing the external
environment.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 210
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
11) Activities that an organization does well or any unique resources that it has are called
opportunities.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
14) When conducting a SWOT analysis, threats are activities the organization doesn't do
well or resources it needs but doesn't possess.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 214
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
15) The final step in the strategic management process is to implement the strategies.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 214
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
16) A strong organizational culture may act as a significant barrier to accepting any
changes in the organization's strategies.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 214
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
17) Corporate strategy is based on the mission and goals of the organization and the roles
that each business unit in the organization will play.
A) True
18) In horizontal integration, the organization attempts to gain control of its inputs by
becoming its own supplier.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
20) A trucking company that grows by purchasing a chain of gasoline stations is engaged
in horizontal integration.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
22) When Air Canada acquired Canadian Airlines International, it was pursuing a
strategy of growth by vertical integration.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
23) A stability strategy may be appropriate in industries where there is rapid and dramatic
change, as well as industries facing slow- or no-growth opportunities.
A) True
27) Based on the BCG matrix, a business that has low growth potential but high market
share is known as a question mark.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 218
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
28) The BCG matrix evaluates businesses to identify which ones offer high potential and
which ones drain organizational resources.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 218
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
30) According to Michael Porter's competitive strategies framework, the cost leadership
strategy results in exceptionally high-quality products at the lowest cost in the
industry.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 220
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
31) A company that competes by offering unique products that are widely valued by
customers is following a differentiation strategy.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 222
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
32) WestJet Airlines is an example of a company that has used the low-cost leader
strategy to compete in the Canadian airline industry.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 221
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
34) Since Internet technology is now so universally accessible, it can no longer contribute
to the development of a sustainable competitive advantage for any particular
organization.
35) One important customer service strategy is to give customers what they want
regardless of the cost.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 226
Topic: Discuss current strategic management issues Skill: Recall
36) Innovation strategies focus exclusively on radical, breakthrough products as the key
source of sustainable competitive advantage.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Reference: 226
Topic: Discuss current strategic management issues Skill: Recall
37) An organization that is first to bring a product to the market or to use a new process is
called a "first mover."
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Reference: 227
Topic: Discuss current strategic management issues Skill: Recall
40) Studies of the factors that contribute to organizational performance have shown
__________ relationship between strategic planning and performance.
A) no
B) a mixed
C) a negative
D) a positive
E) an inverse
Answer: D
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 209
Topic: Explain the role of strategic management Skill: Recall
41) A __________ is a strategic design for how a company intends to profit from its
strategies, work processes, and work activities.
A) mission statement
B) master plan
C) business model
D) strategic deployment plan
E) functional strategic plan
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 209
Topic: Explain the role of strategic management Skill: Recall
42) The __________ answers the question "What is our reason for being in business?"
A) strategic plan
B) tactical objective
C) strategic purpose
D) operational imperative
E) mission
Answer: E
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
43) The purpose of Cathy's Clowns is "to provide healthy entertainment that makes
young children laugh." This statement describes Cathy's __________ .
A) strategic plan
B) tactical objective
C) strategic purpose
D) operational imperative
E) mission
Answer: E
45) The first four steps of the strategic management process describe the strategic
________ that must take place in an organization.
A) evaluation
B) controlling
C) planning
D) implementation
E) organization
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
46) "At HBC, we have a tremendous sense of responsibility, not only to the continued
growth and success of our company, but also to the nation that we have been
instrumental in building. Our culture is grounded in a commitment to take into
account the social needs and issues impacting the communities where we do
business." This statement relates most closely to which component of a mission
statement?
A) products or services
B) technology
C) concern for public image
D) philosophy
E) concern for employees
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
47) The mission statement of Cirque du Soleil states, "We are united by one overriding
goal: to entertain, uplift, and enlighten audiences the world over." This statement
relates most closely to which component of a mission statement?
48) "At IBM, we recognize individual differences and appreciate how these differences
provide a powerful competitive advantage and a source of great pride and opportunity
in the workplace and marketplace." This statement relates most closely to which
component of a mission statement?
A) products or services
B) technology
C) concern for public image
D) concern for survival
E) concern for employees
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
49) At which step of the strategic management process do managers try to find out what
the competition is doing and what pending legislation might affect the organization?
A) identify current mission, objectives, and strategies
B) formulate strategies
C) evaluate results
D) internal analysis
E) external analysis
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 212
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
51) __________ are positive trends in external environmental factors, while __________
are negative trends.
A) Strengths; weaknesses
B) Strengths; threats
C) Opportunities; weaknesses
D) Opportunities; threats
E) Opportunities; risks
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 212
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
52) Computer peripherals provider Ascent plans to enter a new market in another
country. Which of the following represents a threat for Ascent?
A) Ascent's profit margin in the previous year was its lowest on record and it will
require long-term planning to improve margins.
B) Ascent lacks the resources to enter the market on its own and has to find a
partner in the new market.
C) Ascent will have to plan its entry carefully as the laws in the country do not
favour foreign businesses.
D) Ascent needs to improve its service capabilities in the new country as this is an
important source of revenue.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 212
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
53) Jill is assessing the labour supply in the locations where her company currently
operates. She is currently at which stage of the strategic management process?
A) identify current mission, objectives, and strategies
B) internal analysis
C) external analysis
D) evaluate results
E) formulate strategies
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 212
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
54) Carly's Car Care has just found out that a new competitor is opening a few doors
down in a prime location. The competitor will feature the very latest in car washing
technology at competitive prices. The new competitor represents which of the
following for Carly?
A) opportunity
55) At which step of the strategic management process do managers assess their financial
capital, technical expertise, employee skills, and marketing capabilities?
A) identify current mission, objectives, and strategies
B) formulate strategies
C) evaluate results
D) internal analysis
E) external analysis
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
56) At which step of the strategic management process do managers identify strengths
and weaknesses?
A) internal analysis
B) formulate strategies
C) external analysis
D) identify current mission, objectives, and strategy
E) evaluate results
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
57) Helen, the owner of Crazy Cupcakes, is conducting a SWOT analysis of her company
to find out where she can improve her business and to identify possibilities for
expansion. Which of the following represents an opportunity for expansion?
A) There has been a trend toward personalized cupcakes for a variety of
occasions.
B) The production process was found to be highly efficient, and wastage was kept
to a minimum.
C) In a taste test, Crazy Cupcakes products ranked higher than competitors in the
taste and texture segments.
D) Crazy Cupcakes decorators are among the best in their field, and design plays
a major role in the popularity of the products.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 212
59) __________ are the organization's major value-creating skills, capabilities, and
resources that determine the organization's competitive weapons.
A) Competitive assets
B) Opportunities
C) Core competencies
D) Differential benefits
E) Primary resources
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
60) Bella Vista Clothing targets teenaged girls with a range of affordable ready-to-wear
clothing. The company is opening two new outlets, as sales have been excellent.
Which of the following represents a strength for the company?
A) The company's in-house designers have a knack for identifying and
popularizing fashion trends.
B) Disposable income is rising, and consumers will have more money to spend on
clothes.
C) Overseas customers have shown an interest in buying Bella Vista clothes
through the company's online store.
D) A long-time competitor recently went out of business, so Bella Vista can cut
down on its advertising budget.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
62) Which of the following is one of the drawbacks to strong organizational cultures that
a manager should consider when completing the strategic management process?
A) They always hinder the organization's strategic actions.
B) Employees will have less understanding of the planning process.
C) Employee attitudes tend to be strong, but their organizational values are weak.
D) They cancel out any organizational distinctive competence.
E) They are more difficult to change than a weak culture.
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
63) The major value-creating capabilities of the organization are known as its ________.
A) strengths
B) opportunities
C) core competencies
D) resources
E) external threats
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
64) Once managers have completed their analysis of the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats facing the organization, they can proceed to the next step of
the strategic management process, which is to __________.
A) identify competitors
B) identify the organization's current mission, goals, and strategy
C) implement strategies
D) formulate strategies
E) identify environmental trends
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 212
65) The final step in strategic planning answers the question ‘‘__________’’
A) How effective have our strategies been?
B) What businesses have we been in?
C) What businesses should we have we been in?
D) How much money have we lost?
E) Who are our competitors?
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 214
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Recall
66) If a bank evaluates the capabilities of its training and development department
employees prior to implementing a new training program designed to change their
method of providing customer service, it is completing what step in the strategic
management process?
A) external analysis
B) identify the organization's current mission, goals, and strategies
C) internal analysis
D) formulate strategies
E) implement strategies
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 211
Topic: Describe the role of managers in each strategic management step
Skill: Applied
71) The renewal strategy of __________ is used to correct less serious performance
setbacks, while a __________ strategy is used for more critical performance
problems.
A) diversification; integration
B) integration; retrenchment
C) stability; concentration
D) retrenchment; turnaround
E) stability; retrenchment
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 217
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
76) The Jim Pattison Group has grown by acquiring firms in diverse industries. Today,
Jim Pattison owns food retail chains, car dealerships, radio stations, a fishing
company, a sign company, a packaging company, and several museum-themed tourist
attractions. Jim Pattison has pursued a strategy of __________.
A) vertical integration
B) horizontal integration
C) related differentiation
D) unrelated differentiation
E) unrelated diversification
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 217
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
78) When athletic sportswear manufacturer Nike decided to open its own chain of retail
stores, it was pursuing which corporate strategy?
A) backward vertical integration
B) forward vertical integration
C) related diversification
D) unrelated diversification
E) horizontal integration
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
79) When Kimberly-Clark Corporation merged with Scott Paper Company to form the
world's largest producer of tissue paper, they were pursuing which growth strategy?
A) backward vertical integration
B) forward vertical integration
C) related diversification
D) unrelated diversification
E) horizontal integration
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
80) When consumer electronics manufacturer Sony Corporation decided to open its own
chain of retail stores, it was pursuing which corporate strategy?
A) backward vertical integration
B) forward vertical integration
C) related diversification
D) unrelated diversification
E) horizontal integration
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
82) Over the last century, the Campbell Soup Company has grown by expanding the
scale of its operations and increasing the number of products in its primary line of
business. Since establishing its first plant in Toronto in 1931, Campbell has
introduced more than 100 new varieties of soups, broths, and gravies to the Canadian
market. This an example of which corporate strategy?
A) backward vertical integration
B) forward vertical integration
C) related diversification
D) concentration
E) horizontal integration
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
83) When the Campbell Soup Company began to manufacture its own cans to gain more
control over a key production input, it was pursuing which corporate strategy?
A) backward vertical integration
B) forward vertical integration
C) related diversification
D) concentration
E) horizontal integration
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
84) When aluminum manufacturer Alcan purchased a mining company that mines
bauxite, a key input in aluminum production, it was pursuing which corporate
strategy?
A) concentration
B) forward vertical integration
C) related diversification
D) backward vertical integration
E) horizontal integration
Answer: D
85) YUM! Brands is the world's largest restaurant company, with more than 33,000
restaurants in over 100 countries. Their restaurant brands include KFC, Pizza Hut,
and Taco Bell. They recently acquired two other fast-food restaurant chains: A&W
Hamburgers and Long John Silver's Seafood. YUM! has pursued which type of
corporate strategy?
A) related differentiation
B) forward vertical integration
C) related diversification
D) unrelated diversification
E) horizontal integration
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 217
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
86) Which of the following describes a company growing by combining with other
organizations in the same industry?
A) forward vertical integration
B) backward vertical integration
C) horizontal integration
D) unrelated diversification
E) concentration
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
87) Ronald's has been in the fast-food business for five years. After struggling for two
years, it finally broke even, and the french fries it offers are its most popular product.
However, during the past year, its business has suffered because the farm that used to
supply it with potatoes has increased its prices drastically. What should Ronald's do
to control production costs?
A) Ronald's should reorganize its organizational hierarchy to increase efficiency.
B) Ronald's should buy out the farm and become its own supplier.
C) Ronald's should open more distribution outlets.
D) Ronald's should broaden its product range by introducing potato nuggets on its
menu.
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 217
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
88) Which of the following statements concerning the stability strategy is not true?
A) It is appropriate when a firm is facing slow or no-growth opportunities.
B) It is appropriate when the industry is in a state of rapid upheaval.
C) It is a functional strategy characterized by an absence of significant change.
89) Cindy's Cosmetics continues to offer the same high quality beauty products that it has
for the last 10 years. The company is successful in its market segment and has no
plans for change in the near futurE) The company is pursuing which type of strategy?
A) integration
B) stability
C) diversification
D) retrenchment
E) concentration
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 217
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
90) When Air Canada went into bankruptcy protection to restructure its organization and
reduce its operating costs, it was pursuing which of the following strategies?
A) integration
B) stability
C) diversification
D) turnaround
E) concentration
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 218
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
91) When a university reduces its course offerings in a semester due to low student
enrolment, it is pursuing a strategy of __________.
A) integration
B) retrenchment
C) diversification
D) stability
E) concentration
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 217
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
92) Pepsico is divided into several product divisions, including Pepsi, Frito-Lay,
Tropicana, Quaker, and GatoradE) Each division has its own strategy that defines the
products it wants to offer and the customers it wants to target. The divisions are
called __________.
93) According to the BCG matrix, a __________ does not consume or produce much
cash, and holds little or no promise for improved performance.
A) cash cow
B) star
C) dog
D) question mark
E) falling star
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 218
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
94) When an organization continues serving the same clients by offering the same
product or service, maintaining market share, and sustaining the organization's
current business operations, it is following a ________ strategy.
A) renewal
B) stability
C) retrenchment
D) turnaround
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 216
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
95) According to the BCG matrix, a business unit that has low market share in a rapidly
growing market is known as a __________.
A) cash cow
B) high flyer
C) dog
D) question mark
E) rising star
Answer: D
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 218
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
96) The Duracell division of Gillette is the dominant producer of alkaline batteries
worldwidE) Demand for alkaline batteries continues to thrive as consumers embrace
a growing number of portable digital electronic products. According to the BCG
matrix, Duracell is a __________.
97) The global leader in the cigarette lighter business is French company BIC, but the
market is expected to decline in coming years as fewer people take up smoking.
Realizing these factors, Gillette decided to sell its Cricket lighter division to Swedish
Match. According to the BCG matrix, Gillette viewed Cricket as a __________.
A) question mark
B) health hazard
C) cash cow
D) dog
E) skunk
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 218
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
98) BIC is the world's largest producer of ballpoint pens. The market for ballpoint pens
remains steady, but prospects for future growth are limited as new innovations in
writing technology are expected to emergE) According to the BCG matrix, ballpoint
pens are a __________ for BIC.
A) question mark
B) sleeping giant
C) cash cow
D) star
E) white elephant
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 218
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
99) The AFV (Alternative Fuel Vehicle) division of General Motors produces gas-
electric hybrids and other automobiles that run on ethanol, natural gas, and hydrogen.
While current market share is small, GM is anticipating dramatic growth in the next
few years as demand for alternative fuel vehicles skyrockets. Using the BCG matrix,
GM would classify the AFV division as a __________.
A) question mark
B) sleeping giant
C) cash cow
D) star
E) exclamation point
Answer: A
100) __________ strategy determines how an organization should compete in each of its
businesses.
A) Business
B) Organizational
C) Operational
D) Corporate
E) Functional
Answer: A
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 219
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
101) The distinct edge that sets an organization apart from its competitors is called a
__________.
A) defining characteristic
B) significant benefit
C) proprietary competence
D) competitive advantage
E) differential benefit
Answer: D
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 219
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
102) Michael Porter proposes that some __________ are inherently more profitable than
others.
A) companies
B) industries
C) SBUs
D) products
E) entrepreneurs
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 220
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
103) Which of the following is not a force in Michael Porter's five forces model of
industry attractiveness?
A) threat of new entrants
B) threat of substitutes
C) bargaining power of suppliers
D) bargaining power of managers
E) intensity of current competitive rivalry
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 220
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
107) Switching costs and buyer loyalty are examples of strategic forces that determine
the __________.
A) threat of substitutes
B) threat of new entrants
C) bargaining power of buyers
D) bargaining power of suppliers
E) intensity of current competitive rivalry
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 221
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
110) The three competitive strategies identified by Michael Porter are __________.
A) cost leadership, focus, and diversification
B) cost leadership, focus, and integration
C) focus, diversification, and combination
D) focus, differentiation, and retrenchment
E) focus, differentiation, and cost leadership
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 221
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
112) For many years, Canadian retailer Zellers used the slogan "Where the lowest price is
the law." Which one of Michael Porter's competitive strategies was Zellers using?
A) retrenchment
B) differentiation
113) Appliance maker Maytag states that its products are so reliable that its customers
may never need a service call. For nearly 40 years, it has promoted this claim in
advertisements featuring the legendary "Lonely Maytag Repairman." Which of the
following is the primary source of Maytag's competitive advantage?
A) cost leadership
B) differentiation
C) focus
D) retrenchment
E) diversification
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 222
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
115) Claire's Fashions markets an inexpensive line of fashion jewellery that targets
"tween" girls, aged 10 to 14. Claire's is using which of the following competitive
strategies?
A) price focus
B) cost focus
C) differentiation focus
D) wealth focus
E) diversification focus
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 221
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
120) Which of the following is most likely to use Internet-based knowledge systems to
provide rapid online responses to service requests from customers in a broad
market?
A) cost leader
B) differentiator
C) focuser
D) chiseller
E) diversifier
121) Canadian retailer Future Shop sells merchandise through both its website and its
physical store locations. They are using an e-business strategy called _________.
A) bricks-and-mortar
B) tit-for-tat
C) click-and-save
D) clicks-and-bricks
E) shop-or-ship
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 226
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
122) According to our textbook, effective customer service strategies involve giving the
customer what they want, effective communication, and __________.
A) providing employees with incentives and bonuses for good service
B) providing employees with customer service training
C) commitment from upper management
D) implementing control systems to monitor performance
E) promoting an entrepreneurial culture
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 226
Topic: Discuss current strategic management issues Skill: Recall
123) The first organization to bring a product or service to market is often referred to as
the __________.
A) prime player
B) market leader
C) first mover
D) trailblazer
E) early bird
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 227
Topic: Discuss current strategic management issues Skill: Recall
153) Once Ariel has assessed the five forces and determined the threats and opportunities
that exist in the current environment, he will be ready to select an appropriate
competitive strategy. The three competitive strategies proposed by Michael Porter
are __________.
A) cost leadership, focus, and diversification
B) cost leadership, focus, and integration
C) focus, differentiation, and cost leadership
D) focus, differentiation, and retrenchment
E) focus, diversification, and combination
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 220
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Recall
154) Ariel is thinking about closing down the retail side of his business and concentrating
his resources on reselling hardware, software, and systems integration services to
Latin American governments and public sector agencies. This is an example of
which of Michael Porter's competitive strategies?
A) cost leadership
B) integration
C) differentiation
D) retrenchment
E) focus
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 222
Topic: Describe organizational strategies Skill: Applied
155) In a short essay, list and discuss the three levels of organizational strategies.
Answer:
1. Corporate strategy—This strategy seeks to determine what businesses a
company should be in or wants to be in. Corporate strategy determines the
direction that the organization is going and the roles that each business unit in the
organization will plan in pursuing that direction.
2. Business strategy—This strategy seeks to determine how an organization
should compete in each of its businesses. For a small organization in only one line
of business or the large organization that has not diversified into different
products or markets, the business strategy typically overlaps with the
organization's corporate strategy. For organizations with multiple businesses,
however, each division will have its own strategy that defines the products or
services it will offer and the customers it wants to reach.
156) In a short essay, discuss the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix and explain its
usefulness in segmenting businesses. Include a discussion of the characteristics for
each of the four categories based on the BCG matrix.
Answer:
The Boston Consulting Group matrix introduced the idea that an organization's
businesses could be evaluated and plotted using a 2 x 2 matrix to identify which
ones offered high potential and which were a drain on organizational resources.
The horizontal axis represents market share, which was evaluated as either low or
high; and the vertical axis indicates anticipated market growth, which also was
evaluated as either low or high. Based on its evaluation, the business was placed
in one of four categories:
1. Cash cows (low growth, high market share)—Businesses in this category
generate large amounts of cash, but their prospects for future growth are limited.
2. Stars (high growth, high market share)—These businesses are in a fast-growing
market, and hold a dominant share of that market. Their contribution to cash flow
depends on their need for resources.
3. Question marks (high growth, low market share)—These businesses are in an
attractive industry but hold a small market share percentage.
4. Dogs (low growth, low market share)—Businesses in this category do not
produce or consume much cash. However, they hold little promise for improved
performance.
157) In a short essay, discuss the concept of competitive advantage. Include specific
examples of companies and their respective competitive advantages to support your
answer.
Answer:
Competitive advantage is what sets an organization apart; that is, its distinct edge.
That distinct edge comes from the organization's core competencies, which might
be in the form of organizational capabilities—the organization does something
that others cannot do or does it better than others can do it. For example, Dell has
developed a competitive advantage based on its ability to create a direct-selling
channel that's highly responsive to customers. WestJet Airlines has a competitive
advantage because its low operating costs and skills at giving passengers what
158) List and discuss the five competitive forces, according to Michael Porter, that
determine industry attractiveness and profitability. In discussing these forces, be
sure to identify specific factors that determine the strength of each force.
Answer:
1. Threat of new entrants—Factors such as economies of scale, brand loyalty, and
capital requirements determine how easy or difficult it is for new competitors to
enter an industry.
2. Threat of substitutes—Factors such as switching costs and buyer loyalty
determine the degree to which customers are likely to buy a substitute product.
3. Bargaining power of buyers—Factors such as number of customers in the
market, customer information, and the availability of substitutes determine the
amount of influence that buyers have in an industry.
4. Bargaining power of suppliers—Factors such as the degree of supplier
concentration and availability of substitute inputs determine the amount of power
that suppliers have over firms in the industry.
5. Existing rivalry—Factors such as industry growth rate, increasing or falling
demand, and product differences determine how intense the competitive rivalry
will be among firms in the industry.
159) In a short essay, list and discuss the three competitive strategies, according to
Michael Porter. Include specific examples of companies that pursue each of the
three competitive strategies.
Answer:
1. Cost leadership strategy—When an organization sets out to be the lowest-cost
producer in its industry, it is following a cost leadership strategy. A low-cost
leader aggressively searches out efficiencies in production, marketing, and other
areas of operation. Overhead is kept to a minimum, and the firm does everything
it can to cut costs. For example, at Wal-Mart's headquarters in Bentonville,
Arkansas, office furnishings are sparse and drab but functional. Although low-
cost leaders don't place a lot of emphasis on ''frills,'' the product or service being
sold must be perceived as comparable in quality to that offered by rivals or at
least be acceptable to buyers. Examples of companies that have used the low-cost
leader strategy include Wal-Mart, Hyundai, and WestJet Airlines.
2. Differentiation strategy—The company that seeks to offer unique products that
are widely valued by customers is following a differentiation strategy. Sources of
differentiation might be exceptionally high quality, extraordinary service,
innovative design, technological capability, or an unusually positive brand image.
The key to this competitive strategy is that whatever product or service attribute is
chosen for differentiation must set the firm apart from its competitors and be
significant enough to justify a price premium that exceeds the cost of
differentiation. Practically any successful product or service can be identified as
an example of the differentiation strategy: WestJet Airlines (customer service),
Research In Motion (reputation for quality and innovative design), Martha Sturdy
(design and brand image), and Lee Valley Tools (product design).
3. Focus strategy—The aim of the focus strategy is at a cost advantage or a
differentiation advantage in a narrow segment. That is, managers select a market
segment or group of segments in an industry and don't attempt to serve the broad
market. The goal of a focus strategy is to exploit a narrow segment of a market.
These segments can be based on product variety, type of end buyer, distribution
channel, or geographical location of buyers. Research suggests that the focus
strategy may be the most effective choice for small businesses because they
typically do not have the economies of scale or internal resources to successfully
pursue one of the other two strategies.