Reference no: EM132613184

QUESTION 1

You attended a co-worker's birthday party. During the birthday celebration, your co-worker delivered the speech below. Which one of the aspects of the speech most appealed to you? Provide a thorough explanation for your choice.

Introduction and conclusion

Use of direct quotes

I would like to first start by thanking my family, friends, and colleagues who have honored me with your presence today. Over the years, I have learned that there is not a specific formula for a long and prosperous life. However, I will share of few of the principles I live by and have found valuable.

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Winston S. Churchill

"To be gritty is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. To be gritty is to hold fast to an interesting and purposeful goal. To be gritty is to invest, day after week after year, in challenging practice. To be gritty is to fall down seven times, and rise eight." Angela Lee Duckworth

"Always be nice to the people you meet on your way up in life as you may meet them again on the way down." Jimmy Durante

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" Yogi Berra

I hope these words of wisdom help you create lives filled with peace, love, and joy. Thank you all for coming to celebrate my special day, and I look forward to our next celebration.

QUESTION 2

Top executives and members of a corporation's board of directors have different roles and responsibilities. Traditionally, executives have been responsible for determining the firm's strategic direction and implementing strategies to achieve it, whereas the board of directors has been responsible for monitoring and controlling managerial decisions and actions. Some argue that boards should become more involved with the formulation of a firm's strategies. How would the board's increased involvement in the selection of strategies affect a firm's strategic competitiveness? What evidence you offer to support their position?