Reference no: EM132431233

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

QUESTION 1: An organization's core competencies should be focused on satisfying customer needs or preferences in order to achieve above average returns. This is done through Business-level strategies. Business level strategies detail actions taken to provide value to customers and gain a competitive advantage by exploiting core competencies in specific, individual product or service markets. Business-level strategy is concerned with a firm's position in an industry, relative to competitors and to the five forces of competition.

(A) Explain how a differentiation strategy enables a business to address the five competitive forces in such a way that it can enjoy high levels of profitability.

(B) Discuss the risks associated with each of these forms of competitive advantage: overall cost leadership, differentiation, and focus.

QUESTION 2: "Corporate level strategy is concerned with the strategic decisions a business makes that affect the entire organization. Financial performance, mergers and acquisitions, human resource management and the allocation of resources are considered part of corporate level strategy.

(A) What are the primary benefits and risks associated with unrelated diversification?

(B) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mergers and acquisitions as a means of diversification.

QUESTION 3: Discuss about product champions and why are they important to corporate entrepreneurship?

QUESTION 4: Briefly discuss the three interdependent activities that are critical for effective leadership.