88) There are a number of offensive strategy options for improving market positions using cost-
based and blue-ocean type strategies. Define the terms and suggest ways in which the strategies
could be operationalized.
89) What is a blue-ocean strategy, what is its appeal, and what is its drawback?
90) What are the purposes of defensive strategies? Give at least two examples of defensive
moves.
91) What are the strategic advantages of being a first-mover? Are there any strategic advantages
of being a follower or late-mover?
92) Identify and briefly discuss two “best targets” for offensive attacks by companies.
93) Discuss why timing of strategic moves is important.
94) Imagine that you are the manager of a housekeeping service. Specifically describe how you
would use the concepts of (1) scope of the firm, (2) horizontal integration, and (3) vertical
integration to build and achieve a competitive advantage over rival housekeeping services.
95) Under what circumstances are mergers with or acquisitions of other companies a better
solution than entering into partnerships or alliances with these companies? How do mergers
and/or acquisitions contribute to enhancing a company’s position?
96) What are mergers and/or acquisitions? How do they contribute to enhancing a company’s
position?
97) What are the general strategic objectives of merger and acquisition strategies?
98) What are the strategic advantages of a backward vertical integration strategy?
99) What are the strategic disadvantages of a backward vertical integration strategy?
100) What are the strategic advantages of a forward vertical integration strategy?
101) What are the strategic disadvantages of a forward vertical integration strategy?
102) What are the merits of outsourcing the performance of certain value chain activities as
opposed to performing them in-house? Under what circumstances does outsourcing make good
strategic sense?
103) When is a strategic alliance most likely to be unsuccessful?
104) Why do strategic alliances often fail to measure up to expectations?
105) Why does a company racing for global market leadership need strategic alliances?
106) Why does a company racing to stake out a strong position in an industry of the future need
strategic alliances?
107) Identify at least three factors that can aid companies in forming a successful strategic
alliance.
108) Identify and briefly discuss four disadvantages of a vertical integration system.
109) What are the advantages of strategic alliances and collaborative partnerships with key
suppliers?
110) You are the owner of a French-Japanese fusion food truck and mobile catering company.
Instead of entering into an alliance or partnership with a local restaurateur to establish a bricks-
and-mortar location downtown, you decide to merge with C’est La Sushi, a regional chain of
French-Japanese fusion restaurants. What are the reasons for preferring a merger to an alliance or
partnership? Explain the other organizational mechanisms that are also preferable to alliances.
111) What are the merits of strategic alliances and collaborative partnerships for companies
racing to seize opportunities in an industry of the future? Under what circumstances do they
make sense? How do they contribute to competitive advantage?
112) Identify and briefly discuss three factors a company must consider in order to capture the
benefits of engaging in strategic alliances.
113) Identify and briefly explain what is meant by each of the following terms:
a. outsourcing strategy
b. vertical integration strategy
c. first-mover advantage
d. first-mover disadvantage
e. horizontal and vertical scope
114) Your best friend is considering opening Emerald City, a canine day- and long-term care
business that also performs grooming and minor veterinary services. She wants to know what is
meant by hit-and-run (or guerrilla warfare) and preemptive strike offensive strategies. Explain to
your friend what hit-and-run and preemptive strike offensive strategies are and then give her the
circumstances in which either of these strategies will likely be most effective.