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79.
Which of the following is NOT a typical reason that many outsourcing alliances prove unstable or break
apart?
80.
Experience indicates that strategic alliances
81.
The Achilles' heel (or biggest disadvantage/pitfall) of relying heavily on alliances and cooperative
strategies is
82.
The principal advantages of strategic alliances over vertical integration or horizontal
mergers/acquisitions are
83.
A company that has greater success in managing its strategic alliance can credit all of the following,
EXCEPT
84.
A company that fails to manage its strategic alliance probably has
85.
Alliance management is considered an organizational capability and
Essay Questions
86.
Identify and briefly explain five types of offensive strategies.
87.
Strategic offensives should, as a general rule, be grounded in a company's strategic assets and employ a
company's strengths to attack rivals. Define and discuss the term strategic assets and its significance in
gaining a competitive advantage.
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 purpose 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.
Identify and briefly explain what is meant by each of the following terms:
a. horizontal scope
b. vertical scope
c. scope of the firm
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.
Identify and explain at least two drawbacks to forming a strategic alliance.
104.
What are the three principal advantages of strategic alliances over vertical integration or
mergers/acquisitions?
105.
What does a company racing for global market leadership need strategic alliances for?
106.
What does a company racing to stake out a strong position in an industry of the future need strategic
alliances for?
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.
Instead of entering into an alliance or partnership, Smith Limited opts to merge with Design Limited.
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.
Explain what is meant by hit-and-run (or guerrilla warfare) and preemptive strike offensive strategies.
Under which circumstances are either of these strategies most effective?
