Mgt6303 Strategic Management|Vertical Integration Assessment Answer

QUESTION 1
a)In view of the scenario presented of the current environment pressures faced by contemporary business and the need to pursue blue ocean strategies, critically evaluate on any FIVE (5) benefits arising from effective strategic management, in charting the course of the organization that they lead.                                                                                                                                                       ( 15 marks)    
b)The process of strategic planning may come with several pitfalls that managers pursuing blue ocean strategies should  guard against. List and explain on any FIVE  (5) of such pitfalls.                                                                                                                                           (10 marks)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                          (Total: 25 marks)    

QUESTION 2

In the scenario above it is mentioned that “Successful business leaders won’t look to resiliency; they’ll look to renewal and rebirth because so many foundational things about their markets will be changing. Smart leaders will find the blue ocean’s where the competition will be reset.” In this context the management need to determine the nature of  the  strategic decisions making process that focuses  on  value propositions that are integral integral for survival .

a)Provide a critical analysis of the nature of such strategic decisions that the management of contemporary organizations will be likely to pursue.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
b)Corporate core values that define the way that the organisation operate are reflected mainly in the form of corporate mission statements. List and critically analyse any (5) FIVE important components within a well-constructed mission statement and its extent of usefulness towards developing effective strategic direction.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                           
QUESTION 3
Unlike the traditional  “ best-fit view” commonly practiced within the strategic planning model, the resource-based view looks at  unique resources and competencies of an organization that provide the basis for delivering competitive advantage.
a)Explain with examples, the nature of the resource based view ( RBV) and the tangible and intangible resources used within the business operations process that can deliver competitive advantage                                                                                                       
b)List the 4 attributes of resources identified by Barney  that can deliver sustainable competitive advantage.                                                  
QUESTION 4

Within the strategic planning process, integration strategies hold the objective of seeking more control of the operations either through the activities along its supply chain or the activities of its competitors. Within the context of the scenario presented above, discuss the main features of the following FOUR (4) strategies and their relevance towards meeting business sustainability.
a)Horizontal   Integration                                                                                                                                                             
b)Vertical Integration                                                                                                                                                                 
c)Concentric Diversification                                                                                                                                                
d)Heterogeneous (conglomerate) diversification