The curvilinear relationship of corporate performance and diversification indicates that: dominant-business corporate strategies tend to be higher performing than related constrained or unrelated business strategies. the highest performing business strategy is related constrained diversification. the less related the businesses acquired, the higher performing the organization. none of the strategies consistently outperforms the others.

The pursuit of competitive advantage requires a strategist to discover or build a company’s core competencies which will constitute the vehicle that will drive the implementation of successful strategies. A renowned global consulting firm, McKenzie Consulting Group states that “in order to gain and sustain competitive advantage, an organization should at least possess three core competencies which will form the foundation upon which successful strategies are developed”.

Consider the Scenario below: A national property/casualty insurer distributes its personal and small commercial productsthrough independent agents. A study was conducted as a part of reevaluation of its strategies,designed to determine:• Whether its market share might be increased by direct marketing to some households.• Whether doing so would conflict with agent activities.• Marketing themes and product features that could be used to differentiate it indifferent market segments.• The potential profitability of different segments.Attitudinal, behavioral, and demographic data were gathered using a mail panel survey of2000 U.S. households that own auto insurance. Geodemographic and credit informationsupplemented the survey responses.Segments Identified: The study identified five segments, each making up 17% to 22% of themarket.• "Non-Traditionals" were most interested in using the Internet and/or buying insuranceat work.• Direct Buyers were more interested than others were in buying via…

Research a company that has gone bankrupt or otherwise stopped operations in the past decade because their strategy was “stuck in the middle” of otherwise viable generic business-level strategies. Could its demise have been prevented?

1. Is being a market follower a good competitive strategy? Discuss the advantages or disadvantages of being a market follower and the factors to consider when pursuing this strategy. 2. Discuss the need to understand competitors as well as customers through competitor analysis.

How might a planner decide on competitive growthstrategies using tools such as the market growth/marketshare matrix (Figure 2.3) and product-market matrix(Figure 2.4)?

When using the strategic management process, firms should start by A) developing a strategic vision, mission and values.   B) developing a proven business model, deciding on the company's top management team, and crafting a strategy. setting objectives, developing a business model, crafting a strategy, and deciding how much of the company's resources to employ in the pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage.   C) coming up with a statement of the company's mission and communicating it to all employees, setting objectives, selecting a business model, and monitoring developments and initiating corrective adjustments to the business model when necessary.   D) deciding on the company's board of directors, setting financial objectives, crafting a strategy, and choosing what business approaches and operating practices to employ.

When developing your business strategy and want to enter a new market, you alwaysanalyze the following business threats that might negatively impact your business? [more than one answer) a) New competitors in the marketb) New product in the market22, c)Customers' influenced) Your time management

A winning strategy is one that   A) results in a company becoming the dominant industry leader.   B) fits the company's internal and external situation, builds sustainable competitive advantage, and improves company performance.   C) builds strategic fit, is socially responsible, and maximizes shareholder wealth. can pass the ethical standards test, the strategic intent test, and the profitability test. D) is highly profitable and boosts the company's market share.

Select an existing company in any industry, and identify the following points: Introduction: Describe the company, its industry, and its business context Critical incidents: Include any strories of any organization challenges or achievements. How did it overcome the challenges? How did it accomplish its achievements? Investment potential: Include any of its current issues that need to be addressed or its potiential goals for growths Conclusion: Would you invest in the company why or why not?