Exam 2: Operations Strategy in a Global Environment

Starbucks is one of the best-known coffeehouse chains in the world. Each store sells a variety of innovative products to complement the array of coffee choices available. However, nearly half of the current stores are located in the United States and the expensive nature of the coffee leaves Starbucks vulnerable to changes in consumer spending behavior (such as recessions). Starbucks has begun initiatives to sell its specialty coffee beans for home use, presenting a chance for a large increase in revenue and diversification. However, Starbucks faces fierce competition seeking a piece of its lucrative market share and the threat of consumer behavior changes, given its reputation rides on a singular product. Perform a SWOT analysis for Starbucks.

Outsourcing is the practice of moving a business process to a foreign country but retaining control of it.

An organization's strategy is the purpose or rationale for its existence.

Which of the following statements best characterizes delivery reliability?

The theory of ________ implies that you should allow another firm to perform work activities for your company if that company can do it more productively than you can.

Value-chain analysis can be used to determine if a business is adding unique value in which of the following areas?

Forecasting is especially critical at the ________ stage in the product life cycle.

Given the position of the 3D printer in the growth stage of its life cycle, which of the following OM Strategy/Issues should the makers of 3D printers be least concerned with at the current time?

Which of the following environmental factors has not contributed to Microsoft's changing strategy?

Which of the following represents a reason for globalizing operations?

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

How do global operations understand markets?

SWOT analysis is a method of determining external strengths and weaknesses and internal opportunities and threats.

Who introduced the concept of value-chain analysis?

An organization that has worked to achieve global uniformity in cultural and ethical issues such as bribery, child labor, and environmental regulations is ________.

Outsourcing is the practice of transferring a firm's activities that have traditionally been internal to external suppliers.

One reason to globalize is to learn to improve operations.

Which of the following did the authors NOT suggest as a reason for globalizing operations?

The ________ strategy uses subsidiaries, franchises, or joint ventures with substantial independence.

Low-cost leadership is the ability to distinguish the offerings of the organization in a way that the customer perceives as adding value.