Question 1

An 'emergent' strategy is one which is entirely determined by the external environment

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 2

The SWOT analysis can be used as a basis for formulating strategy

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

The TOWS matrix (Weihrich, 1982) is superior to the SWOT analysis because

Accepted Answer

A)   It helps the strategist to rule out unacceptable strategic options
B)   It encourages the strategist to stretch resources to create opportunities in the market
C)   It encourages the strategist to develop strategic responses which link opportunities and threats to strengths and weaknesses
D)   It encourages the strategist to focus on weaknesses C

Question 4

Outline one typical issue that might appear in each category of a pestel analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Outline one typical issue that might appear...

Question 5

The SWOT analysis can be combined with which of the following analyses?

Accepted Answer

A)   Cross-impact analysis
B)   Brainstorming
C)   Quality Function Deployment
D)   Balanced Scorecard

Question 6

Mintzberg et al challenge the traditional view that strategy involves a deliberate plan. They argue that in many cases strategy is

Accepted Answer

A)   Irrational
B)   Iterative
C)   A political process
D)   Emergent

Question 7

Outline the basic dynamics of strategy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Outline the basic dynamics of strategy....

Question 8

According to Weihrich (1982) strengths and weaknesses can be categorized into three main categories: management and organization, finance, and

Accepted Answer

A)   Organizational culture
B)   Distribution
C)   Planning and control
D)   Operations

Question 9

Prahalad and Hamel see strategy as ______________ and leverage.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Prahalad and Hamel see strategy as ______________...

Question 10

A strategic review of the internal environment of an organization involves

Accepted Answer

A)   An analysis of the macro environment
B)   An analysis of the competitive environment
C)   An analysis of the capabilities
D)   An analysis of the industry environment

Question 11

Christensen (1997) views strategy in a similar way to Prahalad and Hamel in that competitive advantage comes from innovation. Christensen specifically refers to the role of

Accepted Answer

A)   Disruptive technologies
B)   Short product life cycles
C)   Distinctive capabilities
D)   Fuzzy logic

Question 12

Porter's work on how to achieve competitive advantage argues the following;

Accepted Answer

A)   The interconnections between activities are as important as the activities themselves
B)   Strategic decisions are about managing trade-offs
C)   It is better to be 'best in class' at one activity than very good at many activities
D)   Strategies cannot be planned, they can only emerge

Question 13

Explain how you would use the results of a strategic analysis in a SWOT analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how you would use the results...

Question 14

The unit of analysis for Porter's Five Forces is the industry, whereas the unit of analysis for the SWOT analysis is a specific business

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Strategy can be seen as the activity of coming up with plans, decisions and actions. In arriving at these, the strategist will typically analyze the following, interrelated key factors

Accepted Answer

A)   Goals, external context, resources and capabilities
B)   Goals, finances, external context
C)   Stakeholders, shareholders, customers
D)   Stakeholders, external context, resources and capabilities

Question 16

How are strategic decisions different in nature to operational decisions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are strategic decisions different in nature...

Question 17

In general firms have most influence within the industry structure within which the firm operates.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

The traditional view of business/corporate strategy as planning can be traced back to the industrial revolution

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Which of the following describes 'logical incrementalism' (Quinn, 1980)

Accepted Answer

A)   An evolutionary process where strategy is essentially 'chosen' by the environment
B)   A political process where strategy is constantly adjusted to fit in with personal objectives
C)   Long term plans combined with learning by doing
D)   Short term, small changes to strategy

Question 20

Strategic problems can attract a range of ______________________ reactions

Accepted Answer

The answer of Strategic problems can attract a range of...

Exam 1: Introduction to Strategy

An 'emergent' strategy is one which is entirely determined by the external environment

The SWOT analysis can be used as a basis for formulating strategy

The TOWS matrix (Weihrich, 1982) is superior to the SWOT analysis because

Outline one typical issue that might appear in each category of a pestel analysis.

The SWOT analysis can be combined with which of the following analyses?

Mintzberg et al challenge the traditional view that strategy involves a deliberate plan. They argue that in many cases strategy is

Outline the basic dynamics of strategy.

According to Weihrich (1982) strengths and weaknesses can be categorized into three main categories: management and organization, finance, and

Prahalad and Hamel see strategy as ______________ and leverage.

A strategic review of the internal environment of an organization involves

Christensen (1997) views strategy in a similar way to Prahalad and Hamel in that competitive advantage comes from innovation. Christensen specifically refers to the role of

Porter's work on how to achieve competitive advantage argues the following;

Explain how you would use the results of a strategic analysis in a SWOT analysis.

The unit of analysis for Porter's Five Forces is the industry, whereas the unit of analysis for the SWOT analysis is a specific business

Strategy can be seen as the activity of coming up with plans, decisions and actions. In arriving at these, the strategist will typically analyze the following, interrelated key factors

How are strategic decisions different in nature to operational decisions?

In general firms have most influence within the industry structure within which the firm operates.

The traditional view of business/corporate strategy as planning can be traced back to the industrial revolution

Which of the following describes 'logical incrementalism' (Quinn, 1980)

Strategic problems can attract a range of ______________________ reactions