This document contains an exam paper for an MSc level strategy formulation course. The exam consists of 4 questions of equal value and students must answer 2 questions. Question 1 asks students to critically discuss factors that determine a company's cost competitiveness and how to address cost disadvantages in the context of a company implementing a cost leadership strategy. Question 2 asks students to critically discuss structuralist and reconstructionist approaches and when a company should consider "fitting" or "stretching" the market. Question 3 asks students to critically analyze differentiation strategy through examples and compare it to cost leadership strategy. Question 4 asks students to critically discuss five forces analysis and how an unattractive industry can reinvent its business model for growth using a five forces analysis example.
This document contains an exam paper for an MSc level strategy formulation course. The exam consists of 4 questions of equal value and students must answer 2 questions. Question 1 asks students to critically discuss factors that determine a company's cost competitiveness and how to address cost disadvantages in the context of a company implementing a cost leadership strategy. Question 2 asks students to critically discuss structuralist and reconstructionist approaches and when a company should consider "fitting" or "stretching" the market. Question 3 asks students to critically analyze differentiation strategy through examples and compare it to cost leadership strategy. Question 4 asks students to critically discuss five forces analysis and how an unattractive industry can reinvent its business model for growth using a five forces analysis example.
This document contains an exam paper for an MSc level strategy formulation course. The exam consists of 4 questions of equal value and students must answer 2 questions. Question 1 asks students to critically discuss factors that determine a company's cost competitiveness and how to address cost disadvantages in the context of a company implementing a cost leadership strategy. Question 2 asks students to critically discuss structuralist and reconstructionist approaches and when a company should consider "fitting" or "stretching" the market. Question 3 asks students to critically analyze differentiation strategy through examples and compare it to cost leadership strategy. Question 4 asks students to critically discuss five forces analysis and how an unattractive industry can reinvent its business model for growth using a five forces analysis example.
INTERNATIONAL FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
MSc in Management MSc in Human Resource Management MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc in Leisure and Tourism Management
TIME: 2 HOURS MSc LEVEL: SIT EXAMINATION CBE6100: STRATEGY FORMULATION
This examination paper consists of FOUR (4) questions. Answer TWO (2) questions ALL questions are of equal value.
Students are expected to support their arguments using examples. All answers should draw upon academic literature.
Question 1 Gardini SA, a company located in Italy, which manufactures furniture for mid income customers, is facing escalating competition from Asian manufacturers, who offer similar products at much lower prices. To address this challenge Gardini management has decided to implement a cost leadership strategy. Critically discuss the factors that determine the companys cost competitiveness and ways to successfully address its cost disadvantages. 100%
Question 2 Critically discuss the structuralist and reconstructionist approaches. Under what circumstances should a company consider fitting or stretching the market? Give examples to support your answer. 100%
Question 3 Critically analyze the differentiation strategy. Give examples of companies that have implemented this strategy and discuss the reasons for their success or failure. How would you compare this strategy to a best cost provider strategy and what would be the comparative advantages of the latter strategy. Draw strategic maps to support your answer. 100%
Question 4 Critically discuss five forces analysis as a tool for external environment analysis. How can a company that is in an unattractive industry reinvent its business model to ensure growth and profitability? Perform five forces analysis for an industry of your choice. What are the implications for strategy development? 100%