BRAC University, Bangladesh

Graduate School of Management (GSM)

MGT 601-2: Strategic Management
Fall Semester, 2021

Midterm Examination
Exam duration: 6 hours (6:00 pm to 11:59 pm);

The exam represents 20% of the total marks for the unit
Students are required to answer THREE (3) QUESTIONS IN TOTAL

YOU MUST ANSWER ONLY ONE (1) QUESTION FROM SECTION A AND TWO (2)
QUESTIONS FROM SECTION B.

SECTION A
You must answer ONE (1) of the two questions
Question 1
a) Why is it important for a firm to study and understand its external environment? Discuss
with examples.
b) What are the six segments of the general environment? Explain major elements of any
two segments.
(5+5 = 10 Marks)
Question 2
a) Why is it important for a firm to study and understand its internal environment? Discuss
with examples.
b) What are the four criteria firms use to determine which of their resources or capabilities
are core competencies? Why is it important for these criteria to be used? Discuss with
examples.
(5+5 = 10 Marks)
SECTION B
You must answer TWO (2) of the three questions
Question 3
a) What is the usefulness of Porter’s ‘Five Forces Model’ in strategy making? Discuss with
examples.
b) Discuss (with example) how the strong bargaining power of buyers influences the
strategic approach of a company.
(2+3 = 5 Marks)
Question 4
a) Define the term ‘strategy’ what is its significance for any Business Organization? Explain
with a suitable illustrative example.
b) Consider Porter’s three generic strategies. In your opinion, how cost-leadership strategy
advantages can be sustained? Give example to support your argument.
(2.5 + 2.5 = 5 Marks)
Question 5
Write a short note on (any two):
(i) Characteristics of an Effectively Worded Strategic Vision; (ii) Differentiation Strategy; (iii)
Focus/Niche Strategy;
(2X2.5 = 5 Marks)