Question 1

The innovative bottle design of Ecologic Brands was influenced by a pulp tray used to ship
A) soda.
B) iPhones.
C) beer.
D) yogurt.
E) reusable totes.

Accepted Answer

The innovative bottle design of Ecologic Brands was influenced by a pulp tray used to ship iPhones, showcasing how packaging solutions in one industry can inspire sustainable designs in another.

Question 2

According to Goold and Campbell,when companies coordinate the flow of products or services of one unit with that of another unit to reduce inventory,the synergistic effect is known as
A) pooled negotiating power.
B) shared know-how.
C) coordinated strategies.
D) economies of scale or scope.
E) new business creation.

Accepted Answer

The synergistic effect of coordinating the flow of products or services between units to reduce inventory is called economies of scale or scope. This refers to the cost advantages that companies can achieve by increasing the scale of their operations or expanding their scope of activities. By coordinating the flow of goods and services between units, companies can reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency, and lower costs, leading to economies of scale or scope.

Question 3

Those who implement strategy will probably be a much more diverse set of people than those who formulate it.

Accepted Answer

Formulating strategy typically involves top-level executives and decision-makers, who may have similar backgrounds and experiences. Implementing strategy, on the other hand, involves a wider range of employees and stakeholders who bring different perspectives and expertise to the table.

Question 4

When Kimberly-Clark introduced Huggies disposable diapers against Procter & Gamble's market leading Pampers,they were using the offensive tactic known as a(n)
A) flanking maneuver.
B) frontal assault.
C) encirclement.
D) bypass attack.
E) guerilla attack.

Accepted Answer

A frontal assault is an offensive tactic where a company directly challenges the leading competitor in a market. In this case, Kimberly-Clark introduced Huggies disposable diapers as a direct challenge to Procter & Gamble's leading brand, Pampers.

Question 5

When the return on investment for each division of a corporation is greater than what the return would be if each division were an independent business,that corporation is said to have achieved
A) synergy.
B) a leveraged buyout.
C) its hurdle rate.
D) the status of a true conglomerate.
E) Stage III.

Accepted Answer

Synergy refers to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In this case, the corporation as a whole is achieving a greater return on investment by having multiple divisions working together than if each individual division were operating independently.

Question 6

According to Goold and Campbell,which of the following is not one of the forms that synergy can take?
A) shared know-how
B) coordinated strategies
C) value chain creation
D) pooled negotiating power
E) economies of scale or scope

Accepted Answer

According to Goold and Campbell, synergy can take the form of shared know-how, coordinated strategies, pooled negotiating power, and economies of scale or scope. Value chain creation is not listed as one of the forms of synergy in their work.

Question 7

Which form of synergy was demonstrated when P&G purchased Gillette to combine P&G's knowledge of the female consumer with Gillette's knowledge of the male consumer?
A) shared tangible resources
B) shared know-how
C) coordinated strategies
D) economies of scale
E) new business creation

Accepted Answer

Shared know-how. P&G purchasing Gillette allowed them to combine their knowledge of the female consumer with Gillette's knowledge of the male consumer, resulting in shared know-how.

Question 8

What is strategy implementation? What questions must strategy makers consider to begin the implementation process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is strategy implementation? What questions must...

Question 9

The sum total of the activities and choices required for the execution of a strategic plan is known as
A) strategic formulation.
B) environmental scanning.
C) strategy implementation.
D) evaluation and control.
E) strategic development.

Accepted Answer

The activities and choices required for the execution of a strategic plan involve implementing various tactics and actions aimed at achieving the goals set out in the plan. This process is known as strategy implementation. It involves coordinating and aligning multiple resources to achieve the desired outcome. Thus, option C is the best choice. Strategic formulation refers to the development of a strategic plan, while environmental scanning involves the assessment of the internal and external environment affecting the plan. Evaluation and control refer to the process of measuring and tracking progress towards goals, and strategic development is often used interchangeably with strategic formulation.

Question 10

Which statement below is not true of strategy implementation?
A) It is the process by which strategies and policies are put into action through the development of programs/tactics, budgets, and procedures.
B) Implementation is often considered after strategy has been formulated.
C) Strategy implementation is the sum total of the activities and choices required for the execution of a strategic plan.
D) Strategy implementation should be kept separate and distinct from that of strategic management.
E) Strategy formulation and strategy implementation are two sides of the same coin.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not true as strategy implementation should not be kept separate and distinct from strategic management. Implementation should be an integral part of strategic management as it involves putting strategies into action and ensuring they are achieved effectively.

Question 11

A survey of 93 Fortune 500 firms found ten major problems that over half of the group experienced when they attempted to implement a strategic change.Which of the following is not one of the implementation problems?
A) ineffective coordination of activities
B) uncontrollable external environmental factors
C) time allocated for implementation was adequate, but was used inappropriately
D) poor definition of key implementation tasks and activities
E) crises that distracted attention away from implementation

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C because it states that time was adequate but used inappropriately, which implies a problem in management or execution rather than an inherent issue with the implementation process itself, unlike the other options which directly relate to common implementation problems.

Question 12

Strategy formulation and strategy implementation should be considered as two sides of the same coin.

Accepted Answer

Strategy formulation is the process of developing and analyzing strategies to achieve organizational goals, while strategy implementation involves carrying out the strategies that have been formulated. Both of these processes are interdependent and should be considered as two sides of the same coin, as the success of a strategy depends on both its formulation and effective implementation.

Question 13

The term used in strategic implementation that describes a statement of activities or steps needed to accomplish a plan and whose use is to make the strategy action-oriented is
A) a program.
B) a guideline.
C) a budget.
D) a course of action.
E) a procedure.

Accepted Answer

A program is a statement of activities or steps needed to accomplish a plan, making the strategy action-oriented.

Question 14

Many of the people in the organization who are crucial to successful strategy implementation probably have little to do with the development of the corporate and business strategy.

Accepted Answer

It is commonly observed that people in different levels and functions of the organization play a critical role in implementing the strategy. However, their involvement in the development of the strategy may vary. Often, the strategy development process involves top executives and senior managers, while the implementation may involve middle managers, frontline employees, and other stakeholders who have operational knowledge and expertise. Hence, it is essential to engage and align these stakeholders with the strategy to ensure its successful implementation.

Question 15

Strategy formulation is the sum total of the activities and choices required for the execution of a strategic plan.

Accepted Answer

Strategy formulation is the process of deciding the best course of action for accomplishing organizational objectives and hence reaching organizational purpose; it involves understanding the strategic position, making strategic choices for the future, and turning strategy into action. Strategy execution, on the other hand, is the sum total of the activities and choices required for the execution of a strategic plan.

Question 16

It is advisable to have management from all levels participate in the strategy formulation process
A) because it is a legal requirement.
B) because collective bargaining agreements often mandate worker participation.
C) to gain an insight as to what work needs to be done and to gain cooperation in the implementation of the strategy.
D) because it is part of their job responsibilities to provide input regarding their respective area of expertise.
E) because it helps boost the self-image and ego of all managers to be asked for advice.

Accepted Answer

Having management from all levels participate in the strategy formulation process helps to gain insight as to what work needs to be done and gain cooperation in the implementation of the strategy. It also fosters a sense of ownership and involvement in the process. It is not necessarily a legal requirement or a mandated requirement from collective bargaining agreements, although it may be part of their job responsibilities to provide input regarding their respective area of expertise. Boosting the self-image and ego of managers should not be the primary reason for involving them in the process.

Question 17

According to a survey of Fortune 500 firms,the most frequently cited problem with implementing a strategic change is that implementation took more time than originally planned.

Accepted Answer

According to the statement, the survey of Fortune 500 firms found that implementation taking more time than originally planned was the most frequently cited problem with implementing a strategic change. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 18

Poor implementation is often blamed for strategic failure.

Accepted Answer

Poor implementation can lead to deviations from the strategic plan and ultimately result in failure to achieve strategic goals.

Question 19

Who typically implements strategy in large,multi-industry corporations?
A) the board of directors
B) top management
C) middle management
D) first level management
E) everyone in the organization

Accepted Answer

The answer of Who typically implements strategy in large,multi-industry corporations?
A)...

Question 20

The term used in strategic implementation that describes a system of sequential steps or techniques that describe in detail how a particular task or job is to be done is
A) a program.
B) a guideline.
C) a budget.
D) a course of action.
E) a procedure.

Accepted Answer

A procedure is a systematic and detailed set of instructions that outlines the steps involved in performing a specific task or job. It provides a framework for consistent and efficient implementation of tasks in strategic planning. Therefore, a procedure is the best term used in strategic implementation that describes a system of sequential steps or techniques for a particular task or job.

Programs refer to a set of coordinated activities and tasks aimed at achieving specific organizational objectives, while guidelines are general rules, principles, or recommendations that provide direction in decision-making. Budget relates to financial planning and management, while a course of action is a plan or strategy for achieving a specific goal or objective. Therefore, these terms are not appropriate in describing a system of sequential steps or techniques that describe in detail how a particular task or job is to be done.

Quiz 10: Strategy Implementation: Organizing and Structure

The innovative bottle design of Ecologic Brands was influenced by a pulp tray used to ship

According to Goold and Campbell,when companies coordinate the flow of products or services of one unit with that of another unit to reduce inventory,the synergistic effect is known as

Those who implement strategy will probably be a much more diverse set of people than those who formulate it.

When Kimberly-Clark introduced Huggies disposable diapers against Procter & Gamble's market leading Pampers,they were using the offensive tactic known as a(n)

When the return on investment for each division of a corporation is greater than what the return would be if each division were an independent business,that corporation is said to have achieved

According to Goold and Campbell,which of the following is not one of the forms that synergy can take?

Which form of synergy was demonstrated when P&G purchased Gillette to combine P&G's knowledge of the female consumer with Gillette's knowledge of the male consumer?

What is strategy implementation? What questions must strategy makers consider to begin the implementation process?

The sum total of the activities and choices required for the execution of a strategic plan is known as

Which statement below is not true of strategy implementation?

A survey of 93 Fortune 500 firms found ten major problems that over half of the group experienced when they attempted to implement a strategic change.Which of the following is not one of the implementation problems?

Strategy formulation and strategy implementation should be considered as two sides of the same coin.

The term used in strategic implementation that describes a statement of activities or steps needed to accomplish a plan and whose use is to make the strategy action-oriented is

Many of the people in the organization who are crucial to successful strategy implementation probably have little to do with the development of the corporate and business strategy.

Strategy formulation is the sum total of the activities and choices required for the execution of a strategic plan.

It is advisable to have management from all levels participate in the strategy formulation process

According to a survey of Fortune 500 firms,the most frequently cited problem with implementing a strategic change is that implementation took more time than originally planned.

Poor implementation is often blamed for strategic failure.

Who typically implements strategy in large,multi-industry corporations?

The term used in strategic implementation that describes a system of sequential steps or techniques that describe in detail how a particular task or job is to be done is