1.
The size of pricing and differentiation advantages between competitors decreases in which stage of the market life cycle?
Correct Answer
C. Maturity
Explanation
In the maturity stage of the market life cycle, the size of pricing and differentiation advantages between competitors decreases. This is because as the market matures, more competitors enter the market, leading to increased competition. As a result, it becomes more difficult for companies to differentiate their products or services and maintain pricing advantages. The market becomes saturated, and customers have more options to choose from, making it harder for companies to stand out. Consequently, the size of pricing and differentiation advantages decreases in this stage.
2.
Outback Steakhouse has developed a sophisticated quantitative model and found that there were positive relationships between employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and financial results. According to the text, this is an example of _____________________.
Correct Answer
B. Stakeholder symbiosis
Explanation
The given text states that Outback Steakhouse has developed a quantitative model that shows positive relationships between employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and financial results. This suggests that Outback Steakhouse recognizes the importance of all its stakeholders (employees, customers, and financial outcomes) and strives to create a mutually beneficial relationship among them. This aligns with the concept of stakeholder symbiosis, where the organization acknowledges the interdependence and mutual benefits among its various stakeholders.
3.
Crowdsourcing can be defined as _______________________.
Correct Answer
C. Tapping the latent talent of the online crowd.
Explanation
Crowdsourcing can be defined as tapping into the latent talent of the online crowd. This means utilizing the skills, knowledge, and expertise of a large group of people who are connected through the internet to solve problems, generate ideas, or complete tasks. It involves outsourcing tasks or seeking input from a diverse and decentralized group of individuals, often through open calls or competitions. By accessing the collective intelligence of the crowd, organizations can benefit from a wide range of perspectives, creativity, and expertise that may not be available within their own workforce.
4.
Interest rate increases have a ____________ impact on the residential home construction industry and a _______________ effect on industries that produce consumer necessities such as prescription drugs or basic grocery items.
Correct Answer
B. Negative; negligible
Explanation
An increase in interest rates has a negative impact on the residential home construction industry because it makes borrowing money more expensive, discouraging potential homebuyers from taking out loans to build new homes. On the other hand, the effect on industries that produce consumer necessities such as prescription drugs or basic grocery items is negligible because these goods are considered essential and people will continue to purchase them regardless of changes in interest rates.
5.
Examples of ___________ include: “to be the happiest place on earth” (Disney), and “restoring patients to full life” (Medtronic).
Correct Answer
A. Vision statements
Explanation
Vision statements are statements that describe the desired future state or long-term goals of an organization. They provide a clear and inspirational picture of what the organization aims to achieve or become. In the given examples, "to be the happiest place on earth" and "restoring patients to full life" are both statements that outline the desired future state or goal of Disney and Medtronic respectively. These statements reflect the organizations' vision and serve as a guiding principle for decision-making and goal-setting.
6.
All of the following are types of information that a firm is required to disclose except _______________.
Correct Answer
C. Details of new products under development
Explanation
A firm is required to disclose information that is relevant to its financial performance and operations. Quarterly and annual filings of financial information provide transparency to investors and stakeholders about the firm's financial health. Stock trading by insiders is important to prevent insider trading and ensure fairness in the market. Details of executive compensation packages are disclosed to promote transparency and accountability in corporate governance. However, details of new products under development are not required to be disclosed as they may contain sensitive and proprietary information that could give competitors an advantage.
7.
Recently, a knowledge worker’s loyalty to his or her employing firm has __________ compared to his or her loyalty to his or her profession and colleagues.
Correct Answer
B. Decreased
Explanation
The loyalty of knowledge workers to their employing firm has decreased compared to their loyalty to their profession and colleagues. This suggests that knowledge workers are becoming less attached to their organizations and more focused on their own professional development and relationships with peers in the industry. This could be due to various factors such as increased job mobility, a desire for more autonomy and flexibility, or a shift in the importance placed on organizational loyalty in the modern workplace.
8.
According to the text, all of the following might make it difficult for entrepreneurial firms to effectively pursue a strategy of differentiation except ________________________.
Correct Answer
A. Incumbent firms are constantly seeking opportunities to specialize in market niches.
9.
The sale of Boeing’s commercial aircraft and Microsoft’s operating systems in many countries enable these companies to benefit from _____________.
Correct Answer
B. Economies of scale.
Explanation
Boeing and Microsoft benefit from economies of scale through the sale of their commercial aircraft and operating systems in many countries. Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that companies achieve when they produce goods or services in large quantities. By selling their products globally, Boeing and Microsoft can take advantage of increased production volumes, which leads to lower average costs per unit. This allows them to be more competitive in the market and potentially increase their profitability.
10.
To illustrate interrelationships among different segments of the general environment: The persistence of large U.S. trade deficits (_____________) has led to greater demand for protectionist measures, such as trade barriers and quotas (____________). These measures lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers and fuel inflation (_____________).
Correct Answer
B. Macroeconomic, political/legal, macroeconomic
Explanation
The persistence of large U.S. trade deficits (macroeconomic) has led to greater demand for protectionist measures, such as trade barriers and quotas (political/legal). These measures lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers and fuel inflation (macroeconomic). This explanation shows the interrelationship between macroeconomic factors (trade deficits and inflation) and political/legal factors (protectionist measures) in the general environment.
11.
_____________ may be time consuming and, therefore, firms may forfeit the benefits of speed that growth through _____________ and _____________ can provide.
Correct Answer
B. Internal development; mergers; acquisitions
Explanation
Internal development refers to the process of growing a company by investing in its own resources and capabilities. This can be time-consuming as it requires the company to build everything from scratch. On the other hand, mergers and acquisitions involve combining with or acquiring other companies to quickly gain access to their resources and capabilities. These strategies can provide faster growth opportunities compared to internal development. However, if firms choose to focus solely on internal development, they may miss out on the speed and benefits that mergers and acquisitions can offer.
12.
Which of the following is not one of the functions of reward and incentive systems?
Correct Answer
A. They represent a poor means of influencing an organization’s culture
Explanation
Reward and incentive systems are designed to motivate high levels of individual and collective task performance, focus efforts on high-priority tasks, and represent an effective control mechanism. However, they do not directly influence an organization's culture. While reward systems can indirectly shape culture by reinforcing certain behaviors, they are not the primary means of influencing culture. Other factors such as leadership, values, and norms play a more significant role in shaping organizational culture.
13.
ABC, Incorporated desires to have the most qualified people in every position throughout its organization. This is an example of a concern for _______________.
Correct Answer
A. Developing human capital
Explanation
This statement indicates that ABC, Incorporated wants to have the most qualified individuals in every position within their organization. This suggests that they are focused on developing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of their employees, which is known as developing human capital. By prioritizing the development of their workforce, ABC, Incorporated aims to ensure that they have the best talent to drive their organization's success.
14.
Which of the following statements about the
introduction stage of the market life cycle is true?
Correct Answer
D. Products or services offered by pioneers may be perceived as differentiated simply because they are new.
Explanation
In the introduction stage of the market life cycle, products or services offered by pioneers may be perceived as differentiated simply because they are new. This means that customers may see the newness of the product or service as a unique feature, leading them to perceive it as different from existing offerings in the market. This perception of differentiation can help pioneers gain initial market share and attract customers. However, it is important to note that this perceived differentiation may not be sustainable in the long term as competitors enter the market and offer similar products or services.
15.
Which of the following examples demonstrates how
successful organizations manage their primary
activities?
Correct Answer
A. By employing JIT inventory systems, Hewlett Packard has been able to cut lead time from five days to one
Explanation
This example demonstrates how successful organizations manage their primary activities by implementing JIT (Just-in-Time) inventory systems. By doing so, Hewlett Packard was able to significantly reduce their lead time from five days to one. This indicates that they have effectively optimized their inventory management process, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced waiting time for customers.
16.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings made this important
observation about dealing with rivals:
Correct Answer
C. “There are tens and maybe hundreds of start-ups who think that they are going to eat Netflix’s lunch. The challenge for a management team is to figure out which are real threats and which aren’t.”
Explanation
The answer emphasizes the importance of recognizing and assessing potential threats from start-ups in the market. It highlights the need for a management team to distinguish between real threats and those that are not significant. This aligns with Hastings' observation about the competitive nature of the market and the need for firms to be cautious and vigilant in identifying and addressing potential rivals.
17.
Appreciation of the U.S. dollar will have the
following impact on McDonald’s:
Correct Answer
C. Lower profits, because foreign profits will be reduced when measured in dollars.
Explanation
When the U.S. dollar appreciates, it means that its value increases compared to other currencies. This will lead to lower profits for McDonald's because when foreign profits are converted back to dollars, they will be reduced. As the value of the dollar increases, the amount of foreign currency that can be exchanged for each dollar decreases, resulting in lower profits for McDonald's. This is because the company's earnings from its international branches will be worth less when converted into dollars.
18.
Cirrus aircraft, a leading manufacturer of small
airplanes, sees a market opportunity and has decided to double its plant
capacity over the next 2 years. What type of competitive action does this
represent?
Correct Answer
B. A strategic action because such a large plant expansion will require a major commitment of resources.
Explanation
The correct answer is a strategic action because such a large plant expansion will require a major commitment of resources. This decision by Cirrus aircraft to double its plant capacity over the next 2 years is a significant and long-term commitment that will require substantial investments and resources. It is not a tactical action aimed at filling a gap in service, as it involves a much broader and more substantial expansion of the company's capabilities. Additionally, it is not a reversible action, as indicated by option C, as reversing such a large-scale expansion would likely be costly and disruptive.
19.
Which of the following is not one of the characteristics of a contemporary control system?
Correct Answer
C. It circumvents the need for face-to-face meetings among superiors, subordinates, and peers.
Explanation
A contemporary control system must focus on constantly changing information that is strategically important and generate information that demands regular and frequent attention. However, it does not necessarily circumvent the need for face-to-face meetings among superiors, subordinates, and peers. Face-to-face meetings can still be important for effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making, even with the use of a control system.
20.
The least effective way to retain human capital
is _______________.
Correct Answer
B. Requiring employees to sign agreements that prevent them from working for competitors in the future
Explanation
Requiring employees to sign agreements that prevent them from working for competitors in the future is the least effective way to retain human capital because it restricts employees' career opportunities and limits their potential for growth and development. It creates a sense of dissatisfaction and may lead to decreased motivation and engagement. Instead of fostering loyalty and commitment, such agreements can result in employees seeking opportunities elsewhere, ultimately resulting in a loss of valuable talent for the organization.
21.
Divesting businesses can accomplish many
different objectives. These include __________.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.
Explanation
Divesting businesses can accomplish many different objectives. By divesting non-core businesses, managers can focus their efforts more directly on the firm's core businesses, which can lead to improved performance and competitiveness. Divestment also provides the firm with more resources to spend on more attractive alternatives, such as investing in new technologies or expanding existing businesses. Additionally, divestment can raise cash that can be used to help fund existing businesses, providing them with the necessary financial support to thrive. Therefore, all of the given options are valid objectives that can be achieved through divestment.
22.
Although general administration is often viewed
only as overhead expense, it can become a source of competitive advantage.
Examples include all of the following except
______________.
Correct Answer
C. Marketing expertise increasing a firm’s revenues and enabling it to enter new markets.
Explanation
The correct answer is marketing expertise increasing a firm's revenues and enabling it to enter new markets. This is because the question asks for examples of general administration becoming a source of competitive advantage, and the other options provide examples of this. Negotiating and maintaining ongoing relations with regulatory bodies, effective information systems contributing to cost leadership, and top management collaborating with important customers all demonstrate how general administration can provide a competitive advantage. However, marketing expertise is not typically considered part of general administration and is more closely related to the marketing function of a firm.
23.
High pressure for local adaptation combined with
low pressure for lower costs would suggest what type of international strategy?
Correct Answer
B. Multidomestic
Explanation
Multidomestic strategy is suggested by the combination of high pressure for local adaptation and low pressure for lower costs. This strategy focuses on customizing products and services to meet the specific needs of each local market while keeping costs low. By adapting to local preferences and conditions, the company can gain a competitive advantage in each market. This strategy allows for flexibility and responsiveness to local customer demands, making it suitable for industries where local differences are significant.
24.
One of the reasons the Internet is eroding
sustainable competitive advantage is __________.
Correct Answer
B. Nearly all competitors will have greater access to tools for managing costs making it hard for any one to achieve an advantage.
Explanation
As stated in the answer, nearly all competitors will have greater access to tools for managing costs, which makes it difficult for any one firm to achieve a competitive advantage. This means that the availability of cost management tools levels the playing field and reduces the ability for firms to differentiate themselves based on cost. Consequently, sustainable competitive advantage is eroded as firms struggle to stand out from their competitors.
25.
Informational control systems ask
______________.
Correct Answer
B. Is the organization “doing the right things”?
Explanation
Informational control systems focus on evaluating whether the organization is "doing the right things." This means assessing whether the organization's actions and strategies align with its goals and objectives. It involves analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization's processes, decision-making, and resource allocation to ensure they are in line with the overall strategic direction. This type of control system helps management make informed decisions and adjustments to ensure the organization is on track to achieve its desired outcomes.
26.
All of the following are the benefits of
diversity in a firm’s workplace except
___________.
Correct Answer
D. Similarity in Perspectives Argument
Explanation
The similarity in perspectives argument is not a benefit of diversity in a firm's workplace. Diversity brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which can lead to increased creativity and innovation. It also enhances problem-solving capabilities by bringing diverse viewpoints and approaches to the table. Additionally, diversity helps in resource acquisition as it allows the firm to tap into a wider talent pool and access different networks. However, the similarity in perspectives argument suggests that having a homogenous workforce with similar perspectives is beneficial, which is not true in the context of diversity.
27.
All of the below are factors that affect how a
competitor will respond to a competitive attack except _____________________.
Correct Answer
D. The stock market reaction to the initial competitive attack.
Explanation
The stock market reaction to the initial competitive attack is not a factor that affects how a competitor will respond. The stock market reaction may have an impact on the company that initiated the attack, but it does not directly influence the competitor's response. Factors such as the competitor's dependence on the industry or market segment, the market power and reputation of the attacking company, and the resources available to the competitor are more relevant in determining their response.
28.
All of the following are potential pitfalls of
an integrated overall low cost and differentiation strategy except __________________.
Correct Answer
B. Targeting too large a market that causes unit costs to increase.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Targeting too large a market that causes unit costs to increase." This is not a potential pitfall of an integrated overall low cost and differentiation strategy. In fact, targeting a larger market can often lead to economies of scale and lower unit costs. The other three options mentioned are potential pitfalls as they can hinder the successful implementation of an integrated low cost and differentiation strategy.
29.
Vertical integration is attractive when _____________________.
Correct Answer
A. Transaction costs are higher than internal administrative costs.
Explanation
Vertical integration refers to the strategy of a company expanding its operations by acquiring or merging with other companies in the same industry, but at different stages of the supply chain. This allows the company to have more control over its inputs and outputs, reducing transaction costs such as negotiating prices, coordinating activities, and ensuring quality. If transaction costs, which are associated with buying from external suppliers, are higher than internal administrative costs, it makes sense for a company to vertically integrate. By bringing the production process in-house, the company can reduce transaction costs and have better control over its operations.
30.
Industries in which proportionally more value is
added in ___________ activities are more likely to benefit from a _____________
strategy.
Correct Answer
C. Upstream; global
Explanation
Industries in which proportionally more value is added in upstream activities are more likely to benefit from a global strategy. Upstream activities refer to the initial stages of production, such as sourcing raw materials and manufacturing components. By focusing on these activities, industries can gain a competitive advantage through cost savings, efficiency, and control over the supply chain. A global strategy allows companies to operate on a global scale, accessing larger markets, and taking advantage of economies of scale. This enables them to compete more effectively and achieve higher profitability.