Book: Strategic Management

6th Edition By: Graham Hubbard, John Rice, Peter Galvin Chapter 6 Gap Analysis and Business-Level Strategic Options

End of Chapter Questions

1. Considering the various sets of generic strategies in this chapter, which ones, if any, do you think constitute a complete set of the strategic options? Explain why you have omitted particular strategies from the list.
2. Consider how family businesses, SMEs, NFPs and public sector organisations might consider their growth options. Is there any consistency here? Why or why not?
3. Consider how family businesses, SMEs, NFPs and public sector organisations might consider their generic strategy options. Is there any consistency here? Why or why not?
4. Consider the gaps analysed in this chapter. Are there other gaps which should also be specifically analysed?
5. How does the emergence of sustainability affect the choice of strategic options in general? Consider all 5Qs.
6. What might be an example of a related product/related market strategic option?
7. Explain how several differentiation strategies might coexist in a particular industry. How would this influence the level of industry rivalry?
8. What are the differences between best-cost, leader, flexible, effective execution and 'stuck in the middle' generic strategies?
9. Can you provide an example of best-cost, leader, flexible, effective execution and 'stuck in the middle' generic strategies?
10. Give an example of an organisation undertaking each of the following growth strategies: (a) consolidation, (b) downsizing, (c) withdrawal, Endnotes