DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Discuss evidence you have seen ofthe imperatives for change, flexibility, and responsiveness faced by today's firms. 2. Describe large, bureaucratic organizations with which you have had contact that have not responded flexibly to customer demands. Also describe examples of satisfactory responsiveness. What do you think accounts for the differences between the responsive and nonresponsive organizations? 3. Considering the potential advantages of large and small size, would you describe the feel of your college or university as big, small, or small within big? Why? What might make it feel different? 4. What is a core capability? What would you say are the core capabilities of Toyota, Walmart, and Apple? Brainstorm some creative new products and markets to which these capabilities could be applied. 5. if you were going into business for yourself, what would be your personal core capabilities? What capabilities do you have now, and what capabilities will you develop? Describe what your role would be in a network organization and the capabilities and roles of other firms you would want in your network. 6. Identify three recently formed alliances. For each alliance, identify whether the companies' other products are generally competitors or complementary products. What are the goals of each alliance? What brought them together? Discuss how you think a strategic alliance is or is not an effective way for these organizations to meet their goals. 7. What skills will you need to work effectively in a decentralized organization? Be specific, generating several. Would you enjoy working in these environments? Why or why not? What can you do to prepare yourself