Discussion questions

1. Is the evaluation and control process appropriate for a corporation that emphasizes creativity? Are control and creativity compatible? Discuss.

2. What skills should a person have for managing a business unit following a differentiation strategy? Why? What should a company do if no one is available internally and the company has a policy of promotion from within?

3. Why is an understanding of national cultures important in strategic management?

Case study

An acquisition is a situation whereby one firm (acquiring firm) purchases most or all of another firm's (acquired firm) shares in order to take control.

From real national/international market, select an example of an acquisition between two firms and answer the following questions:

1. Briefly introduce the chosen acquiring and acquired firms (Industry, activity, nationality, market position, ...).
2. Explain the different reasons for this acquisition.
3. Was this acquisition successful? Why?
4. Evaluate the competitive advantage of the acquiring company (after the acquisition).
5. What is the method used by the acquiring firm to manage the culture of the acquired firm? underline the pros and cons of this method.