Miles and Snow describe four different types of strategy which are described below.

Type 1: This type of organisation operates in a relatively stable product or service area.The organisation offers a more limited range of goods and/or services than itscompetitors, and attempts to protect its domain by offering higher quality,superior goods and/or service, lower prices, and so forth. Often this type oforganisation is not at the forefront of developments in the industry.

Type 2: This type of organisation operates within a broad product-market domain thatundergoes periodic redefinition. The organisation values being 'first in' in newproduct (goods and/or service) areas even if not all of these efforts prove to behighly profitable. However, this type of organisation may not maintain marketstrength in all of the areas it enters.

Type 3: This type of organisation attempts to maintain a stable, limited line of goods and/or services. The organisation adapts quickly to new developments in areas compatible with its stable product-market base. While the organisation is seldom 'first in' with new goods or services, it can frequently be 'second in' with a more cost efficient good or service.

Type 4: This type of organisation does not appear to have a consistent product-marketorientation and is usually not as aggressive in maintaining established products (goods and/or services) and markets as some of its competitors. The organisation does not take as many risks as its competitors and only responds to environmental pressures when forced to.

Questions :

(a) Identify which type of strategy is depicted by each of the above descriptions. (2 marks)

(b) Choose an organisation that you are familiar with and discuss which of Miles and Snow's strategy typology most accurately describes the characteristics of this organisation. Explain why! (2 marks)

(c)Use two alternative strategy analysis frameworks to describe the nature of the strategic positioning of your chosen organisation. (5 marks)