, Qu estlons: These questions are intended to help students focus on the key elements as they read the case. 1. Situational analysis. Analyze New Balance's situation in the sports footwear industry from an operational perspective. This requires using Porter's 5 Forces and a SWOT matrix. However, this analysis should strictly adhere to the operational perspective. 2. New Balance Operational Decisions. [1) What are New Balance's main operational decisions as described in the case study and its principals? {2] How the company was organized from an operational perspective. Prepare a descriptive chart and a written explanation. 3. Future challenges for New Balance. {1) What do you believe are the most important challenges facing New Balance from an operational perspective? List them and rank them by their impact on the organization's strategic objectives. (2] What are the most signicant operational risks faced by the company? 4. Lean and New Balance. (1) Do you think the Lean method can be applied to operations at New Balance? Justify your answer with the theory learnt in class. (2] Propose specific operational Lean amendments. 5. Operational strategy differences. New Balance has a unique strategy that differs from other brands such as Nike. This strategy has a significant impact on operations. {1) What are the differences in operational strategy between New Balance and Nike? Prepare a comparative table. (2] What impact do these two operational management strategies have on business results? Justify your response