Question

Read the case study below and answer the questions that follow.

On June 02, 2007, Guy Laliberte (Laliberte), CEO and founder of Canada-based circus company Cirque du Soleil (Cirque) received 2007 'Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. The award was given to entrepreneurs, who with their vision, achievement and leadership, provided inspiration to the corporate world. Commending Laliberte for the work he had done at Cirque, Joseph Schoendorf, and Chairman of the judging panel, said, "Guy has changed the face of entertainment and had a huge global impact. The shows that Cirque du Soleil creates and performs have brought joy to millions. All of this year's entrepreneurs were exceptional, but Guy's commitment to his artistic vision and the passion he has for his work were what swayed the judges in his favor." Cirque was founded in 1983. Since its first performance, the company strove to be different from other circuses, by constantly coming up with innovations. All of this year's entrepreneurs were exceptional, but Guy's commitment to his artistic vision and the passion he has for his work were what swayed the judges in his favor." Cirque was founded in 1983. Since its first performance, the company strove to be different from other circuses, by constantly coming up with innovations.

1.1 Illustrate the concept of focused differentiation and examine this concept in the context of Cirque de Soleil. (20)

1.2.1 If we consider Cirque de Soleil as an industry leader, critically examine the strategies utilized by them. (15)

1.2.2 Illustrate the cause-and-effect relationship in the Balanced Scorecard and map it to Cirque de Soleil.(10)

1.3 Illustrate the concept of Corporate Governance and critically examine the role of the Board of Directors and Risk Management in line with the King II report on Corporate Governance (2002). (20)

1.4 Illustrate, with examples, the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix and apply it to a retail chain like Woolworths (Please feel free to make any assumptions but mention these assumptions in your answer) (20)

1.5 As a consultant from KPMG, one of your clients has entrusted you to make a competitor analysis in the Higher Education sector. You are an established Higher Education Institution and you need to have a detailed analysis of competitors to make a strategic decision. Draft a report for your client advising him the way forward. (Please feel free to make assumptions but mention these assumptions in your answer)