The following questions are based on key symptoms (both favorable and unfavorable) of Alibaba Group and underlying causes that affect key symptoms as they are observed in the case. In addition, there is a general question on solutions that also addresses the causes. Each multiple choice and short answer question number under Key Symptoms corresponds to the same question number under Underlying Causes (e.g., Question 3 under Key Symptoms 1 corresponds to Question 3 under Underlying Causes 1).

Before beginning this exercise, you will need to read the Alibaba Group case.

This activity is important because, as a manager concerned with making strategic choices, you have to be able to properly assess the internal and external environment impacting the business. The first step is to identify the underlying causes that are driving business results, and then identify the major symptoms that should be considered. The ultimate objective is to make an actionable and reasoned recommendation that the company should pursue to meet their established business objectives.

The goal of this exercise is to determine that you have adequately analyzed the case and determined the underlying causes critical to making a reasoned recommendation about future action.

Read and analyze the case and answer the following questions related to Alibaba Group

What realistic solutions can Alibaba implement to keep up its growth trajectory? Which solution would be the best fit with the current actions of the company?