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Exam Paper for Business Policy and Strategy in BBA
(With Answers)
PAPER # 1
**Instructions:**
1
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2
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3
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4
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**Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (15 Marks)**

Please circle the letter corresponding to the correct answer
...
Which of the following is NOT a component of a SWOT analysis?
a) Strengths
b) Weaknesses
c) Opportunities
d) Tactics

2
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A company pursuing a cost leadership strategy typically seeks to:
a) Differentiate its products and services
b) Target a niche market
c) Achieve the lowest production costs
d) Create unique marketing campaigns

2

4
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Which business strategy focuses on serving a narrow market segment exceptionally
well?
a) Cost leadership
b) Differentiation
c) Focus
d) Diversification

**Section B: Short Answer Questions (25 Marks)**

6
...


**Answer:**
Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which
a company is directed and controlled
...
Corporate governance is significant in strategic management because it
ensures that an organization's leadership acts in the best interests of all stakeholders,
maximizes shareholder value, and establishes a framework for ethical decision-making
...
Discuss the concept of competitive advantage and provide an example of a company
with a sustainable competitive advantage
...
An example of a company with sustainable competitive advantage is Apple

3

Inc
...


**Section C: Essay Questions (60 Marks)**

8
...
Provide an example of a
business in each quadrant
...
It classifies products or
business units into four quadrants:

- **Stars**: High-growth, high-market-share products or units
...

- **Question Marks**: High-growth, low-market-share products or units
...

- **Cash Cows**: Low-growth, high-market-share products or units
...

- **Dogs**: Low-growth, low-market-share products or units
...


The BCG Matrix helps organizations allocate resources and make decisions about
which products or business units to invest in, divest from, or maintain
...
Discuss the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its impact on
business strategy
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**Answer:**
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to a company's commitment to behaving
ethically and contributing to the well-being of society while pursuing its economic goals
...


One example of a company with a strong CSR strategy is Patagonia
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This has not only enhanced their brand image but also influenced their
product design and supply chain decisions
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Define strategic management
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What is the difference between strategy and tactics?
3
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What is the BCG matrix?
5
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What is SWOT analysis?
7
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What is competitive advantage?
9
...
What is the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement?
Answers:
1
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2
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3
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The BCG matrix is a tool that businesses use to analyze their different product
lines or business units
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The matrix helps businesses to identify their strengths and weaknesses,
and to make decisions about how to allocate resources
...
Porter's Five Forces framework is a tool that businesses use to analyze the
competitive landscape of their industry
...
SWOT analysis is a tool that businesses use to identify their strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
...

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8
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10
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Section B: Long Answer Questions (5 marks each)
1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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Answers:
1
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Differentiation strategy: This strategy involves creating a product or service that
is unique and valuable to customers
...

2
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The BCG matrix and Porter's Five Forces framework are both tools that
businesses use to analyze their strategic environment
...
The BCG matrix is used to analyze the different product lines
or business units of a business, while Porter's Five Forces framework is used to
analyze the competitive landscape of an industry
...
The core competencies of a successful company are the things that it does
particularly well and that give it a competitive advantage
...

5
...
Once you have done this, you can identify the
company's strengths and weaknesses, and analyze the competitive landscape
...


7

PAPER # 3
**Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (20 marks)**
Choose the correct answer and mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet
...
Which of the following is not a part of the SWOT analysis?
a) Strengths
b) Weaknesses
c) Opportunities
d) Threats

2
...
What is the purpose of a mission statement?
a) To outline the organization's long-term strategy
b) To provide a financial forecast
c) To communicate the organization's core purpose and values
d) To establish the organizational structure

4
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In the context of strategic management, PESTEL analysis is used to assess:
a) Internal strengths and weaknesses
b) Competitive rivalry
c) Macro-environmental factors

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d) Consumer preferences

**Section B: Short Answer Questions (40 marks)**
Answer the following questions in brief
...
Define the term "competitive advantage" and provide an example
...
Explain the difference between cost leadership and differentiation strategies
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What is the purpose of a SWOT analysis in strategic planning?

9
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10
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**Section C: Essay Questions (40 marks)**
Answer TWO of the following essay questions in detail
...
Discuss the importance of strategic leadership in an organization
...


12
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Provide recommendations for a successful
internationalization strategy
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Explain the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its relevance in
today's business environment
...


14
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Highlight the advantages and
disadvantages of each
...
c) Opportunities
2
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c) To communicate the organization's core purpose and values
4
...
c) Macro-environmental factors

**Section B: Short Answer Questions**
6
...
For example,
Apple Inc
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7
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Cost leadership emphasizes efficiency and cost reduction, while
differentiation focuses on brand image and premium pricing
...
A SWOT analysis is used to assess an organization's internal strengths and
weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats
...


9
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For example, a company that manufactures athletic shoes may diversify into
sportswear clothing
...
The BCG Matrix classifies a company's product portfolio into four categories: stars,
cash cows, question marks, and dogs
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**Section C: Essay Questions**
(Choose any two questions to answer)

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11
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)

12
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)

13
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)

14
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)

PAPER # 4
Section A
Answer all questions in one or two sentences
...

1
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2
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3
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Explain the term contingency strategies
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What is meant by objectives?
6
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Define Benchmarking
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Explain strategic choice
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What is synergy?
10
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Answers:
1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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9
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10
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Section B
Answer any 8 questions in one paragraph
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1
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2
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3
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Explain the different types of SWOT analysis
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Discuss the different types of competitive strategies
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What are the different types of organizational structures?
7
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8
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9
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Discuss the different types of strategic controls
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Types of business strategies:






Corporate strategy: This type of strategy is concerned with how the organization
will compete in different industries and markets
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Functional strategy: This type of strategy is concerned with how the organization
will achieve its goals and objectives in each of its functional areas, such as
marketing, finance, and operations
...
Importance of environmental scanning in strategic management:
Environmental scanning is the process of identifying and monitoring the external factors
that can impact an organization's performance
...

3
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Environmental scanning: This stage involves identifying and monitoring the
external factors that can impact the organization's performance
...
Internal analysis: This stage involves assessing the organization's strengths and
weaknesses
...
Formulating strategies: This stage involves developing strategies to achieve the
organization's goals and objectives
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Implementing strategies: This stage involves putting the strategies into action
...
Evaluating strategies: This stage involves assessing the effectiveness of the
strategies and making necessary adjustments
...
Types of SWOT analysis:
 Quantitative SWOT analysis: This type of SWOT analysis uses quantitative data,
such as market share and financial performance, to assess the organization's
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
...

5
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Differentiation strategy: This strategy involves competing on the basis of unique
products or services
...


6
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 Divisional structure: This structure groups employees based on product,
geographic region, or customer
PAPER # 5
Section A
Answer all questions in one or two sentences
...

1
...

Strategic management is the process of formulating, implementing, and evaluating
strategies to achieve organizational goals
...
Explain tactical planning
...
It is more focused on the day-to-day operations of the business
...
What is a vision statement?
A vision statement is a declaration of what an organization wants to achieve in the long
term
...

4
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Contingency strategies are plans that are developed to deal with unexpected events
...

5
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They
are the targets that the organization needs to achieve in order to achieve its vision
...
What is a Strategic Business Area (SBU)?
An SBU is a business unit within an organization that has its own unique strategy
...

7
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Benchmarking is the process of comparing the performance of an organization to the
performance of other organizations in the same industry or sector
...

8
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Strategic choice is the process of selecting the best strategy for an organization to
achieve its goals
...

9
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It is the creation of value through the combination of different businesses or
assets
...
Define organizational appraisal
...
It is used to identify areas where the organization can improve its
performance and to ensure that the organization is on track to achieve its goals
...
Each question carries 2 marks
...
What are the different types of business strategies?

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The different types of business strategies include:




Cost leadership strategy: This strategy involves focusing on producing goods or
services at the lowest possible cost
...

 Focus strategy: This strategy involves focusing on a specific market segment or
niche
...
Explain the BCG Matrix
...
The matrix has four quadrants:




Stars: SBUs with high market share and high market growth rate
...

Question marks: SBUs with low market share and high market growth rate
...

3
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

Strategic management is important because it helps organizations to:


Achieve their goals
...




Gain a competitive advantage
...


4
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Environmental scanning: This involves identifying the key environmental factors
that are likely to impact the organization
...
Internal analysis: This involves assessing the organization's strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis)
...
Strategy formulation: This involves developing strategies to achieve the
organization's goals
...
Strategy implementation: This involves putting the strategies into action
...
Strategy evaluation: This involves assessing the performance of the strategies
and making necessary adjustments
...
What are the different challenges that organizations face in implementing their
strategies?
The different challenges that organizations face in implementing their strategies include:




Resistance to change: Employees may be resistant to change, which can make it
difficult to implement new strategies
...
) necessary to implement their strategies
...

6
...
Which of the following is NOT a component of the PESTEL analysis framework?
a) Political
b) Economic
c) Strategic
d) Technological
2
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The process of evaluating an organization's internal strengths and weaknesses,
along with its external opportunities and threats, is known as:
a) Business ethics
b) Benchmarking
c) Business environment analysis

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d) Strategic management
4
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In the BCG growth-share matrix, what does a "cash cow" represent?
a) A product with high market growth and high market share
b) A product with low market growth and low market share
c) A product with low market growth and high market share
d) A product with high market growth and low market share
6
...
What is a strategic alliance?
a) A temporary union of competitors to eliminate a common rival
b) A long-term partnership between two or more organizations to achieve a common
goal
c) A hostile takeover bid
d) A marketing campaign targeting a specific demographic
8
...
Which of the following is NOT a stage in the strategy implementation process?
a) Setting objectives

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b) Formulating strategy
c) Allocating resources
d) Monitoring and evaluating
10
...
Provide examples of how companies can engage
in CSR
...
It
involves voluntary initiatives to go beyond legal and regulatory obligations, with the aim
of contributing to a more sustainable and ethical society
...
For example, a company might engage in CSR
by reducing its carbon footprint, supporting community development projects, or
promoting fair labor practices
...
Provide examples of companies that
have successfully implemented each strategy
...
Differentiation focuses on offering unique products or services that are
valued by customers
...
is a prime example, with its focus on innovative design
and user experience
...
Walmart is a well-known company that has

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successfully implemented this strategy by offering low prices to consumers through
efficient supply chain management
...
What are the key tools and mechanisms used for strategic control in
organizations?
**Sample Answer 13:**
Strategic control plays a critical role in ensuring that a company's strategy is effectively
implemented
...
Key tools and mechanisms used for strategic
control include key performance indicators (KPIs), balanced scorecards, and variance
analysis
...
Variance analysis
compares actual results with planned outcomes to identify areas needing adjustment
...
Each question carries 1 mark
...
Define strategic management
...
Explain tactical planning
...
What is a vision statement?
4
...

5
...
What is a Strategic Business Area?
7
...

8
...

9
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Define organizational appraisal
...
Strategic management is the process of setting organizational goals and
developing strategies to achieve those goals
...
Tactical planning is the process of developing short-term plans to implement
strategic plans
...
A vision statement is a declaration of what an organization wants to achieve in
the long term
...
Contingency strategies are plans that are developed to deal with unexpected
events
...
Objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
statements of what an organization wants to achieve
...
A Strategic Business Area (SBU) is a unit of an organization that has its own
unique products or services, target market, and competitors
...
Benchmarking is the process of comparing an organization's performance to that
of other organizations in order to identify areas for improvement
...
Strategic choice is the process of selecting the best strategy for an organization
to achieve its goals
...
Synergy is the combined effect of two or more things that is greater than the sum
of its parts
...
Organizational appraisal is the process of evaluating an organization's
performance and identifying areas for improvement
...
Each question carries 2 marks
...
Explain the BCG matrix
...
Explain the GE Nine Cell model
...
Discuss the role of leadership style, corporate culture, and values and ethics in
effective strategy implementation
...
What are mergers and acquisitions? What are the various types of mergers?
What are the issues in implementing a merger strategy successfully? Cite the
latest Indian and global examples relevant to the merger strategy
...
Write short notes on any three of the following:

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o

Porter's Five Forces framework

o

SWOT analysis

o

Value chain

o

McKinsey's 7s framework

o

Core competencies

Answers:
1
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The matrix
is based on two dimensions: market share and market growth rate
...

2
...
The model is based on two dimensions: industry
attractiveness and business strength
...

They may divest from their low-high and low-medium businesses
...
This gives organizations a
more complete picture of their product portfolio and helps them to make more informed
decisions about resource allocation
...
Leadership style, corporate culture, and values and ethics play a crucial role in
effective strategy implementation
...
A strong leader can motivate and inspire employees to work
towards the organization's goals
...
It
influences how employees interact with each other and with customers
...

Values and ethics are the moral principles that guide an organization's behavior
...
A company with strong
Section A (Multiple Choice Questions)
Answer all questions
...

1
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Which of the following is a key element of a vision statement?

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(a) It should be specific and measurable
...
(c)
It should be clear and concise
...

Answer: (b) It should be ambitious and aspirational
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Which of the following is a strategic business unit (SBU)?
(a) A division of a company that focuses on a particular product or market
...
(c) A team of
employees who are working on a specific project
...

Answer: (a) A division of a company that focuses on a particular product or market
...
Which of the following is a benefit of using the BCG matrix?
(a) It helps companies to identify their most profitable SBUs
...
(c) It helps companies to
develop strategies for their SBUs
...

Answer: (d) All of the above
...
Which of the following is a type of merger?
(a) Horizontal merger (b) Vertical merger (c) Conglomerate merger (d) All of the above
...

Section B (Short Answer Questions)
Answer any 8 questions
...

1
...
Explain the difference between corporate strategy and business strategy
...
What are the five forces of competition in Porter's Five Forces Framework?
4
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Explain the difference between SWOT analysis and the BCG matrix
...
What are the main steps involved in implementing a strategy?
7
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What are the main challenges involved in developing and implementing a
successful business strategy?
Section C (Long Answer Questions)
Answer any 2 questions
...

1
...

2
...

3
...

Answers to Section B:
1
...
Environmental scanning: Identifying and analyzing the external and internal
environment of the organization
...
Strategy formulation: Developing a long-term plan for the organization to achieve
its goals
...
Strategy implementation: Putting the strategy into action
...
Strategy evaluation: Monitoring and evaluating the performance of the strategy
and making adjustments as needed
...
Corporate strategy is concerned with the overall direction of the organization,
while business strategy is concerned with the specific strategies that individual
SBUs will use to achieve their goals
...
The five forces of competition in Porter's Five Forces Framework are:
8
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9
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10
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11
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12
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13
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Cost leadership: Striving to be the lowest-cost producer in the industry
...
Differentiation: Creating a unique product or service that is different from the
competition
...
Focus: Focusing on a particular niche market or group of customers
...
Integrated strategy: A combination of cost leadership and differentiation
...
SWOT analysis is a tool that is used to identify the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats
Section C
Answer all questions in one or two sentences
...

1
...

2
...
Answer: Tactical planning is the process of developing
and implementing short-term plans to achieve specific objectives
...
What is a vision statement? Answer: A vision statement is a declaration of what
the organization wants to be in the future
...
Explain the term "contingency strategies
...

5
...

6
...

7
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Answer: Benchmarking is the process of comparing the
organization's performance to that of other leading organizations in order to
identify areas for improvement
...
Explain strategic choice
...

9
...


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10
...
Answer: Organizational appraisal is the process
of evaluating the organization's performance and identifying areas for
improvement
...
Each question carries 2 marks
...
Describe the BCG matrix
...
The matrix classifies
SBUs into four categories: Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks, and Dogs
...
Explain the GE Nine Cell model
...
The model considers two factors: industry attractiveness and business
strength
...

13
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Comment
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Leaders who are able to create a positive and supportive work
environment, and who communicate the organization's vision and values clearly,
are more likely to be successful in implementing strategies
...
What do you understand by mergers and acquisitions? What are the various
types of mergers? What are the issues in implementing a "merger strategy"
successfully? Cite the latest Indian and Global examples relevant to the merger
strategy
...
There are three main types
of mergers: horizontal mergers, vertical mergers, and conglomerate mergers
...
Some of the key issues in implementing a merger strategy
successfully include:
o Cultural integration

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o

Employee communication

o

Management integration

o

Process integration

o

Synergy realization Some recent examples of M&As in India include the
merger of Flipkart and Walmart, and the acquisition of Tata

Communications by Vodacom
...

15
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The five forces are: *
o

Supplier power * Buyer power * Competitive rivalry * Threat of new entrants * Threat of
substitutes
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps organizations to identify their
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
...
Actual exam questions and answers may vary based on your course
material and curriculum
...
Business Policy and Strategy
2
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Business Administration
4
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BBA Study Material
6
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Business Strategy Exam
8
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Business Administration Exam

28

10
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BBA Exam Paper with Answers
12
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Business Policy and Strategy Questions
14
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Business Policy and Strategy Solutions
16
...
BBA Business Strategy Exam
18
...
Business Administration Study Resources
20

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