SECTION B

$[60$ MARKS$]$

Answer ANY THREE $(3)$ questions in this section.

QUESTION $3$

$(20$ Marks$)$

Value chain analysis may disclose cost or value disadvantages relative to key rivals. Such information is vital in crafting strategic actions to eliminate any such disadvantages and help improve profitability.

You have been tasked by your CEO to recommend strategies that your organisation can use to improve efficiency and effectiveness in delivering customer value.

QUESTION $4$

$(20$ Marks$)$

Stihl is the leading manufacturer and marketer of chain saws with annual sales exceeding $$2$ billion. With innovations dating to its $1929$ invention of the gasoline powered chain saw, the company holds over $1,000$ patents related to chain saws and outdoor power tools. The company's chain saws, leaf blowers and hedge trimmers sell at price points well above competing brands and are sold only by its network of over $8000$ independent sellers.

Critically evaluate Stihl's competitive strategy and discuss the uniqueness drivers that are effective in creating competitive advantage.

QUESTION $5$

$(20$ Marks$)$

As a business consultant you have been tasked with developing strategies to rescue a weak and crisis$-$ridden business. Prepare a report describing the options available to the organisation.

ID

$3$

QUESTION $6$

$(20$ Marks$)$

Because of differences in size, state of development, organisational structure, resource endowments, leadership styles, organisational culture, and various other dimensions it is most unlikely if not impossible that two companies, even in the same industry or industry sector will have the exact same mission statements. In fact, one of the characteristic requirements of a good mission statement is that it should distinguish a company from other similar firms.

Given this situation, explain how you would go about creating a mission statement for your own organisation, or one that you are familiar with, assuming that no mission statement currently exists?

$6\mathrm{.}1$ Explain and motivate the various steps that you would consider.

$(10$ marks$)$

$6\mathrm{.}2$ Discuss the elements of an effective mission statement.

$(10$ marks$)$