Summarize the Vision Trap case. Answer the following questions:

• What risks did Mentor Graphics face in the start-up & development phases? Were they successful? If so, what factors led to their success?
• What is the nature of the crisis confronting Mentor Graphics? What led to the "vision trap" crisis? How can there be a crisis if they were successful (that is a rhetorical question).
• Describe the nature of the competitive environment in the case. Who were Mentor's anticipated competitors? How would you prepare for each of the competitive battles? Are these still appropriate?
• You are now on the Board of Directors. What would you suggest for a strategy after the second and third vision failed to accomplish its intended effect? Explain your answer to the Executive Team, including your plans to recover for the long-term.
• Fundamentally, what is happening to the corporation as it moves from one vision/strategy to another? What are the drawbacks to the vision changes on the company?
• BONUS: Describe a model that explains the inherent nature of the choices made by the founder and executive team in light of the business environment.