The article "the five competitive forces that shape strategy" suggests three strategies on pages $12$ to $16$: positioning, exploiting, and shaping. The core idea of the third strategy $($i$.$e$.,$ shaping$)$ is consistent with the shaping approach to strategy proposed by the BCG book. The shaping strategy described in the Porter's article allows companies to reshape industry structure and re$-$divide profitability in favor of incumbents. The following are all examples$/$explanations of shaping strategy EXCEPT

Question $9$ Answer

a$.$

If Marriott seeks alliance with Hilton Hotel to undermine the power of online travel agencies, the strategy can be understood as a shaping strategy.

b$.$

If a start$-$up $($i$.$e$.,$ a $2$nd tier supplier$)$ that produces supervision systems for autonomous vehicles can work with a buyer's buyer $($i$.$e$.,$ an OEM$)$ to customize its product, thereby reducing the share of profits that leak to its powerful buyers $($i$.$e$.,1$st tier suppliers$),$ this strategy can be seen as a shaping strategy.

c$.$

If a firm intends to standardize specifications for parts to make it easier to switch among suppliers, this strategy can be understood as a shaping strategy.

d$.$

Paccar, a Washington$-$based truck manufacturer, has chosen to focus on one group of drivers who own their trucks and serve as subcontractors to larger trucking companies. This strategy can be understood as reshaping strategy. $($The case of Paccar can be found in the Porter's article: the five competitive forces that shape strategy$).$