Time left $1$:$05$:$3$

$10$ mprove performance, there are many different avenues for outcompeting rivals, such as

a$.$ realizing a higher cost structure and lower operating profit margins than rivals in order to drive sales growth.

b$.$ creating products analogous with competitors so as to be competitive in the same markets.

c$.$ pursuing similar personalized customer service or quality dimensions as rivals.

d$.$ being undecided whether to concentrate operations on local or global markets.

e$.$ strengthening competitiveness by pursuing strategic alliances and collaborative partnerships.

Under which circumstance can an alliance be considered just a convenient business arrangement rather than "strategic"?

a$.$ The alliance is critical to the company's achievement of an important objective

b$.$ The alliance helps block a competitive threat.

c$.$ The alliance helps open up important new market opportunities.

d$.$ The alliance helps build, enhance, or sustain a core competence or competitive advantage.

e$.$ The alliance helps the company obtain additional financing on better credit terms

Vanguard, one of the world's largest investment management companies, has attained cost leadership via

a$.$ ferreting out cost$-$saving opportunities in every part of the value chain.

b$.$ undertaking an operations functionality redesign.

c$.$ establishing sales productivity and operating practices guidelines.

d$.$ re$-$creating rivals' assembly plant structuration savings.

e$.$ pursuing a differentiation strategy that can be easily copied.

What is the best way to achieve the efficiency potential of a global strategy?

a$.$ Managerial attention should be focused on objective$-$setting, specifically oriented toward production practices.

b$.$ Resources and best practices should be shared, value chain activities should be integrated, and capabilities should be transferred from one location to another as they are developed.

c$.$ The best identified resources and capabilities should be centralized at headquarters.

d$.$ Value chain activities must be dispersed across many countries to elevate cost control management as a primary focus in all countries.