Instructions Step 1 On A Separate Sheet Of Paper Numbered Fr
Instructionsstep 1on A Separate Sheet Of Paper Number From 1 To 25 T
On a separate sheet of paper, number from 1 to 25. For each numbered action, identify the strategy it represents. Then, classify each action as a type of strategy. Exchange papers with a classmate to compare classifications, and grade each other’s work based on the correct answers provided by the instructor.
Paper For Above instruction
The exercise at hand involves classifying and understanding recent corporate strategies by analyzing twenty-five distinct actions undertaken by various firms. This analysis aims to enhance comprehension of strategic formulation through practical classification exercises, which are fundamental in grasping strategic management concepts and tools. The diverse actions described span product development, market expansion, diversification, restructuring, acquisitions, divestitures, innovation, and strategic alliances, illustrating the multifaceted nature of corporate strategies.
1. Amazon started producing and selling its own line of diapers.
This action exemplifies forward vertical integration, where a company moves into new production stages or product lines related to its existing operations to increase control over the supply chain and expand its product portfolio (Porter, 1985).
2. MillerCoors offers free delivery of Miller Lite in four U.S. cities for customers who order through its online store.
This initiative reflects market penetration and differentiation strategies by expanding service offerings to attract more customers and distinguish itself in the competitive beverage industry (Ansoff, 1957).
3. Sears is closing about 235 stores annually.
This reflects a retrenchment or divestment strategy to focus on core competencies and improve financial health through asset reduction (Ansoff, 1988).
4. Mattel is introducing flashier and more educative toys to counter struggles.
This is product innovation and differentiation aimed at revitalizing the product line to regain competitive advantage (Porter, 1980).
5. German power utility E.ON SE sold its Spanish assets to Macquarie Group and Kuwait’s sovereign-wealth fund.
This is divestiture strategy to divest non-core assets and refocus on core operations, often to improve overall company focus or raise capital (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
6. Target Corporation is closing all of its stores in Canada and China.
This strategic exit reflects market withdrawal, reallocation of resources, and refocusing on more profitable markets (Porter, 1980).
7. Coca-Cola recently cut 1,600 jobs globally.
This is a restructuring or cost-cutting strategy to improve efficiency and profitability amid changing market conditions (Kotter, 1996).
8. Nissan revamped its Titan full-size pickup truck with new features and style.
This reflects product innovation and differentiation to maintain competitiveness and appeal to consumers (Porter, 1985).
9. General Motors introduced a sports car version of its electric car and plans for a new electric vehicle.
This is product development and innovation, particularly emphasizing technological advancement and product differentiation in the electric vehicle market (Ansoff, 1957).
10. SolarWinds acquired multiple technology firms to diversify offerings amidst a slowdown in the oil business.
This acquisition strategy signifies diversification, aiming to broaden product lines and reduce dependence on a declining industry sector (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
11. Amazon Studios is expanding into producing and acquiring original movies for theatrical release and streaming.
This represents diversification and vertical integration within the media industry to control content and distribution channels (Porter, 1985).
12. ZF Friedrichshafen AG acquired TRW Automotive to create a major auto-parts supplier.
This acquisition exemplifies growth through horizontal integration to expand market share in the automotive supply industry (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
13. Southwest Airlines began international flights to Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.
This is international expansion strategy to access new markets and increase revenue streams (Porter, 1980).
14. Amazon expanded aggressively into same-day grocery delivery with AmazonFresh.
This growth strategy focuses on market development, entering new service markets to increase customer base (Ansoff, 1957).
15. USPS began delivering groceries for Amazon within AmazonFresh, especially in major markets.
This is strategic partnership and supply chain integration to strengthen AmazonFresh delivery capabilities (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
16. USPS launched Access Point, allowing customers to pick up packages at local stores.
This is distribution channel innovation designed to improve convenience and reach more customers (Porter, 1985).
17. General Mills acquired Annies’ Inc. to expand in organic and natural foods.
This is a strategic acquisition aimed at entering or strengthening a position in a high-growth niche segment (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
18. Google entered the hotel-booking industry by acquiring Room 77 and partnering with hotel firms for virtual tours.
This is diversification and strategic alliance to expand Google's service portfolio and enter new digital travel markets (Porter, 1980).
19. Google partnered with Novartis to develop high-tech contact lenses for health monitoring.
This technological alliance exemplifies innovation strategy and diversification into health technology markets (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
20. Amazon entered the mobile payments business, competing with established players like PayPal.
This strategic move is diversification into fintech, aimed at expanding payment platforms and capturing new revenue streams (Ansoff, 1957).
21. IKEA diversified into insurance, offering child, pregnancy, and home insurance products.
This diversification strategy capitalizes on its retail presence to enter new, related service markets (Porter, 1980).
22. Office Depot closed nearly 500 stores over three years.
This is retrenchment and cost reduction strategy to improve financial health and streamline operations (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
23. Dendreon Corporation filed for bankruptcy, with its key product failing to gain market traction.
This constitutes a strategic retreat or failure, illustrating the risks involved in innovation and market entry (Porter, 1980).
24. Symantec split its cybersecurity business and management information business into two companies.
This divestiture simplifies business units and focuses on core competencies, enhancing shareholder value (Ghemawat & Nueno, 2006).
25. eBay split into PayPal and the eBay marketplace segment.
This strategic split aims to focus each business on its core markets, increase agility, and unlock shareholder value, exemplifying strategic refocusing (Porter, 1985).
References
- Ansoff, H. I. (1957). Strategies for Diversification. Harvard Business Review, 35(5), 113-124.
- Ansoff, H. I. (1988). The New Corporate Strategy. McGraw-Hill.
- Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
- Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. Free Press.
- Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Free Press.
- Ghemawat, P., & Nueno, J. L. (2006). Strategy and Globalization: The New Corporate Strategy. Harvard Business School Publishing.
- Additional scholarly articles on strategic management and corporate strategy frameworks.
- Recent industry reports and case studies relevant to the actions described.
- Credible news outlets and company press releases documenting recent strategic initiatives.