CIMA Related Exams
E2 Exam
F Company is an international fast food company and is committed to the rational model for strategy.
A senior team has carried out a comprehensive study of the environment in which it currently operates, its resources, distinctive competences and a corporate appraisal. The mission and objectives have been set in accord with stakeholder directives, which are based on twin objectives to grow profits by 5% year on year and become one of the top 100 global brands.
The team has generated a short-list of different strategic initiatives which it believes may deliver the primary objectives required by the stakeholders. Each initiative has been examined separately on its merits in terms of feasibility, suitablity and acceptablity. As many factors as possible have been taken into account such as market analysis, economic growth and competitors.
In terms of the rational model, select the actions that the company has now carried out:
John is a young management accountant who, after completing his examinations recently, was put in charge of a small established accounts department.
At his first progress review with his superior, he was very confident and enthusiastic about numerous initiatives. John expressed disappointment that his staff were so reactionary and uncooperative.
It would seem most of the staff reporting to John are dissatisfied about his leadership. The younger ones are frightened of him and they say he his always in a hurry. The older ones who have worked in the department for years are worried about John's risky decisions. Others resent him and are frustrated that John never listens to their ideas.
Which behaviour should John adopt to improve motivation in the department?
A low cost airline is operating three flights a day between two industrial cities in neighbouring countries. The cities are 300 km apart and the terrain between the two countries is mostly flat grasslands. The two cities are also linked by motorways and a railway line.
At first the airline enjoyed first mover advantage and generated healthy profits for three years. But more recently, the airline is experiencing intense competitive pressures, reduced passenger numbers and lower returns. The airline directors are using Porter's Five Forces framework to analyse the nature and severity of the various competitive forces being experienced.
In the context of this model which of the following forces would be considered as a threat of a substitute product or service?