Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification Chapter 06 Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification True / False Questions Whenever an organization diversifies, it represents investing a stockholder's funds in a way in which the individual investor is unable True False Diversification that results in strengthening the value chain and increasing competitive advantages is the best possible example of investing stockholders' funds in a way that individual investors cannot True False When firms diversify into unrelated businesses, the primary potential benefits are horizontal relationships, i.e., businesses sharing tangible and intangible resources True False A newly acquired business must always have products that are similar to the existing businesses' products to benefit from the corporation's core competence True False Sharing activities across business units can provide two primary benefits: cost savings and revenue enhancements True False Sharing activities among business units can have a negative effect on a given business's differentiation—as in the example of Daimler-Benz's acquisition of Chrysler True False 6-1 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification Market power refers to cost savings from leveraging core competencies or sharing activities among the businesses in a corporation True False The two principal means by which firms achieve synergy through market power are: pooled negotiating power and corporate parenting True False Similar businesses working together or the affiliation of a business with a strong parent can strengthen a firm's bargaining position relative to suppliers and customers True False 10 A firm that incorporates more processes toward the original source of raw materials is an example of forward integration True False 11 A publishing company that purchases a chain of bookstores to sell its books is an example of unrelated diversification True False 12 One of the risks of vertical integration is that there may be problems associated with unbalanced capacities or unfilled demands along a firm's value chain True False 13 Vertical integration should be undertaken when demand for the organization's products is very unstable True False 6-2 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 14 Market transactions not involve transaction costs True False 15 Vertical integration is attractive when market transaction costs are higher than internal administrative costs True False 16 According to the text, the two main sources of synergy in unrelated diversification are parenting and financial synergies via portfolio management True False 17 Restructuring requires the corporate office to find either poorly performing firms with unrealized potential or firms in industries on the threshold of significant, positive change True False 18 Portfolio management should be considered as the primary basis for formulating corporate-level strategies True False 19 Portfolio management matrices generally consist of two axes that reflect industry or market growth and the market share of a business True False 20 The acquisition of two or more counter-cyclical businesses is an example of using diversification to reduce risk True False 6-3 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 21 An advantage of mergers and acquisitions is that they can enable a firm to rapidly enter new product markets True False 22 Among the disadvantages of acquisitions are the expensive premiums that are frequently paid to acquire a business True False 23 Through joint ventures, firms can directly acquire the assets and competencies of other firms True False 24 The potential advantages of strategic alliances and joint ventures include entering new markets as well as developing and diffusing new technologies True False 25 For strategic alliances to be effective, reliance on written contracts to delimit responsibilities and enforce compliance is vital True False 26 An advantage of a firm entering into a strategic alliance is that it does not have to "share the wealth" with its partners True False 27 An advantage of internal development is that firms not have to combine activities across the value chains of many companies and merge company cultures True False 6-4 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 28 In recent years, many high tech firms such as Priceline.com have suffered from the negative impact of uncontrolled growth True False 29 Greenmail is an offer by a company, threatened by takeover, to offer its stock at a reduced price to a third party True False 30 A golden parachute is a prearranged contract with managers specifying that in the event of a hostile takeover, the target firm's managers will be paid a significant severance package True False Multiple Choice Questions 31 Corporate-level strategy addresses two related issues: A how to compete in a given business; the application of technology B what businesses to compete in; how these businesses can achieve synergy C how to integrate primary activities; increase shareholder wealth D how to improve a firm's infrastructure; how to maintain ethical behavior 32 Individual investors are dependent upon the corporation's managers to A diversify the stockholder's investments in order to reduce risk B add value to their investments in a way that the stockholders could not accomplish on their own C achieve risk reduction at a lower cost than stockholders could obtain on their own D maximize short-term returns in the form of dividends 6-5 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 33 McKesson, a large distribution company, sells many product lines such as pharmaceuticals and liquor through its super warehouses This is an example of A achieving economies of scope through related diversification B achieving market power through related diversification C attaining the benefits of restructuring through unrelated diversification D attaining the benefits of parenting through unrelated diversification 34 Philip Morris bought Miller Brewing and used its marketing expertise to improve Miller's market share This justification for diversification is best described as A utilizing common infrastructures B capitalizing on core competencies C reducing corporate risk D using portfolio analysis 35 The corporate office of Cooper Industries adds value to its acquired businesses by performing such activities as auditing their manufacturing operations, improving their accounting activities, and centralizing union negotiations This is an example of A achieving economies of scope through related diversification B achieving market power through related diversification C attaining the benefits of restructuring through unrelated diversification D attaining the benefits of parenting through unrelated diversification 36 reflect(s) the collective learning in organizations such as how to coordinate production skills, integrate multiple streams of technologies, and market and merchandise diverse products and services A Primary value chain activities B Culture C Core competencies D Horizontal integration 6-6 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 37 For a core competence to be a viable basis for the corporation strengthening a new business unit, there are three requirements Which one of the following is not one of these requirements? A The competence must help the business gain strength relative to its competition B The new business must be similar to existing businesses to benefit from a core competence C The collection of competencies should be unique, so that they cannot be easily imitated D The new business must have an established large market share 38 Sharing core competencies is one of the primary potential advantages of diversification In order for diversification to be most successful, it is important that A the similarity required for sharing core competencies must be in the value chain, not in the product B the products use similar distribution channels C the target market is the same, even if the products are very different D the methods of production are the same 39 When management uses common production facilities or purchasing procedures to distribute different but related products, they are A building on core competencies B sharing activities C achieving process gains D using portfolio analysis 40 Shaw Industries, a giant carpet manufacturer, increases its control over raw materials by producing much of its own polypropylene fiber, a key input into its manufacturing process This is an example of A leveraging core competencies B sharing activities C vertical integration D pooled negotiating power 6-7 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 41 The risks of vertical integration include all of the following except A costs and expenses associated with increased overhead and capital expenditures B lack of control over valuable assets C problems associated with unbalanced capacities along the value chain D additional administrative costs associated with managing a more complex set of activities 42 Unbalanced capacities that limit cost savings, difficulties in combining specializations, and reduced flexibility are disadvantages associated with A strategic alliances B divestment C vertical integration D horizontal integration 43 A firm should consider vertical integration when A the competitive situation is highly volatile B customer needs are evolving C the firm's suppliers willingly cooperate with the firm D the firm's suppliers of raw materials are often unable to maintain quality standards 44 It may be advantageous to vertically integrate when A lower transaction costs and improved coordination are vital and achievable through vertical integration B the minimum efficient scales of two corporations are different C flexibility is reduced, providing a more stationary position in the competitive environment D various segregated specializations will be combined 45 Transaction costs include all of the following costs except A search costs B negotiating costs C monitoring costs D agency costs 6-8 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 46 Vertical integration is attractive when A transaction costs are higher than internal administrative costs B internal administrative costs are higher than transaction costs C transaction costs and internal administrative costs are equal D search costs are higher than monitoring costs 47 is when a firm's corporate office helps subsidiaries make wise choices in their own acquisitions, divestures, and new ventures A Parenting B Restructuring C Leveraging core competencies D Increasing market power 48 is when a firm tries to find and acquire either poorly performing firms with unrealized potential or firms in industries on the threshold of significant, positive change A Parenting B Restructuring C Leveraging core competencies D Sharing activities 49 According to the text, corporate restructuring includes A capital restructuring, asset restructuring, and technology restructuring B global diversification, capital restructuring, and asset restructuring C management restructuring, financial restructuring, and procurement restructuring D capital restructuring, asset restructuring, and management restructuring 50 Portfolio management matrices are applied to what level of strategy? A Departmental level B Business level C Corporate level D International level 6-9 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 51 When using a BCG matrix, a business that currently holds a large market share in a rapidly growing market and that has minimal or negative cash flow would be known as a A cow B dog C problem child D star 52 In the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) Matrix, a business that has a low market share in an industry characterized by high market growth is termed a A star B question mark C cash cow D dog 53 Portfolio management frameworks (e.g., BCG matrix) share which of the following characteristics? A Grid dimensions are based on external environments and internal capabilities/market positions B Businesses are plotted on a 3-dimensional grid C Position in the matrix suggests a need for, or ability to share, infrastructures or build on core competences D They are most helpful in helping businesses develop types of competitive advantage 54 A "cash cow," referred to in the Boston Consulting Group Portfolio management technique, refers to a business that has A low market growth and relatively high market share B relatively low market share and low market growth C relatively low market share and high market growth D high market growth and relatively high market share 6-10 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 37 (p 200 - 201) For a core competence to be a viable basis for the corporation strengthening a new business unit, there are three requirements Which one of the following is not one of these requirements? A The competence must help the business gain strength relative to its competition B The new business must be similar to existing businesses to benefit from a core competence C The collection of competencies should be unique, so that they cannot be easily imitated D The new business must have an established large market share AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-3 38 (p 200) Sharing core competencies is one of the primary potential advantages of diversification In order for diversification to be most successful, it is important that A the similarity required for sharing core competencies must be in the value chain, not in the product B the products use similar distribution channels C the target market is the same, even if the products are very different D the methods of production are the same AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 39 (p 201) When management uses common production facilities or purchasing procedures to distribute different but related products, they are A building on core competencies B sharing activities C achieving process gains D using portfolio analysis AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-3 6-28 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 40 (p 206) Shaw Industries, a giant carpet manufacturer, increases its control over raw materials by producing much of its own polypropylene fiber, a key input into its manufacturing process This is an example of A leveraging core competencies B sharing activities C vertical integration D pooled negotiating power AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Application Difficulty: Hard Learning Objective: 06-3 41 (p 207) The risks of vertical integration include all of the following except A costs and expenses associated with increased overhead and capital expenditures B lack of control over valuable assets C problems associated with unbalanced capacities along the value chain D additional administrative costs associated with managing a more complex set of activities AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 42 (p 207) Unbalanced capacities that limit cost savings, difficulties in combining specializations, and reduced flexibility are disadvantages associated with A strategic alliances B divestment C vertical integration D horizontal integration AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 6-29 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 43 (p 207 - 208) A firm should consider vertical integration when A the competitive situation is highly volatile B customer needs are evolving C the firm's suppliers willingly cooperate with the firm D the firm's suppliers of raw materials are often unable to maintain quality standards AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 44 (p 207 - 208) It may be advantageous to vertically integrate when A lower transaction costs and improved coordination are vital and achievable through vertical integration B the minimum efficient scales of two corporations are different C flexibility is reduced, providing a more stationary position in the competitive environment D various segregated specializations will be combined AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 45 (p 208 - 209) Transaction costs include all of the following costs except A search costs B negotiating costs C monitoring costs D agency costs AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-3 6-30 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 46 (p 208 - 209) Vertical integration is attractive when A transaction costs are higher than internal administrative costs B internal administrative costs are higher than transaction costs C transaction costs and internal administrative costs are equal D search costs are higher than monitoring costs AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 47 (p 209) is when a firm's corporate office helps subsidiaries make wise choices in their own acquisitions, divestures, and new ventures A Parenting B Restructuring C Leveraging core competencies D Increasing market power AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-4 48 (p 210) is when a firm tries to find and acquire either poorly performing firms with unrealized potential or firms in industries on the threshold of significant, positive change A Parenting B Restructuring C Leveraging core competencies D Sharing activities AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-4 6-31 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 49 (p 210) According to the text, corporate restructuring includes A capital restructuring, asset restructuring, and technology restructuring B global diversification, capital restructuring, and asset restructuring C management restructuring, financial restructuring, and procurement restructuring D capital restructuring, asset restructuring, and management restructuring AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-4 50 (p 211) Portfolio management matrices are applied to what level of strategy? A Departmental level B Business level C Corporate level D International level AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-4 51 (p 212) When using a BCG matrix, a business that currently holds a large market share in a rapidly growing market and that has minimal or negative cash flow would be known as a A cow B dog C problem child D star AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-4 6-32 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 52 (p 212) In the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) Matrix, a business that has a low market share in an industry characterized by high market growth is termed a A star B question mark C cash cow D dog AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-4 53 (p 211) Portfolio management frameworks (e.g., BCG matrix) share which of the following characteristics? A Grid dimensions are based on external environments and internal capabilities/market positions B Businesses are plotted on a 3-dimensional grid C Position in the matrix suggests a need for, or ability to share, infrastructures or build on core competences D They are most helpful in helping businesses develop types of competitive advantage AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-4 54 (p 212) A "cash cow," referred to in the Boston Consulting Group Portfolio management technique, refers to a business that has A low market growth and relatively high market share B relatively low market share and low market growth C relatively low market share and high market growth D high market growth and relatively high market share AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-4 6-33 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 55 (p 212) In managing a firm's portfolio, the BCG matrix would suggest that A "dogs" should be invested in to increase market share and become cash cows B "stars" are in low growth markets and can provide excess cash to fund other opportunities C "question marks" can represent future "stars" if their market share is increased D "cash cows" require substantial cash outlays to maintain market share AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-4 56 (p 212) In the Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) Growth Share Matrix, the suggested strategy for "stars" is to A milk them to finance other businesses B invest large sums to gain a good market share C not invest in them and to shift cash flow to other businesses D maintain position and after the market growth slows use the business to provide cash flow AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-4 57 (p 213) All of the following are limitations (or downsides) of the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) matrix except A every business cannot be accurately measured and compared on the two dimensions B it views each business as a stand-alone entity and ignores the potential for synergies across businesses C it takes a dynamic view of competition which can lead to overly complex analyses D while easy to comprehend, the BCG matrix can lead to some troublesome and overly simplistic prescriptions AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-4 6-34 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 58 (p 214 - 215) The three primary means by which a firm can diversify are: A mergers and acquisitions; joint ventures and strategic alliances; internal development B mergers and acquisitions; differentiation; overall cost leadership C joint ventures and strategic alliances; integration of value chain activities; acquiring human capital D mergers and acquisitions; internal development; differentiation AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-5 59 (p 217 - 218) The downsides or limitations of mergers and acquisitions include all of the following except: A expensive premiums that are frequently paid to acquire a business B difficulties in integrating the activities and resources of the acquired firm into a corporation's on-going operations C it is a slow means to enter new markets and acquire skills and competences D there can be many cultural issues that can doom an otherwise promising acquisition AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 60 (p 218 - 220) Divesting businesses can accomplish many different objectives These include A enabling managers to focus their efforts more directly on the firm's core businesses B providing the firm with more resources to spend on more attractive alternatives C raising cash to help fund existing businesses D all of the above AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 6-35 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 61 (p 220) A company offering local telecommunications service combines resources with an international company that manufactures digital switching equipment to research a new type of telecommunications technology This is an example of A joint diversification B strategic alliance C divestment D global integration AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 62 (p 220) Cooperative relationships such as have the potential advantages such as entering new markets, reducing manufacturing (or other) costs in the value chain, and developing and diffusing new technologies A joint ventures B mergers and acquisitions C strategic alliances D A and C AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 63 (p 222) All of the following are guidelines for managing strategic alliances except A establishing a clear understanding between partners B relying primarily on a contract to make the joint venture work C not shortchanging your partner D working hard to ensure a collaborative relationship between partners AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 6-36 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 64 (p 222) Which of the following statements regarding internal development as a means of diversification is false? A Many companies use internal development to extend their product lines or add to their service offerings B An advantage of internal development is that it is generally faster than other means of diversification and firms can benefit from speed in developing new products and services C The firm is able to capture the wealth created without having to "share the wealth" with alliance partners D Firms can often develop products or services at a lower cost if they rely on their own resources instead of external funding AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 65 (p 222) may be time consuming and, therefore, firms may forfeit the benefits of speed that growth through and can provide A Strategic alliances; joint ventures, internal development B Internal development; mergers; acquisitions C Strategic alliances; mergers; joint ventures D Mergers; internal development; strategic alliances AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 66 (p 223) According to Michael Porter: "There's a tremendous allure to It's the big play, the dramatic gesture With one stroke of the pen you can add billions to size, get a front page story, and create excitement in markets." A strategic alliances and joint ventures B mergers and acquisitions C internal development D differentiation strategies AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Application Difficulty: Hard Learning Objective: 06-6 6-37 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 67 (p 225) An antitakeover tactic called (a) is when a firm offers to buy shares of their stock from a company (or individual) planning to acquire their firm at a higher price than the unfriendly company paid for it A golden parachute B greenmail C poison pill D scorched earth AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-6 68 (p 225) An antitakeover tactic in which existing shareholders have the option to buy additional shares of stock at a discount to the current market price is called A greenmail B a poison pill C a golden parachute D scorched earth AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-6 69 (p 225) The term "golden parachutes" refers to A a clause requiring that huge dividend payments be made upon takeover B financial inducements offered by a threatened firm to stop a hostile suitor from acquiring it C managers of a firm involved in a hostile takeover approaching a third party about making the acquisition D pay given to executives fired because of a takeover AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-6 6-38 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 70 (p 225) Antitakeover tactics include all of the following except A greenmail B golden parachutes C golden handcuffs D poison pills AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Knowledge Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective: 06-6 Essay Questions 71 (p 199 - 209) What are the primary benefits and risks associated with related diversification? Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 72 (p 206 - 208) Briefly explain the advantages and disadvantages of vertical integration Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 6-39 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 73 (p 207 - 208) What are some of the key issues to take into account when considering whether or not to vertically integrate? Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 74 (p 208 - 209) Explain how transaction cost analysis can provide insights into vertical integration decisions Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-3 75 (p 211 - 213) What are the primary benefits and risks associated with unrelated diversification? Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-4 76 (p 211 - 213) Explain the uses and limitations of portfolio management matrices such as the growth-share matrix developed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-4 6-40 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 77 (p 215 - 218) Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of mergers and acquisitions as a means of diversification Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 78 (p 218 - 220) Discuss some of the potential benefits of divestment Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 79 (p 220 - 222) Strategic alliances are arrangements in which two firms join forces and form a cooperative partnership Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of strategic alliances as well as guidelines for reducing conflict between the partners Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-5 6-41 Chapter 06 - Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 80 (p 223 - 226) Discuss how the potential benefits of diversification may be adversely affected by conflicts between managers' interests and stockholders' interests Hint: Egotism, growth for growth's sake, antitakeover tactics Answers will vary AACSB: Analytic Bloom's: Comprehension Difficulty: Medium Learning Objective: 06-6 6-42