Question 1

A typology of organizational forms for coping with competitive environments includes all except one of the following ideal types

Accepted Answer

Hierarchical is not typically considered an ideal type for coping with competitive environments in organizational typologies.

Question 2

Which of the following forms part of a reverse trajectory of revitalization

Accepted Answer

Reverse trajectory of revitalization involves a decline, followed by strategic neglect, then stagnation or maturation, and finally strategic focus to revive the organization or community. Therefore, the only option that fits this pattern is D, strategic neglect.

Question 3

Which of the following statements best reflects transformational renewal

Accepted Answer

Transformational renewal involves cooperation between front line managers, intense learning, and diversity among levels and groups leading to exploration and rejuvenation. Option A refers to a more traditional approach of top-down pressure, while option B refers to shaping the context which may or may not involve transformational renewal. Option D is a statement about the potential effectiveness of transformational renewal in the future, but does not provide any specific details about its characteristics.

Question 4

In order to cope with the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry, including the 'patents cliff', GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has started to pursue all except one of the following avenues to renew their strategy

Accepted Answer

Shifting focus from more targeted drugs earning a modest income to a few 'blockbuster drugs' is not a viable approach in the current pharmaceutical industry. Many large pharmaceutical companies have experienced diminishing returns on investment for blockbuster drugs and are struggling to bring new ones to market. Therefore, pursuing this avenue is not the best choice for GSK.

A, B, and C are all viable approaches that GSK has already started pursuing to renew their strategy. Capping prices of patented medicines in poorer countries can help address issues surrounding access and affordability of medication. Shifting to a biotech approach can help GSK diversify its product portfolio and stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry. And moving into new domains, such as branded generics, can help GSK expand its market share and potentially increase revenue.

Question 5

External strategic flexibility includes all except one of the following

Accepted Answer

External strategic flexibility involves adapting to external market conditions and opportunities, which includes creating new product-market combinations, using market power, and engaging in political activities. Changing managerial roles is an internal organizational change, not an external strategy.

Question 6

By combining different levels of variety and speed of dynamic capabilities, four types of flexibility can be distinguished including all except one of the following

Accepted Answer

Tactical flexibility is not one of the four types of flexibility distinguished by combining different levels of variety and speed of dynamic capabilities. The correct types are steady-state, structural, and operational flexibility.

Question 7

Strategic drift refers to a process in which

Accepted Answer

Strategic drift refers to a situation where the organization's strategy and actions do not keep up with changes in the external environment. In this case, consciously managed incremental changes are not keeping up with the pace of environmental changes, resulting in strategic drift. Option A and B are not correct because they refer to conscious and managed changes that are either keeping pace or anticipating changes in the environment. Option D is also not correct because it refers to spontaneous changes, whereas strategic drift occurs when there is a lack of conscious and managed changes.

Question 8

All except one of the following are main challenges of contextual ambidexterity as a mode of balancing exploration and exploitation

Accepted Answer

The answer of All except one of the following are...

Question 9

The four generic modes of balancing exploration and exploitation include all except one of the following

Accepted Answer

The answer of The four generic modes of balancing exploration...

Question 10

The role of front line managers in strategic renewal can be described in all except one of the following ways

Accepted Answer

The answer of The role of front line managers in...

Question 11

In their more active role, top managers are entrusted with all except one of the following

Accepted Answer

The answer of In their more active role, top managers...

Question 12

Four idealized strategic renewal journeys can be identified, including all except one of the following

Accepted Answer

Transactional is not one of the four idealized strategic renewal journeys. The correct ones are Emergent, Facilitated, Directed, and Transformational.

Question 13

Cyclical ambidexterity as a mode of balancing exploration and exploitation involves

Accepted Answer

Cyclical ambidexterity involves alternately focusing on exploration and exploitation, rather than trying to do both simultaneously. This allows for a balance between the two modes of activity, which can lead to better long-term outcomes for the organization. It involves intentionally shifting resources and attention back and forth between exploration and exploitation as needed. This approach has been shown to be effective in organizations that need to continuously innovate and adapt to changing market conditions.

Question 14

Structural flexibility consists of

Accepted Answer

Structural flexibility refers to the organization's ability to adapt and change its structure, decision-making processes, communication processes, and managerial capabilities to respond to complex and unpredictable changes in the environment. Option A refers to static procedures, which are not flexible enough to respond to changes. Option C refers to dynamic capabilities for adapting goals, which is more focused on strategic management rather than organizational structure. Option D refers to routine capabilities based on present structures and goals, which can be rigid and may not allow for necessary adaptation. Therefore, option B is the best choice for structural flexibility.

Question 15

Organizational structure comprises

Accepted Answer

Organizational structure refers to the distribution of responsibilities and authority among an organization's personnel, as well as the planning and control systems and decision-making processes. Option A describes organizational culture, option B describes the technical infrastructure, and option C describes dynamic capabilities.

Question 16

Prior to the 'Back to the Future' project, Novotel could be described using all except one of the following statements

Accepted Answer

The text does not provide any evidence that Novotel was demonstrating operational and strategic flexibility before the 'Back to the Future' project. Therefore, B is the best choice as it is the statement that does not apply. A, C, and D are all mentioned as issues that Novotel faced prior to the project.

Question 17

The flexible organizational form can be described in all except one of the following ways

Accepted Answer

The flexible organizational form does not have unlimited possibilities for variation because it still operates within a set of basic organizational capabilities. It does, however, adapt to disturbances without losing its distinctiveness, constructively incorporate new perspectives with an innovative culture, and is effective in unpredictable and complex environments.

Question 18

By following a trajectory of radical transformation where might the KLM Cargo be positioned

Accepted Answer

A trajectory of radical transformation suggests a move towards more flexibility and adaptability, but not complete chaos, positioning KLM Cargo between flexible and chaotic organization.

Question 19

What is the average cost of developing a drug in the global pharmaceutical industry

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the average cost of developing...

Question 20

Sustained strategic renewal can be considered to rest on all except one of the following principles

Accepted Answer

The other principles mentioned (A, B, and D) are all true principles of sustained strategic renewal according to the literature, but principle C is not considered a principle of sustained strategic renewal. In fact, the opposite is true - the internal rates of change should not outstrip external rates of change, as this can lead to instability and inability to adapt to external changes in the environment.

Quiz 15: Strategic Renewal Emea Edition