Question 1

It is ideal for key management slots to be filled from outside:

Accepted Answer

When a company is experiencing turnaround or rapid-growth situations, bringing in new, outside management can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to help navigate these changes. Outside management may also have different experiences and skill sets that can be beneficial in these situations.

Question 2

Which of the following is TRUE of the capability building process?

Accepted Answer

The capability building process involves developing the ability to do something, molding these efforts into an organizational ability, transforming it into a tried-and-true competence, polishing and refining their know-how, and creating a real competitive capability.

Question 3

Good strategy execution requires which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Good strategy execution requires the efficient utilization of resources and capabilities. This involves putting them into place and strengthening them as needed. It also entails modifying them as market conditions change to ensure that the company is responsive and adaptable to changes in the competitive environment. Options B, C, D, and E are not relevant to the process of strategy execution.

Question 4

Who is most likely to have strong strategy implementation capabilities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Who is most likely to have strong...

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT part of a senior executive's agenda in big organizations with geographically scattered operating units?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is NOT part...

Question 6

Recruiting and retaining capable employees is:

Accepted Answer

The quality of an organization's people is always an essential ingredient of successful strategy execution, making recruiting and retaining capable employees important. While assembling a capable top-management team is also important, it is not usually more important than having capable employees throughout the organization. Periods of rapid growth and transformation of competencies into core competencies do make recruiting and retaining capable employees even more important, but this is not the primary reason why it is important. It is also not easily the most critical aspect in building competitively valuable core competencies and capabilities.

Question 7

Which of the following is generally NOT among the common practices that companies use to staff jobs with talented people,particularly if intellectual capital greatly aids good strategy execution?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating the bottom 10% of the lowest-performing employees each year is not a common practice to staff jobs with talented people. While it does increase the overall quality performance metrics, it does not necessarily guarantee the selection of talented individuals. Moreover, it may create a culture of fear and job insecurity among employees.

Question 8

Which of the following is part of strategy-supportive resources and capabilities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is part of...

Question 9

Core competencies and competitive capabilities are usually:

Accepted Answer

Core competencies and competitive capabilities are bundles of skills and know-how that usually grow out of the collaborative efforts of cross-functional work groups and departments performing complementary activities at different locations in a firm's value chain. This is because different parts of the organization often have specialized knowledge or expertise that can be combined to create a unique advantage for the company. Working together in this manner helps to build a competitive advantage over time.

Question 10

In companies where intellectual capital is crucial to good strategy execution,which of the following is generally NOT among the practices companies use to establish a talented knowledge base?

Accepted Answer

Coaching underperformers and benchwarmers is generally not a primary practice for establishing a talented knowledge base, as it focuses on improving existing low performers rather than attracting or developing top talent.

Question 11

A dynamic capability is the:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic capability refers to the ongoing capacity of a firm to modify its existing resources and capabilities in order to create new ones. It involves the ability to adapt to changes in the business environment, to learn from past actions, and to innovate to stay ahead of competitors. This is an important capability for firms to possess in today's rapidly changing marketplace.

Question 12

The most common approaches to capability building include all of the following,EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

All of the other options listed (developing capabilities internally, acquiring capabilities through mergers and acquisitions, accessing capabilities via collaborative partnerships, renewing capabilities to align with customer expectations) are common approaches to capability building, but coaching average performers to improve their skills is not typically listed as a common approach.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about recruiting and retaining capable employees is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Assembling a capable top management team is also important to good strategy execution and the achievement of true operating excellence. While recruiting and retaining capable employees is crucial, a competent top management team provides direction and sets the tone for the organization. Both factors are important for successful strategy execution.

Question 14

General Electric has an up-or-out policy,where key personnel in underperforming units are pressured to boost performance to acceptable levels and keep it there or risk being replaced.What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Tying rewards and incentives directly to the achievement of strategic and financial targets is an example of an up-or-out policy.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT true of implementing a strategy?

Accepted Answer

The level of personnel competence is very relevant to proficient strategy execution. It is important to have skilled and capable employees who are able to execute the strategy effectively. The other options listed are all true statements about implementing a strategy.

Question 16

The implementation process is likely to be hampered by missed deadlines,misdirected efforts,and managerial ineptness,if:

Accepted Answer

A capable results-oriented management team is essential for a successful implementation process. Without it, missed deadlines, misdirected efforts, and managerial ineptness are likely to occur. The other options may also pose challenges, but having a strong management team is critical to overcoming them.

Question 17

In which of the following steps does updating the company's capabilities to match changing market conditions and customer expectations take place?

Accepted Answer

Acquiring, developing, and strengthening key resources and capabilities involves updating the company's capabilities to match changing market conditions and customer expectations. This step focuses on identifying the necessary resources and capabilities to compete effectively in the marketplace and developing them to meet changing needs. The other options focus on other important aspects of organizational management but do not specifically address updating capabilities to match changing market conditions and customer expectations.

Question 18

Which of the following is one of the first steps to take in launching the strategy execution process?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

Putting together a capable top management team with the right mix of experiences,skills,and abilities:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Putting together a capable top management team...

Question 20

The paramount aim in building a management team should be to:

Accepted Answer

While all the options have some merit, option B is the most comprehensive and effective. Assembling a critical mass of talented managers who can function as change agents and work well as a team can lead to better organizational results than individual managers working alone. This team agility can help to address issues as they emerge, improve morale and increase productivity, all of which can help the organization thrive.

Quiz 10: Building an Organization Capable of Good Strategy Execution