Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Work-Integrated Learning Programmes Division

First Semester 2023-2024

Comprehensive Examination
(EC-3 Regular)

Course No. : MBA ZG611

Course Title : STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS POLICY
Pattern of Exam : TYPED ONLY
Nature of Exam : Open Book
Weightage : 40% No. of Pages =2
Duration : 2 ½ Hours No. of Questions = 5
Date of Exam : 26/11/2023 (AN)
Note:
1. Please follow all the Instructions to Candidates given on the cover page of the answer book.
2. All parts of a question should be answered consecutively. Each answer should start from a fresh page.
3. Assumptions made if any, should be stated clearly at the beginning of your answer.

Q.1Set. (A) Oracle Corporation acquired several dozen companies, many/ most of whom were
their rivals. Why did Oracle do so? Discuss the specific concept(s) of Strategic
management illustrated by this example? [8]

Q.1Set. (B) CSX Corporation of USA was in the business of railroad transportation. They
acquired Texas Gas Resources Corporation. Why did CSX do so? Discuss the
specific concept(s) of Strategic management illustrated by this example? [8]

Q.1Set. (C) Jaguar Land Rover Limited (JLR), a British automobile manufacturer, was
purchased by Ford Motor Company in 1999. However, Ford sold JLR to Tata
Motors in 2008. Why did Ford do so? Discuss the specific concept(s) of Strategic
management illustrated by this example? [8]

Q.2Set. (A) You have been hired by Tim Cook to develop distribution strategy for Apple’s
high-end smart phones. Discuss various options/ issues involved with regard to
numbers/ types of distributors, the respective advantages and/or disadvantages and
your final recommendation to him. Give an example of a firm/ brand selling
through several channels. What could be the advantages and disadvantages? [8]
Q.2Set. (B) You have been hired by Tim Cook to develop strategy to recruit workers for
Apple’s factory for production of high-end smart phones. What are the options/
issues involved with regard to the numbers/ types of workers, the respective
advantage and/ or disadvantages and your final recommendation to him? [8]
Q.2Set. (C) You have been hired by Tim Cook to develop strategy for production of Apple’s
high-end smart phones. What are the options/ issues involved with regard to the
types of production process(es)/ technology(ies), the respective advantages and/ or
disadvantages and your final recommendation to him? [8]

Q.3Set. (A) Discuss various factors (major problems being faced, objectives, strategies, key
performance indicators and reward-punishment systems) in the case of
organisations having a simple structure. Distinguish these factors in companies
having a functional structure. Elaborate with examples. [8]

Q.3Set. (B) Discuss various factors (major problems being faced, objectives, strategies, key
performance indicators and reward-punishment systems) in the case of
 organisations having a simple structure. Distinguish these factors in companies
having a divisional structure. Elaborate with examples. [8]

Q.3Set. (C) Discuss various factors (major problems being faced, objectives, strategies, key
performance indicators and reward-punishment systems) in the case of
organisations having a functional structure. Distinguish these factors in companies
having a divisional structure. Elaborate with examples. [8]
Q.4Set. (A) Explain similarities and/ or dissimilarities between the Steering controls and Output
controls with examples.
Which system combines both these controls? Give (at least) two examples of the
financial measure(s) in this system. [8]
Q.4Set. (B) Explain similarities and/ or dissimilarities between the Steering controls and Output
controls with examples.
Which system combines both these controls? Give (at least) two examples of the
customer related measure(s) in this system. [8]
Q.4Set. (C) Explain similarities and/ or dissimilarities between the Steering controls and Output
controls with examples.
Which system combines both these controls? Give (at least) two examples of the
measure(s) relating to the internal business perspective in this system. [8]

Q.5Set. (A) Which group must monitor developments inside and outside a firm and bring to the
CEO’s attention the matters he/she might have overlooked? Discuss responsibilities
and other duties of this group. Elaborate with examples. [8]
Q.5Set. (B) Which group should examine a CEO’s proposals, decisions, and actions; agree or
disagree with them; and offer suggestions. Discuss responsibilities and other duties
of this group. Elaborate with examples. [8]
Q.5Set. (C) Which group can delineate a firm’s mission and specify strategic options to the
CEO. Discuss responsibilities and other duties of this group. Elaborate with
examples. [8]

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