Strategy planning- 5 pages- apa
Critical Thinking: Corporate Strategy and Diversification (105 points)
Corporate diversification strategies raise a wide range of strategic management issues.
For this weeks critical thinking assignment, read the case study found in your textbook
(Case 19): Google Is Now AlphabetBut Whats the Corporate Strategy?
Remember, a case study is a puzzle to be solved, so before reading and answering the
specific case and study questions, develop your proposed solution by following these
five steps:
1. Read the case study to identify the key issues and underlying issues. These issues are the
principles and concepts of the course area which apply to the situation described in the case
study.
2. Record the facts from the case study which are relevant to the principles and concepts of the
course area issues. The case may have extraneous information not relevant to the current course
area. Your ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information is an important
aspect of case analysis, as it will inform the focus of your answers.
3. Describe in some detail the actions that would address or correct the situation.
4. Consider how you would support your solution with examples from experience or current real-life
examples or cases from textbooks.
5. Complete this initial analysis and then read the discussion questions. Typically, you will already
have the answers to the questions but with a broader consideration. At this point, you can add the
details and/or analytical tools required to solve the case.
Case Study Questions:
1. What is Googles corporate strategy? Does Google have a clear vision of what it wants to
become?
2. Use Porters Essentials Test (Chapter 12) to determine if this strategy creates competitive
advantage. If so, how? If not, why not?
3. Look beyond the conventional sources of synergy and consider complementarities, bargaining
power, and rivals. What threats does Google face?
4. Does Google need to refocus? How should Google delineate its corporate boundaries and which
businesses, or products would you recommend abandoning or divesting, if any?
