HB
Below is a set of revision questions designed to prompt deep thinking and review of core concepts
typically discussed in Harvard Business School curricula. Each question is followed by a rationale that
explains the key concepts and thought processes behind an ideal answer.
1. What are the key components of a sustainable competitive advantage, and how can a firm develop
and maintain one?
Rationale:
This question encourages you to review the fundamentals of competitive strategy. An ideal answer will
discuss elements such as unique resources and capabilities, cost leadership, differentiation, brand
equity, and barriers to entry. You should highlight how strategic investments (e.g., in technology, R&D,
or human capital) and continuous innovation help sustain an advantage over competitors.
2. How does Porter’s Five Forces framework help in understanding industry attractiveness, and what
are its limitations?
Rationale:
Porter’s Five Forces is a staple in business strategy analysis. In your response, discuss each force—threat
of new entrants, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitute
products, and competitive rivalry. Also, critically assess limitations such as its static nature and less
applicability in rapidly changing industries or technology-driven markets.
3. Discuss the role of corporate culture in shaping organizational performance. Provide examples of
both positive and negative impacts.
Rationale:
This question is intended to test your understanding of organizational behavior and leadership. A strong
answer will explain how a positive culture can drive performance through employee engagement and
innovation, whereas a toxic culture might lead to high turnover and poor execution. Examples from real
companies can illustrate these points effectively.
4. What is disruptive innovation, and how can established companies respond to disruptive market
forces?
Rationale:
Disruptive innovation, as explained by Clayton Christensen, challenges you to differentiate between
sustaining innovations and disruptive ones. Your answer should include strategies for incumbent
, companies such as creating separate business units, investing in new technologies, or adopting an
ambidextrous strategy that balances current operations with new ventures.
5. How would you evaluate a company’s strategic fit in a merger or acquisition scenario?
Rationale:
This question tests your ability to analyze both strategic and financial aspects. An ideal answer would
cover the assessment of synergies (operational, financial, and cultural), market positioning, potential
cost savings, and risks. It should also discuss the importance of due diligence and post-merger
integration challenges.
6. Explain the significance of financial metrics (e.g., ROI, ROE, EBITDA) in strategic decision-making.
Which metric would you prioritize in evaluating a high-growth startup, and why?
Rationale:
This question bridges finance and strategy. A good answer will define key financial metrics and explain
how they guide investment decisions and performance evaluations. When discussing a high-growth
startup, you might emphasize metrics like revenue growth and EBITDA margins over traditional
profitability measures, because early-stage companies often reinvest heavily in growth.
7. In a globalized market, how should companies approach international expansion? What are the
strategic and operational challenges involved?
Rationale:
This question focuses on international strategy. Your answer should outline strategic considerations
such as market selection, entry mode (e.g., joint ventures, franchising, wholly-owned subsidiaries),
cultural adaptation, and regulatory issues. Discuss operational challenges like supply chain complexity,
local competition, and currency fluctuations.
8. How can digital transformation drive business value, and what risks must companies mitigate
during this transition?
Rationale:
Digital transformation is a key area in modern business strategy. In your answer, discuss how leveraging
digital technologies can improve operational efficiency, customer engagement, and innovation.
Additionally, address risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and the potential disruption of traditional
business models. Consider both strategic opportunities and implementation challenges.
9. What role does leadership play in times of crisis, and how can leaders effectively communicate and
implement change?
Below is a set of revision questions designed to prompt deep thinking and review of core concepts
typically discussed in Harvard Business School curricula. Each question is followed by a rationale that
explains the key concepts and thought processes behind an ideal answer.
1. What are the key components of a sustainable competitive advantage, and how can a firm develop
and maintain one?
Rationale:
This question encourages you to review the fundamentals of competitive strategy. An ideal answer will
discuss elements such as unique resources and capabilities, cost leadership, differentiation, brand
equity, and barriers to entry. You should highlight how strategic investments (e.g., in technology, R&D,
or human capital) and continuous innovation help sustain an advantage over competitors.
2. How does Porter’s Five Forces framework help in understanding industry attractiveness, and what
are its limitations?
Rationale:
Porter’s Five Forces is a staple in business strategy analysis. In your response, discuss each force—threat
of new entrants, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitute
products, and competitive rivalry. Also, critically assess limitations such as its static nature and less
applicability in rapidly changing industries or technology-driven markets.
3. Discuss the role of corporate culture in shaping organizational performance. Provide examples of
both positive and negative impacts.
Rationale:
This question is intended to test your understanding of organizational behavior and leadership. A strong
answer will explain how a positive culture can drive performance through employee engagement and
innovation, whereas a toxic culture might lead to high turnover and poor execution. Examples from real
companies can illustrate these points effectively.
4. What is disruptive innovation, and how can established companies respond to disruptive market
forces?
Rationale:
Disruptive innovation, as explained by Clayton Christensen, challenges you to differentiate between
sustaining innovations and disruptive ones. Your answer should include strategies for incumbent
, companies such as creating separate business units, investing in new technologies, or adopting an
ambidextrous strategy that balances current operations with new ventures.
5. How would you evaluate a company’s strategic fit in a merger or acquisition scenario?
Rationale:
This question tests your ability to analyze both strategic and financial aspects. An ideal answer would
cover the assessment of synergies (operational, financial, and cultural), market positioning, potential
cost savings, and risks. It should also discuss the importance of due diligence and post-merger
integration challenges.
6. Explain the significance of financial metrics (e.g., ROI, ROE, EBITDA) in strategic decision-making.
Which metric would you prioritize in evaluating a high-growth startup, and why?
Rationale:
This question bridges finance and strategy. A good answer will define key financial metrics and explain
how they guide investment decisions and performance evaluations. When discussing a high-growth
startup, you might emphasize metrics like revenue growth and EBITDA margins over traditional
profitability measures, because early-stage companies often reinvest heavily in growth.
7. In a globalized market, how should companies approach international expansion? What are the
strategic and operational challenges involved?
Rationale:
This question focuses on international strategy. Your answer should outline strategic considerations
such as market selection, entry mode (e.g., joint ventures, franchising, wholly-owned subsidiaries),
cultural adaptation, and regulatory issues. Discuss operational challenges like supply chain complexity,
local competition, and currency fluctuations.
8. How can digital transformation drive business value, and what risks must companies mitigate
during this transition?
Rationale:
Digital transformation is a key area in modern business strategy. In your answer, discuss how leveraging
digital technologies can improve operational efficiency, customer engagement, and innovation.
Additionally, address risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and the potential disruption of traditional
business models. Consider both strategic opportunities and implementation challenges.
9. What role does leadership play in times of crisis, and how can leaders effectively communicate and
implement change?
