Questions And Answers
Apple developed iTunes as a complement to drive iPod sales. Which aspect of differentiation
strategy does this move represent? - ANS value driver
Smartphone sales have stagnated in developed countries, but they continue to experience high
growth in emerging economies. Which aspect of the industry does this trend reflect? - ANS
industry life cycle
Every September, Apple releases new versions of its iPhone, boasting improved functions—for
example, wireless charging. Which type of innovation does this action reflect? - ANS
incremental
The success of Starbucks lies in its ability to create for the customer a unique experience or
"third place" between home and work. This unique experience is also known as Starbucks' -
ANS core competency
Between 2004 and 2008, Starbucks expanded operations rapidly and attempted to diversity
from its core business. These efforts diluted its core culture, resulting in competitive parity
because the customer experience that was its core competency was no longer - ANS rare
Starbucks' adoption of social media and an app that focuses on customer satisfaction suggests
that competitive advantage is more likely to spring from ________ resources than from
________ resources. - ANS intangible; tangible
one of Howard Schultz's strategic initiatives after retaining the reins of Starbucks in 2008 was to
shut the company's 7,000 stores for one day so baristas could relearn what makes the
Starbucks brand unique. This initiative reflects a focus on which type of strategy? - ANS
differentiation
Using the PESTEL framework, which factors were the most powerful in influencing the failure of
Blackberry? - ANS technological and sociocultural
Which of Porter's five forces was likely the most powerful factor influencing the failure of
Blackberry? - ANS threat of new entrants