1. The concept of international strategic alliances has its origins in the interorganizational network of firms known as Japanese Keiretsus.
a) Define and explain your understanding of the concept/theory of Japanese Keiretsus.
b) In your explanation, identify the facets and characteristics of Keiretsus.
c) What are the advantages and disadvantages of vertically integrated Keiretsus?
d) In your opinion, are vertically integrated firms like Japanese Keiretsus, which are a form of strategic alliance, efficient or inefficient way to structure businesses?
2. The following questions are based on Kanter's article titled "Collaborative Advantage: The Art of Alliances."
a) Provide a detailed summary of the article on "Collaborative Advantage." In your summary be sure to identify and describe the Eight "I's" that Kanter suggests create successful alliances.
b) Also identify and discuss the five levels of integration, which, according to Kanter, lead to productive collaborative relationships.
c) Do you agree with the author's contentions? Why or why not? Explain your perspective in substantive detail.
3. The following questions are based on Fites' article titled "Make Your Dealers Your Partners."
a) Summarize in substantive detailFites' article.In your summary, identify and describe the six principles and practices which Fites suggests that create tight relationships between manufacturers and their international dealers.
b) Do you agree with the author's views? Why or why not? Explain your perspective in substantive detail.
4. The following questions are based on the HBS Xerox Fuji/Xerox (X-FX) Case.
a) Based on your assessment, what is the central problem facing X-FX?
b) What are the four key action issues for which different strategies/solutions need to be articulated? Explain in detail each of these four issues.
c) Based on your analysis, describe in substantive detail the meaning of the (i) Marketing, (ii) Research, and (iii) Development & Manufacturing options being considered.
d) Then identify and weigh the numerous pros and cons of (i) Marketing, (ii) Research, and (iii) Development & Manufacturing options.
e) Based on your assessment of (c) and (d) above, identify the best configuration that would provide the highest level of cooperation identified by the Codestiny task force among: (i) Marketing, (ii) Research, and (iii) Development & Manufacturing.Provide an explanation justifying your selection of the best configuration.