3.1 Choose a company and briefly describe its business and uniqueness in its industry. Now compare its management practices with the six principles described in Lecture 3. Is the company on the right track? Support your response with solid reasoning. Would you add one or more principles to the list? What principles would you add and why?

3.2 What is an example of a firm or organization you know about, which, in your opinion, has developed a strategy de facto? Explain.

4. 1 Select a Fortune 500 company of your choice (one that is not named in Lecture 4). Analyze three key organizational capabilities that give the company a competitive advantage. What is it about these capabilities that give the company its competitive advantage? Focus on the three best organizational capabilities demonstrated by the company by providing specific and precise facts you uncovered in your research. Online publications such as BusinessWeek and The Economist, and assorted websites, will help you gather these facts.

4.2 Compare the market valuation of Google and Yahoo! What do you notice? How do you explain this difference?

5.1 Most organizations have or need to formulate a growth strategy. What are the different ways to do so? Provide specific examples of companies that have utilized these different ways.

5.2 There has been a new surge of mergers and acquisitions (M and A) in the last several years. Why is this? In the past, why have so many not been successful? In your opinion, what are the most important factors to be taken into account for a successful M and A? Provide an example to support your position.