Business

Question 1

The best strategies often fail not because they weren't good strategies, but because they weren't implemented properly. One of the most important aspects of implementing a good strategy is ensuring that the organization is designed in a way that will properly support the plan.

In Week 5 you narrowed down the strategic alternatives for either Southwest or Subway and identified ONE strategy to move forward with. Based on that strategy what type of organizational design would best support that strategy. Provide a high level overview of the organizational design - be sure to fully explain the design.

Question 2

Vince Lombardi was quoted as saying "The best game plan in the world never blocked or tackled anybody"; strategist often believe their work is done once they've identified the right strategy to be implemented, but in reality the strategy implementation phase is often far more difficult than the strategy formulation phase.

In addition to organization design, there are several other factors that can cause a good strategy to fail: management, operations, marketing, finance, R&D and MIS issues. Review the strategy that you identified for either Southwest or Subway in Week 5 and determine which ONE of these additional factors could cause that specific strategy to fail. Clearly identify the factor, explain why it could cause the strategy to fail - fully support your response.