In the ‘The first strategists’ (1993, in De Wit & Meyer, 2010, Reading 1.1), what reason does Stephen Cummings give for contemporary strategists looking at the origins of strategy?
Although little insight can be obtained from studying where the term strategy came from, it is nevertheless interesting to study its history
We can only see the future clearly, when we know our history
If Alexander the Great can conquer the known world using the strategies of the Greeks, then it should be good enough for modern strategists
Many of the tactics of the Greeks are applicable today.
According to Cummings (‘The first strategists’, 1993, in De Wit & Meyer, 2010, Reading 1.1), was contingency planning important to strategists such as Alexander the Great?
No – one should stay true to one’s plans, regardless of the situation
No – one should ensure that one’s resources are strong enough to prevail in any situation
Yes – one’s strategy relies entirely on the use of contingency plans
Yes – one’s strategy depends very much on the context of the situation.
Cummings (‘The first strategists’, 1993, in De Wit & Meyer, 2010, Reading 1.1) discusses the methods of teaching strategy. Which method did the Greek prefer?
The case method
What-if scenario analysis
Meditation on the wisdom of the ancients
Rote learning of great battles.
What message can one take from the article on ‘The first strategists’ (1993, in De Wit & Meyer, 2010, Reading 1.1), by Cummings?
Greek traditions of strategy have little value today
Greek strategy is predicated on the structure of society
Some of the fundamental characteristics of Greek strategists are still important today