Multiple Choice
Identify the
letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
|
|
|
1.
|
Why
of the following is the best reason for why strategic planning is still important
today? a. | Without a formal
strategic plan a company cannot expect to compete effectively | b. | Without a
strategic plan an organization can drift without purpose or definition | c. | Without it,
companies would exist without cause or co-ordination | d. | Because of
slower economic growth, globalization and technological change | | |
|
|
|
2.
|
What
is top-down planning? a. | This takes place in someone's head, and the decisions may not
be written down in any extensive form. It is often practiced by entrepreneurial managers with real
flair | b. | This requires managers to spend time discussing the future
opportunities and threats and areas in which the organization might develop | c. | This involves
managers throughout the organization, and ensures that everyone involved in implementing plans will
be consulted | d. | This relates to decisions taken at the higher parts of the
organization and passed onto other managers for implementation. These managers will have had little
or no input into the planning process | | |
|
|
|
3.
|
Which
of the following is true for small businesses in relation to strategic planning? a. | It belongs in
all organizations | b. | It is too expensive | c. | It only belongs
in large organizations | d. | The benefits are too long term | e. | It has no
usefulness in small businesses | | |
|
|
|
4.
|
According to Ringbakk (1971) and Steiner (1972) which of the following should be
avoided when creating a formal plan? a. | Seeing planning as a support activity in strategic decision
making | b. | Seeing planning as a once-a-year
ritual | c. | Flexibility | d. | Involving
implementers in planning | | |
|
|
|
5.
|
What
does SPACE stand for? a. | Sales, Position, and ACtion
Evaluation | b. | Strategic Profit And Credit
Evaluation | c. | Sales, Profit, ACtion and Evaluation | d. | Strategic
Position and ACtion Evaluation | | |
|
|
|
6.
|
What
is the planning gap? a. | A concept that is used to clarify the extent of revenue or
profits gap that might emerge if current strategies are left unchanged | b. | The time between
the strategic plan being devised and the time it is actually implemented | c. | The time between
the conception of a strategic plan and the formalization of it | d. | Any part of a
plan that has not been formalized which allows for flexibility and the introduction of any new
developments that could enhance the current strategy | | |
|
|
|
7.
|
The
understanding of what key element is essential for successful strategic planning? a. | Understanding
the needs and expectations of stakeholders | b. | Understanding competencies | c. | Understanding
the processes of strategic change | d. | Understanding how to plan | e. | Understanding
the needs and expectations of shareholders | | |
|
|
|
8.
|
Which
of these is not a role for a planner as discussed by Robinson (1986) a. | To help managers
make decisions regarding strategic changes | b. | To enable good managers to plan | c. | To state
objectives | d. | To concentrate on understanding the
future | e. | All of the above are roles for a
planner | | |
|
|
|
9.
|
Which
of the following is not en element of the growth/market options matrix developed by Ansoff
(1987)? a. | Market
development | b. | Diversification | c. | Product
development | d. | Market segmentation | e. | All are included
in Ansoff’s (1987) matrix | | |
|
|
|
10.
|
Which
of the following is not a key planning element of spheres of influence? a. | Buffer
zones | b. | Forward positions | c. | Cost
base | d. | Vital
interests | | |
|