M.B.A. DEGREE EXAMINATION, FEBRUARY 2018.
Fourth Semester
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
(Non CBCS Old Regulation)
2 90141
Time 3 Hours Max. Marks 70
SECTION — A
Answer any FIVE of the following. 12 60 Marks)
1. Discuss how the shareholders and board of directors become strategists.
2. What are strategic objectives? Discuss the characteristics of effective strategic
objectives.
3. Explain Michael porter model of competition.
4. How do you identify corporate capability factors of different functional areas?
Explain.
5. What is turnaround? Explain the circumstances under which the turnaround is
appropriate.
6. What are defensive strategies? How do these strategies help to achieve a
competitive advantage?
7. How do you evaluate the strategic alternatives using BCG criteria? Explain.
8. Discuss the action you take to implement strategic control successfully.
SECTION — B
Case Study (Compulsory) (10 Marks)
9. A company manufacturing certain well-known brands of malted food, chocolates
and biscuits for more than a decade ventured into manufacture of apple juice in
1981, but had to sell off the plant in 1984. During the year 1987, the company's
sales were higher by 19 p.c. over the previous year despite new competition.
Production of chocolates increased by 14 p.c. and of malted food by 22 p.c. The sale

of biscuits was also higher although these were processed by third parties and sold
under popular brand names of the company. Having satisfactory financial results
in 1987, the company decided to diversify into computer software business.
Write about confectionary business India.
Highlights of software business India.
Was it the right strategic decision? What could be the possible reasons
underlying the company's decision to diversify into software business?