Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Work-Integrated Learning Programmes Division

First Semester 2017-2018
Comprehensive Examination (EC-3 Regular)

Course No. : MM ZG512

Course Title : MANUFACTURING STRATEGY
Nature of Exam : Open Book
Weightage : 50% No. of Pages =1
Duration : 3 Hours No. of Questions = 8
Date of Exam : 04/11/2017 (AN)
Note:
1. Please follow all the Instructions to Candidates given on the cover page of the answer book.
2. All parts of a question should be answered consecutively. Each answer should start from a fresh page.
3. Assumptions made if any, should be stated clearly at the beginning of your answer.

Q.1. Why do very few companies seek to achieve Stage 4 of Manufacturing Competitive
Capability? Also, discuss the transition from Stage 2 to Stage 3 of Manufacturing
Competitive Capability. Use suitable examples, where applicable. Do not use the
examples from the lectures or repeat lecture notes. [4 + 4 = 8]

Q.2. Generic strategies seem to suggest that the decisions to be made are regarding the
positioning of the product in a competitive scenario and the design of systems in a static
manner and made at one point in time with the information available at that time. What
are the shortcomings of this way of static thinking? [4]

Q.3. It was discussed in class that in spite of having a joint venture with Toyota (NUMMI),
General Motors could not learn how to improve its operations. Some of the reasons for
this inability to learn were given as:
– GM perceived what was on the surface
– GM believed in the cultural differences with Japan
Discuss how these reasons prevented learning on the part of GM [3 + 3 = 6]

Q.4. Two types of the risks companies face when they choose to go global are:
(a) Financial risk
(b) Cultural and Social risk

In each of the above 2 types of risks, discuss how these risks can affect the performance of
the company. Also, suggest how companies might be able to deal with the risks.
[4 + 4 = 8]

Q.5. What is Strategic Intent? Discuss. [5]

Q.6. Why does the SBU structure impede the process of developing core competencies?
Discuss. [5]

Q.7. One of the reasons for companies going global is to gain knowledge. Discuss how
globalization helps a company gain knowledge. [4]

Q.8. Answer the following questions with regard to the case study on Walmart vs. Amazon
discussed in class:
(a) What are Walmart’s current strengths and weaknesses as compared to Amazon?
[3 + 3 = 6]
(b) What are the challenges faced by Amazon as it prepares to take on Walmart? [4]
_______