strategic Mang

BUAD 4980

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

REPORT #3: STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION

GENERAL MOTORS

1. INTRODUCTION

Introduce your report.

2. CONCEPTS

2.1. Corporate governance:

In one sentence each, define the following: agency relationship, managerial opportunism, and corporate governance problem (also known as agency problem). In three to five sentences, explain why the separation between ownership and management in large companies has the potential to result in corporate governance problem.

In one sentence each, define the following governance mechanisms: board of directors, ownership concentration, executive compensation, and market for corporate control.

2.2. Organizational structure:

In one sentence, define vertical structure. In one sentence each, give the characteristics of a flat structure. In one sentence, give the characteristics of a tall structure. In one sentence, list the problems of a tall structure. In three to five sentences, explain ONE of those problems.

In one sentence, define horizontal structure. In one sentence each, define the following types of horizontal structures: simple structure, functional structure, geographic divisional structure, multidivisional structure (M-form), and matrix structure.

In one sentence each, define the following: centralization, formalization, and integration

2.3. Strategic leadership:

In one sentence, define strategic leaders. In one sentence, give the title of the top strategic leader. In one sentence, identify (give the names of) the five roles that top managers need to assume if they are to effectively exercise their strategic leadership. In three to five sentences, explain ONE of these roles.

3. ANALYSIS

3.1. Corporate governance:

In four to six sentences, discuss whether or not the CEO was serving his/her own interests instead of the interests of the owners (REMINDER: if the CEO is serving his/her own interests instead of owners’ interests, the company is having a corporate governance problem).

In one sentence, identify ONE governance mechanism your company uses in an attempt to minimize the corporate governance problem. In four to six sentences, explain your answer.

3.2. Organizational structure:

In one sentence, identify the type of your company’s vertical structure. In four to six sentences, explain your answer.

In one sentence, identify the type of your company’s horizontal structure. In four to six sentences, explain your answer.

3.3. Strategic leadership:

In four to six sentences, discuss whether your company’s CEO was effective in exercising his/her strategic leadership role.

4. EVALUATION

4.1. Problem:

In one sentence, state the problem your company is facing (for example: The problem General Motors is facing is slow decision-making). In one sentence, identify ONE factor that has caused the problem (for example: The factor that is causing slow decision-making is the very tall structure that General Motors has). NOTE: The factor that is causing the problem must have been discussed in your analysis (Section 3 above).

4.2. Solution:

In one sentence, propose ONE solution your company should use to correct the problem. In four to six sentences, explain how your proposed solution will help to resolve the problem.

5. CONCLUSION

Conclude your report.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

Please write Report #3 based on my TEACHING NOTES . To help you write a good report, please do the following:

- First, open this file (Report3.doc) and print it so you have all instructions on a hard copy

- Second, keep the cover page (as the one on page 1 of this file, but write your company name and your team members’ names). Also, keeping ONLY headings, sub-headings, delete all directions, and these additional instructions. Then save the file.

- Third, write your report using the file you have saved, as it meets the following requirements: it has all headings and sub-headings, it has page numbers, it has no header/footer, its font is Times New Roman size 12, and it is double-spaced.

- Fourth, have a transition paragraph right after headings 2, 3 and 4. Also, when appropriate, have a transition sentence or sentences after sub-headings.

- Fifth, write your report in paragraph form (no bullets, no listing) with complete sentences.

- Six, for long answers (which may be the case when there are several issues to be addressed), have more than one paragraph, each paragraph making a distinctive point.

- Last, when your report is done, print 1 (ONE) copy on one side of the paper and staple it.

NOTE: Do not provide answers that go beyond what is being asked. Specifically:

- If I ask one question, don’t provide answers to five questions.

- When answering, pay attention to the number of sentences as indicated. Also, make an effort to avoid long sentences

- For long answers (which may be the case when there are several issues to be addressed), have more than one paragraph, each paragraph making a distinctive point.

- DO NOT skip a question (if you do, I will deduct 10 points for each question that you skip).