*** P3 December 2011 Exam was: Post your comments and vote in Instant Poll ***

So factors effecting the price, last question.. What did you all write..??

Hi, can somebody please remind me of the exact question 1 (b) requirement ? I wrote a report on the 3 parts of strategic choice – basis of com, strategic direction & methodology. I did not use SAF unfortunately, did anybody else take my approach??

@kiileo said:
rafay ali

I think thats wrong/quote the article. Examiner doesnt HATE SWOT because Its part of the study guide. Infact SWOT seems to be the most effective model here in q1 (16 / 4 – 4each) as for all those who used PORTER PESTEL DIAMOND blah blah I think u guys just wasted a lot of time . I used SW and OT for internal and external and think managed well. I had trouble in 1b , but rest was good and hoping a pass.

I think the paper examines the application of frameworks. SWOT is not a framework you’re just naming the words in the scenario. Again we are examined in application of models.

what gives you the idea that swot is not a framework/model? the “WORDS” are infact an applicable tool for assessing env, as per the study guide. So is “SAF” AND and “TARA” (risk approach) etc. Anyhow I dont think we have to justify/agree on something amongst ourselves rather than convey it to the examiner. I just said using the models mentioned aren’t a charismatic element in answers since it eats up alot of time and definitely ppl mostly mess up the application of such models (NAMING them isn’t anything- unlike most candidates assume)
I just used a strategy to get that part done as quick as I could, as its given in marking scheme “1 valid point = 1 mark” thats all I need.
Hope all who deserve pass 🙂

@saadain said:
So factors effecting the price, last question.. What did you all write..??

I wrote according to article written by Ken Garrett (Business Strategy and Pricing Feb 2011 article) Influence on price : mission objective,pricing objective, cost,competition, customer and control.
dont know im correct or not

@bingonolan said:
I was under the impression that the acquisition and franchise Proposal was one strategy? Are people suggesting that each should be dealt with separately? Was the question not to assess gets strategy,which was to acquire and then franchise.

Yeah, that’s what I thought as well. Those two were interdependent. Raziakstan or whatever the country’s name was…would have given them the bid if they acquired the SOF….

Also, one question…did no one use the balance score card for internal analysis? Would I have been wrong to look at it from that angle? I mentioned the financial aspect with the workings and analysis, the customer perspective (talked about how they were happy with the advertisements and efficient and timely service etc), and the learning and innovation that GET brought about with its computerized systems…Please someone, tell me that is right!

A SWOT analysis is regarded as a summary of all the models. The other models/ frameworks detail the specific areas in which the strength/ weakeness etc is found. Someone uploaded study notes in the documents section of forum some time ago and in it u will see that the models like P5F, PESTLE etc. are branches of SWOT. There’s no problem in using SWOT just that your answer may not be as detailed as someone else who used PESTLE who would have individually considered and identified the effects of legislation, government, etc.

I think since the question said using models or frameworks then the requirement would be to use more than 1 model or framework.

Just my thoughts 🙂

@kabambi

2a) cultural web
b) Harmon strategic/process matrix

i used PEST and porter’s diamond and financial evaluation(internal) for question 1a… it would be so much easier to answer using SWOT, but it didn’t cross my mind…..

salam to all!
description of the questions is very well put by our friend tuanmuda.
As for me there is a lot to write while there is absolutely a time pressure.I wonder if there is any one who covered most of the points to be written withen the available short time.So except for the time pressure the exam could be considered not very hard.15 minute time is to short to read,annotate,plan etc I for one could not even get the time to read the whole question no 3.but tried to give a reasonable try for b. Any ways wish u all and myself the best.The magic 50!

“I think the paper examines the application of frameworks. SWOT is not a framework you’re just naming the words in the scenario. Again we are examined in application of models. “

This cannot be further from the truth, we are examined on our skills in analysising a business or situation. The models are purely a tool to aid this analysis, unless the specifically ask for a model to be used. Do you think the examiner will not give marks if someone used no model for the franchise question, yet used common sense and acumen to evaluate the scenario?

@shaunboro said:
“I think the paper examines the application of frameworks. SWOT is not a framework you’re just naming the words in the scenario. Again we are examined in application of models. “

This cannot be further from the truth, we are examined on our skills in analysising a business or situation. The models are purely a tool to aid this analysis, unless the specifically ask for a model to be used. Do you think the examiner will not give marks if someone used no model for the franchise question, yet used common sense and acumen to evaluate the scenario?

I think this is a very good comment- models are there to guide you to certain issues but as long as you cover these issues with a model format or without it you are fine. Its about analysising the scenario not remembering words.

I used SWOT analysis as a frame to my answer for the first question and used elements of PESTEL for opportunities and threats and financial analysis for strenghts and weaknesses. Didn’t mention five forces or diamond model in part b but concentrated on benefits and disadvantages of aqusition and subsequent franchise.
Question 3 was asking about the details of the project last phase. I think that little knowledge and common sense shoudl be sufficient.
To be frank we could spend another two hours to properly analyse the questions and implement every suitable model. Hopefully, I will pass.

@tzxsean said:
how severe will I be penalised if I just use SWOT to analyse 1a) ?

regardless of whether it is the correct model to be used or not

the examiner asked for frameworkS or modelS

You will be fine mate, the plural is just acknowledging the fact that a few models could be used. Its the meat of what your answer which will get you that marks, not SWOT or PESTEL etc headings. I used SWOT, but to do that I had to suggest factors which are covered in PESTEL. As long as you analysed, the tool you use is irrelevant. I often think the tool is there mostly for people without decent analytical skills (me included), as the headings are simply gateways to getting your idea down.

I am hoping for a pass, answered all questions sensibly enough but perhaps lacking in detail. I studied hard, so I know that I will not be letting myself down in that regard and if I need a resit its not through lack of effort.