*** P3 December 2012 Exam *** Instant Poll and comments***

I think first question should be using BCG matrix to analyse because market share and market growth rate are available…Ashridge Matrix seem to be more appropriate on the fittness between SBU and parent…For contribution,the question asking what can the SBU contribute to parent(not the other way around)..Can anyone verify this for me?
For Question Two and Three,i agree with ekaterinapo1983.

paper was fair,

JUNE 2013 it is then, Ok

I used BCG too 🙂 i forgot abt the ashrige matrix 🙂

Ya… i realised that too.It,s true…But i have categorised them in this way
1-cash cow 2-dog 3-star and 4-question mark(guess i am tricked by the comparative data)…Maybe Ashridge is more suitable for the question…Anyone use ashridge ?Can anyone explain to me how to assess contribution from SBU to parent using Ashridge?

Ooppss! Dis sux 🙂

1q: (a) BCG – could be supported by lifecycle product framework (for evaluation of future contribution) (First – cash cow, Second – dog, Third and last – Problem child) (b) time, scope, readiness, capability if strategic change to be introduced – I think key was to relate to scenario and give examples from it (eg people not keen on another change in short time after stability introduced after outsourcing)
2q:(a) PESTEL – in my opinion the most helpful for structuring the answer(many things in scenario) , Mendelow rather not – as question was rather on strategic postion analysis not analysis of stakeholders (b) How to develop website – thing using survey hints was enough (at least 5 easy points for at least 1,5 -2 marks)
3q not solved
4q (a) decision tree and its limitations
(b) other things to consider when procuring software
(c) risks mitigation/avoidance – rather giving own ideas than specific theory
Last easy, but time management :(………and not finished a and b for
4q

q1. i) i have not used any model for q1 as i found it difficult to put under any specific model but answered performance and future contributions fairly.. will i loose any mark for not using any models?
ii) not enough information found for time , scope , readiness and capability.. what u guys have written?
iii) bench marking was ok
q2. i) i used PESTEL and Strength and weaknesses
ii) this part i have written mostly from the website visitors problem.. hope ok..
q3. i started when only 5 mins left..
i) defined franchise with 2 adv and 2disadv..

so all in all answered only 80… so im in real doubt.. but hope to get pass any how.. is it possible?

@koscil said:
1q: (a) BCG – could be supported by lifecycle product framework (for evaluation of future contribution) (First – cash cow, Second – dog, Third and last – Problem child) (b) time, scope, readiness, capability if strategic change to be introduced – I think key was to relate to scenario and give examples from it (eg people not keen on another change in short time after stability introduced after outsourcing)
2q:(a) PESTEL – in my opinion the most helpful for structuring the answer(many things in scenario) , Mendelow rather not – as question was rather on strategic postion analysis not analysis of stakeholders (b) How to develop website – thing using survey hints was enough (at least 5 easy points for at least 1,5 -2 marks)
3q not solved
4q (a) decision tree and its limitations
(b) other things to consider when procuring software
(c) risks mitigation/avoidance – rather giving own ideas than specific theory
Last easy, but time management :(………and not finished a and b for
4q

Lifecycle…hmm another approach to the question…*marking down…good good…:)

Paper wasn’t difficult. But my preparation was poor. Wrote lot of stuff unassociated. I think more I failed than passed.
q4 was best for me, did the decision tree and concluded to buy from Topaz.
Advantages -disadvantages – pretty easy.
q1 – I calculated the market share, profit margins – made some conclusions but didn’t realize it was BCG matrix 🙁 how much do I lose for not calling these companies stars, cows, and dogs? Lol it was quite easy, damn!!!!
was benchmarking in this question? I wrote the types if benchmarking ( enternal, external, best practice) and advantages and disadvantages. What else was in (b) question?
Q2 was it pestle??? I could hardly apply i it think I was wrong. What was political part? And how should have we refer to stakeholders expectations? Made as many recommendations as I could find for website development.

1a) BCG matrix- Cash Cow (Harvest), Cash Dog (Build) and Star. (Build and sustain). Last company used non financial indicators for performance measurement. I reckon it was the Balanced scorecard approach cos it had KPI such as customer satisfaction.
1b) Contextual features of change – Kaleidoscope of change by Balogun and Hope Hailey. Reference is made to the case study regarding time, scope, readiness and capacity.
1c) Benchmarking- Advantages vs Disadvantages.

2a) Used Mendelow’s Power Interest matrix, PESTEL and resource audit (Physical, Human Resource, Intangible and Financial) for strategic analysis.
2b) Redesigning website- Reduce static data, create a forum for interaction, partner with search engines to shorten the website by including key references, alert customers on availability of exhibition. Include weather forecast in the website to predict weather change.

3a) Advantages vs disadvantages of franchising.
3b) Other strategic alliance options- Eg licensing and joint venture. Used Suitability, Acceptability and Feasibility to evaluate. Eventually went with licensing.
3c) Screwed up as didn’t understand what the question was asking.

Far too time pressured… Q2 part b made no sense to me at all – not hopeful of a pass 🙁