© The Open University of Hong Kong


MGT B399F
Management Policy and Strategy
Specimen Exam Paper



Important:
This specimen examination paper serves solely as an illustration of the types of questions which may
be contained in the examination. Students should not construe these questions as the actual examination
questions nor part of the actual examination paper. In addition, this specimen examination paper does
not purport to represent the complete scope or coverage of the course and the distribution of the topics
to be examined.






























MGT B399F Specimen Exam Paper Page 2 of 2
Answer ALL SIX QUESTIONS in the examination paper.


Question 1 (17 marks) (You are advised to use 20 mins to answer this question.)
Describe ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage for each of the generic strategies suggested
by Professor Michael Porter. Please illustrate your answers with real-life examples.

Question 2 (17 marks) (You are advised to use 20 mins to answer this question.)
Describe ANY TWO of Porter's five forces in detail in terms of how they currently impact
the distance learning programmes of The Open University of Hong Kong. For each specific
force you have chosen, explain whether it is more of a threat or more of an opportunity for the
University.

Question 3 (17 marks) (You are advised to use 20 mins to answer this question.)
Under what circumstances might it be the best to enter a new business area by acquisition?
Please illustrate your answers with real-life examples.

Question 4 (17 marks) (You are advised to use 20 mins to answer this question.)
How can a firm sustain its competitive advantage? Illustrate your answer with real-life
examples.

Question 5 (16 marks) (You are advised to use 20 mins to answer this question.)
Why is it important to analyze and understand the external and internal environments for
strategic success?

Question 6 (16 marks) (You are advised to use 20 mins to answer this question.)
Consider the case of a manufacturing firm that purchases subassemblies from a supplier, creates
a finished product, and then sells that product to a wholesale distributor. What advantages might
this firm gain from (i) forward integration and (ii) backward integration? Please illustrate your
answers with real-life examples.



[END OF EXAMINATION PAPER]