1. a) Porter (2008) and Kim and Mauborgne (2004) offer two differing

views of the external business environment: Red Oceans and Blue

Oceans. With reference to key authors and using examples,

compare and contrast the two theoretical viewpoints.

  1. b) Using examples and support from wider reading, discuss the threat

of substitutes in the UK supermarket retail sector, and what major

companies in this industry are doing to deal with this competitive

force.

  1. a) Managers can change an organisation’s strategy through

revolutionary change, which consists of radical, comprehensive,

and dramatic changes. With reference to theory and practice,

critically discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this approach.

  1. b) An organisation’s cultural heritage can offer a unique advantage or

become a significant barrier to change. Using Johnson’s (2008)

Cultural Web framework, plus specific examples and support from

wider reading, critically discuss the impact of company culture in

the UK higher education sector (e.g. universities) on strategic

change in these organisations.