Introduction to Strategic Management
Original descriptive practice: 30 saved, 3 at 3 marks, 21 at 5 and 6 at 10. Management, strategy and its proactive/reactive mix; importance and limitations; intent, vision, mission, objectives and values; corporate/business/functional roles and relationship networks. Original applied practice, not ICAI questions or official marking schemes. Native tables scroll on phones. Original preparation is not a live or complete official question bank.
Boundaries: Page 19 uses future-oriented mission language, unlike the present-scope distinction on pages 14/17. Page 27 uses loose manager labels; decision scope governs classification. Historical company examples are not current verified claims. No strategy or relationship network guarantees success.
SM-C01-D001 · 3 marks
Mira says management means only the directors. A plant supervisor plans work, assigns staff and checks defects. Explain the two uses of management and apply them. (3 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 3SM-C01-D002 · 5 marks
A repair firm buys software and tools but leaves workers untrained and dispatch uncoordinated. Explain how management can turn these resources into a functioning whole. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 3SM-C01-D003 · 5 marks
A board announces double sales but gives no customer choice, investment path or competitive plan. Explain what is missing from a strategy. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 4SM-C01-D004 · 5 marks
After a port closes unexpectedly, Atlas replaces a planned export route while keeping its chosen customer segment. Does the change prove it has no strategy? Explain. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 5SM-C01-D005 · 10 marks
A bakery group planned a low-sugar line, continues a successful subscription model, cancels an uneconomic kiosk and adds home delivery after an unexpected local closure. Analyse its actual strategy and justify how it should review these choices. (10 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 6SM-C01-D006 · 3 marks
A hospital supplier studies possible future stock disruptions and signs backup agreements before any disruption. Another changes vendors only after an unanticipated shutdown. Classify the two actions and state the limit. (3 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 6SM-C01-D007 · 5 marks
A tutoring firm writes a vision and stops. Results weaken, but managers say strategy is finished. Explain the process steps that remain. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 8SM-C01-D008 · 5 marks
A clinic claims a colourful logo is its advantage, while patients value appointment reliability. Explain how strategic management can guide a better advantage without promising it will always win. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 8SM-C01-D009 · 5 marks
A small furniture workshop plans market choice, machine investment and staff training separately. Apply five benefits of strategic management to improve their coordination. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 9SM-C01-D010 · 10 marks
Reed Bookshops faces unexpected digital competition. Its owner proposes either an expensive six-month planning exercise or abandoning all strategy. Advise a proportionate approach, applying benefits and all four main limitations. (10 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 11SM-C01-D011 · 5 marks
A firm makes its premises accessible because equal access is a stated value. A manager says the decision is worthless unless it beats rivals. Assess this claim. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 11SM-C01-D012 · 3 marks
A startup repeatedly rewrites its plan but ships nothing. Identify the limitation and propose an action-oriented correction. (3 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 11SM-C01-D013 · 5 marks
Clearwater Foods states that it exists to provide affordable meals, and that it will never hide ingredients. Distinguish intent and values without ranking them as interchangeable concepts. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 23SM-C01-D014 · 5 marks
A learning company writes: We aim to be the trusted regional learning partner in five years; today we provide affordable evening courses for working adults using local tutors. Identify vision and mission and explain the distinction. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 14SM-C01-D015 · 10 marks
Larch Mobility currently repairs commuter bicycles through neighbourhood workshops and trained mechanics. It wants to become the region's most trusted affordable bicycle-service network by 2031. Honesty and safe repairs are non-negotiable. The fictional case supplies an illustrative 12-month plan targets reducing average repair turnaround from 3 days to 2 and reducing verified repeat defects from 4% to 2%, with the same agreed denominators. Draft vision, mission and these two measurable objectives, then explain alignment and constraints. (10 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 16SM-C01-D016 · 5 marks
A textile firm's proposed mission says: We do everything for everyone, perfectly, forever. Its actual business is durable uniforms for schools using local production. Evaluate and rewrite it. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 17SM-C01-D017 · 5 marks
A ferry operator says its business is maintaining boats; passengers buy dependable cross-river travel. Explain production-oriented versus need-oriented definitions and the resource limit. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 19SM-C01-D018 · 5 marks
Elm Diagnostics grows across three sites with conflicting investment requests and task ownership. Apply five purposes of a mission statement. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 17SM-C01-D019 · 5 marks
A retailer uses goal and objective interchangeably. One statement says improve reach; another says serve 20 new towns by 31 March 2028. Explain the practical and conceptual distinction. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 19SM-C01-D020 · 10 marks
Orion Training promises market leadership soon, doubles enrolment targets without tutors, rewards only signups and ignores completion complaints. Redesign a coherent objective set and explain how it guides appraisal. (10 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 20SM-C01-D021 · 5 marks
A manufacturer aims to double sales over five years, but says annual targets are unnecessary until year four. Explain milestones and the case in which short/long targets could coincide. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 21SM-C01-D022 · 5 marks
A board monitors only profit and dismisses staff capability, relationships and public responsibility. Apply the chapter's long-term objective areas to propose a broader dashboard. (5 marks)
Show answer and marking
Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 21SM-C01-D023 · 5 marks
A software firm claims integrity and accountability but hides an outage to protect this month's sales. Analyse the value conflict and a response consistent with its stated principles. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 22SM-C01-D024 · 5 marks
A group decides to enter healthcare. Its clinic division chooses a service model. The finance manager designs billing controls. Identify each strategic level and explain why job title alone is insufficient. (5 marks)
Responsibilities supplied in the case, not real company announcements.
Show answer and marking
Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 24SM-C01-D025 · 10 marks
Birch Group owns food and logistics divisions. The board considers acquiring a packaging company, divesting a weak operation and reallocating capital. A director wants to dictate every logistics route instead. Analyse the corporate role, shareholder link and need for business/functional input. (10 marks)
Show answer and marking
Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 25SM-C01-D026 · 5 marks
Harbour Group operates a transport unit with its own marketing, finance and operations. Its head translates group reliability goals into a chosen commuter service and pricing approach. Explain SBU/business-level responsibilities. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 25SM-C01-D027 · 5 marks
A purchasing manager warns that a new low-price product uses unreliable components. Senior managers say functions may execute orders but never help formulate strategy. Assess their position. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 26SM-C01-D028 · 5 marks
Vale has independent product divisions reporting through division heads; a small pilot team shares ideas with few hierarchy layers; a temporary launch team reports to both a project lead and its function managers. Identify all three networks and discuss fit. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 27SM-C01-D029 · 5 marks
A firm lets only its executive team make strategic choices while another invites frontline proposals for executive review. Compare top-down/bottom-up and recommend a case-sensitive balance. (5 marks)
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Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 27SM-C01-D030 · 10 marks
Juniper Services currently repairs household appliances through trained local teams. Its future aim is a trusted regional repair network by 2031; values are honest diagnosis and safe work. The board plans a second service business and capital allocation. The repair division chooses reliable scheduled service; its training head designs technician courses. Demand fell unexpectedly after a rival launched a remote diagnostic service, prompting Juniper to add remote triage; it retains its successful booking routine and abandons an uneconomic kiosk. Leaders want twice as many jobs within 18 months without measuring safe completion. Analyse strategic intent, actual strategy, levels, objectives and learning/structure needs. (10 marks)
Juniper case statements; labels are to be analysed, not given as answers.
Show answer and marking
Original indicative capped marking, not official ICAI scheme. For two-mark rows: one mark for the sound concept and one for specific case application/reasoning. Equivalent justified answers accepted; no duplicate credit. Source conflicts and historical-example limits are recorded.
Official concept source, PDF page 6