Use the discussion questions to engage further with the text – form debates with friends or formulate essay questions using them to open up new avenues of learning and help with revision.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of internal growth as opposed to growth through mergers and acquisitions?

2. Why would management adopt a stability strategy? Can stability strategies be viable over a lengthy period of time? Why or why not?

3. When is a retrenchment strategy appropriate? What criteria can help determine what particular retrenchment strategy should be used?

4. How should the BCG matrix be applied? Are such portfolios always useful to corporate executives?

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with corporations operating in centralized or decentralized fashions?

6. What factors should a firm’s managers consider when determining the degree of international involvement appropriate for the organization?