1.Nike’s Core Competency: The Risky Business of Fairy TalesThe MiniCase indicates that Nike’s core competency is to create heroes. How did Nike build itscore competency? Does it obey the VRIO attributes (valuable, rare, inimitable, and organizedto capture value based on the resource-based view of the firm)?2.Walmart and the Effects of GlobalizationHow have changes in the industry and the effects of globalization impacted Walmart’s ability tosuccessfully compete? List and describe two factors that are negatively impacting Walmart.3.The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Apple vs. MicrosoftHow much longer do you think Apple can sustain its competitive advantage (not just overMicrosoft, but in general)? Explain.4.Does Twitter Have a Strategy?Why is a good strategy so important, especially at high-tech startups like Twitter? Why iscrafting a good strategy at Twitter so difficult? What are some of the pitfalls that a CEO of acompany such as Twitter needs to watch out for when crafting and implementing a strategy?5.Mitigating Risk and UncertaintyConsider the six techniques Robinson (2007) describes that are used to mitigate risk anduncertainty. Using an organization with which you are familiar, discuss examples from thatorganization in which at least two techniques either were followed or should have beenfollowed. Explain how the handling of risk mitigation or uncertainty could have been improved.6.Organic Growth MachineFavaro, Meer, and Sharma (2012) discuss four rules for turning an organization into an organicgrowth machine. Explain what behaviors in an organization with which you are familiar could bechanged to more successfully apply these rules.7.Strategic AlliancesUnder what circumstances should an organization seek a strategic alliance? How have themotivations for strategic acquisitions changed over time and how do those changes affect(potential) M&Adecisions made by an organization with which you are familiar?8.Ambidextrous BehaviorDefine the term “ambidextrous organization.” Provide a real life example of an organization thatdisplays ambidextrous behavior. Explain your rationale.9.Shareholders, Employees, or Customers First?One of Simons’ (2010) questions asks you to determine whether the organization’sshareholders, employees, or customers come first. Consider which comes first in anorganization with which you’re familiar. Discuss the specific behaviors exhibited by theorganization as a result of that choice, and consider how that choice might affect strategicperformance and employee retention.