Influences on Strategy (AQA A Level Business): Flashcards

Exam code: 7132

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  • Define mission statement.

    A mission statement is a brief statement of a business's core purpose, explaining why it exists beyond simply making a profit.

  • What does a vision statement describe?

    A vision statement describes what the business aspires to become in the future. It gives the business a long-term sense of direction to aim towards.

  • Define values.

    Values are the principles and standards of behaviour that guide how a business operates and treats its stakeholders.

  • True or False?

    A mission statement adds value even when the business's behaviour does not reflect it.

    False.

    A mission that is not genuinely reflected in business behaviour can damage trust and reputation, as stakeholders may see it as insincere.

  • How can a clear mission improve staff motivation?

    Employees who believe in the mission may find their work more meaningful. This links to Herzberg's view that a sense of achievement and purpose is a genuine motivator, not just pay.

  • Values that are consistently upheld can strengthen a business's reputation and support charging _____ prices.

    Values that are consistently upheld can strengthen a business's reputation and support charging premium prices.

  • Define corporate objectives.

    Corporate objectives are the overall, business-wide goals set by senior management that guide the direction of every department.

  • In the SMART framework used by AQA, what does the A stand for?

    In the SMART framework, the A stands for Accountable.

  • True or False?

    Survival is a short-term objective that a business prioritises during difficult trading conditions.

    True.

    When trading conditions are difficult, survival becomes a short-term priority and is put ahead of profit or growth.

  • How does a mission differ from corporate objectives?

    The mission states why the business exists and who it serves. Corporate objectives translate that purpose into specific, measurable targets for the whole organisation.

  • Corporate ______ outlines how a firm will achieve its corporate objectives, allocating resources and choosing markets or products.

    Corporate strategy outlines how a firm will achieve its corporate objectives, allocating resources and choosing markets or products.

  • How do functional objectives differ from corporate objectives?

    Functional objectives are set by each department to deliver the strategy. They are shorter-term and more detailed than corporate goals.

  • Objectives create a _______ against which actual results can be measured.

    Objectives create a benchmark against which actual results can be measured.

  • How do objectives help to co-ordinate activity across a business?

    When every department works towards the same stated objective, decisions in each area are more likely to support one another rather than conflict.

  • Define SWOT analysis.

    SWOT analysis is an analytical tool used to identify a business's internal strengths and weaknesses and its external opportunities and threats.

  • How can a SWOT analysis help senior managers?

    It helps them understand the current business position and the future changes that may occur. This allows appropriate strategic decisions to be made.

  • Why does the quality of data affect the usefulness of a SWOT analysis?

    Data that is outdated, incomplete or biased can lead to flawed conclusions and ineffective decision-making.

  • True or False?

    A SWOT analysis needs regular updates to stay useful.

    True.

    Market conditions, technology and consumer preferences change over time, so regular updates and revisions are needed to keep the analysis useful.

  • Why is a superficial SWOT analysis less useful?

    A superficial analysis may overlook important factors or fail to capture the complexity of the business's environment.

  • Involving employees, customers, suppliers and industry experts in a SWOT analysis brings _____ perspectives, giving a broader understanding of the business.

    Involving employees, customers, suppliers and industry experts in a SWOT analysis brings diverse perspectives, giving a broader understanding of the business.

  • What must be decided before a SWOT analysis is compiled?

    The business must decide whether the whole business, a specific product or a new project is to be analysed.

  • Reviewing financial data and staff or customer feedback identifies real strengths and weaknesses rather than relying on _____.

    Reviewing financial data and staff or customer feedback identifies real strengths and weaknesses rather than relying on hunches.

  • How should a business identify its expected opportunities and threats?

    It should carefully review economic, social, technological and competitive trends.

  • How should SWOT findings be checked before the most important factors are chosen?

    The findings should be cross-checked with independent reports.

  • True or False?

    A loyal customer base is an example of an opportunity in a SWOT analysis.

    False.

    A loyal customer base is a strength, as it is part of what the business is already good at. Opportunities are external options the business may exploit to enjoy further success.

  • What is a threat in a SWOT analysis?

    A threat is a hazard with the potential to damage business performance, such as new competitors gaining market share or products becoming obsolete.

  • How should a business respond to each part of a completed SWOT analysis?

    Strengths should be harnessed and weaknesses eliminated. Opportunities should be seized and threats mitigated.

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