1.
Which of the following is not a potential limitation of the five-forces framework?
Correct Answer
D. The framework provides a structured way to systematically work through wide-ranging and often complex issues
Explanation
The given answer states that the five-forces framework provides a structured way to systematically work through wide-ranging and often complex issues. This means that the framework helps in organizing and analyzing various factors that may affect a business or industry. It suggests that the framework is a useful tool for understanding and evaluating competitive forces.
2.
Which of the following is not a part of five-forces framework?
Correct Answer
C. Regulation
Explanation
The five-forces framework, developed by Michael Porter, is a tool used to analyze the competitive environment of an industry. It includes five key forces that shape the industry's profitability. These forces are supplier power, buyer power, substitutes and complements, internal rivalry, and barriers to entry. Regulation, although important in shaping the business environment, is not considered one of the five forces in Porter's framework. It is not directly related to the competitive dynamics within an industry.
3.
Which of the following conditions does not tend to heat up price competition?
Correct Answer
B. Products are differentiated/buyers have high switching costs
Explanation
When products are differentiated and buyers have high switching costs, it creates a situation where customers are less likely to switch between different brands or products. This reduces the intensity of price competition as buyers are more focused on the unique features or benefits offered by a particular product rather than its price. Therefore, this condition does not tend to heat up price competition.
4.
In which of the following ways can entry erode incumbents' profits?
Correct Answer
B. Entrants decrease market concentration
Explanation
Entrants decrease market concentration by introducing new competitors into the market. This means that there are more sellers competing for the same market demand, which can lead to a decrease in market share and profits for the incumbents. With more options available to consumers, incumbents may have to lower their prices or improve their products to remain competitive, thereby eroding their profits.
5.
Which of the following does not tend to affect the threat of entry?
Correct Answer
A. Expectations about pre-entry competition
Explanation
Expectations about pre-entry competition do not tend to affect the threat of entry. This means that even if there are high expectations of competition from potential entrants, it does not necessarily impact the likelihood of new firms entering the market. Factors such as government protection of incumbents, consumer loyalty, experience curve, and network externalities are more likely to influence the threat of entry.
6.
Which of the following factors should be considered when assessing complements and substitutes?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
When assessing complements and substitutes, all of the factors mentioned should be considered. The availability of close substitutes and/or complements is important as it determines the level of competition and potential alternatives for consumers. The price-value characteristics of substitutes/complements are also crucial as they influence consumer preferences and purchasing decisions. Additionally, the price elasticity of industry demand should be taken into account as it indicates the responsiveness of demand to changes in price. Therefore, all of these factors play a significant role in assessing complements and substitutes.
7.
Why are suppliers in a competitive upstream market said to have “indirect power”?
Correct Answer
E. The can sell their services to the highest bidder
Explanation
Suppliers in a competitive upstream market are said to have "indirect power" because they have the ability to sell their services to the highest bidder. This means that suppliers have the advantage of being able to choose who they sell to based on who is willing to pay the most for their services. This gives them a certain level of control and influence in the market, as they can dictate the terms of the transaction and potentially drive up prices.
8.
What term refers to the ability of individual customers to negotiate purchase prices that extract profits from sellers?
Correct Answer
E. Buyer power
Explanation
Buyer power refers to the ability of individual customers to negotiate purchase prices that extract profits from sellers. This means that buyers have the leverage to demand lower prices or better terms from sellers, which can reduce the seller's profit margin. This power is often influenced by factors such as the availability of alternative suppliers, the size and importance of the buyer, and the competitiveness of the market.
9.
Which of the following factors requires the least consideration when assessing supplier power relative to the downstream industry it sells to?
Correct Answer
A. Competitiveness of the output market
Explanation
The competitiveness of the output market requires the least consideration when assessing supplier power relative to the downstream industry it sells to. This means that the level of competition among the buyers in the market where the supplier sells its products or services is not a significant factor in determining the supplier's power. Other factors such as the purchase volume of downstream firms, availability of substitute inputs, threat of forward integration by suppliers, and ability of suppliers to price discriminate are more important in assessing supplier power.
10.
What concept developed by Brandenburger and Nalebuff as a counterpart to Porters' five-forces consists of suppliers, customers, competitors and complementors?
Correct Answer
B. Value net
Explanation
The concept developed by Brandenburger and Nalebuff as a counterpart to Porter's five-forces is called the Value Net. This concept considers not only suppliers, customers, and competitors but also complementors. Complementors are companies that provide complementary products or services that enhance the value of the main product or service. The Value Net framework helps analyze and understand the interdependencies and relationships among these four key players in a market.
11.
Which of the following is not a factor that could intensify internal rivalry in the Chicago hospital market?
Correct Answer
C. Relatively small number of doctors
Explanation
A relatively small number of doctors would not intensify internal rivalry in the Chicago hospital market because it would mean there is less competition among doctors for patients. With fewer doctors, each doctor would have a larger patient pool, reducing the need for aggressive competition. This factor would actually decrease internal rivalry rather than intensify it.
12.
Which of the following is not a feature of selective contracting (used by Managed Care Organizations) that intensified internal rivalry?
Correct Answer
D. Contracted with hospitals that patients were most loyal to
Explanation
Selective contracting, used by Managed Care Organizations, intensifies internal rivalry by creating pressure for hospitals to win each individual contract with no thought of future consequences. This feature does not include contracting with hospitals that patients were most loyal to, as this would not necessarily create internal rivalry among hospitals.
13.
Which of the following trends or methods has since helped reduce the pricing rivalry that had intensified by the late 1990s?
Correct Answer
E. Hospitals consolidated (conducted mergers)
Explanation
Hospitals consolidated (conducted mergers) is the correct answer because when hospitals merge or consolidate, it reduces competition in the market. This consolidation helps to reduce pricing rivalry as it leads to fewer hospitals in the market, giving them more negotiating power with insurance companies and reducing the need for intense price competition.
14.
What type of entrant would be described as a new entrant with no current brand identity, distribution channels or presence within an industry?
Correct Answer
E. De novo
Explanation
A de novo entrant refers to a new player in the industry who has no existing brand identity, distribution channels, or presence. They are starting from scratch and have to establish themselves in the market. This term is commonly used in the legal and financial sectors to describe a new bank or a new law firm, for example.
15.
Which of the following is generally thought of as a buyer in the hospital industry?
Correct Answer
D. Patients
Explanation
Patients are generally thought of as buyers in the hospital industry because they are the ones who receive and pay for the healthcare services provided by hospitals. They have the power to make decisions about their treatment options and choose which hospital or healthcare provider to go to. Patients also have the ability to influence the demand for certain healthcare services and products, making them an important stakeholder in the hospital industry.
16.
Which of the following is generally thought of as a supplier in the hospital industry?
Correct Answer
C. Hospital-based physician
Explanation
Hospital-based physicians are generally thought of as suppliers in the hospital industry. These physicians work within the hospital setting and provide medical services to patients who are admitted to the hospital. They play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and ensuring the overall quality of patient care. Their services are billed separately from the hospital's services and are often reimbursed by insurance companies or government programs like Medicare.
17.
Which of the following is a trend that Chicago area hospitals should least likely be worried about with respect to pricing?
Correct Answer
B. There has been considerable consolidation (hospital mergers) in regional submarkets, including the city of Chicago and the important North Shore suburbs
Explanation
The trend of hospital mergers and consolidation in the Chicago area is least likely to be a concern for pricing because it can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings. When hospitals merge, they can streamline operations, eliminate redundancies, and negotiate better contracts with suppliers, which can help reduce costs. Additionally, larger hospital systems may have more bargaining power with insurers, allowing them to negotiate better reimbursement rates. Therefore, this trend is unlikely to negatively impact pricing for Chicago area hospitals.
18.
How did European governments help Airbus aggressively pursue a 50% market share in its early years of operation?
Correct Answer
A. Subsidies
Explanation
European governments helped Airbus aggressively pursue a 50% market share in its early years of operation by providing subsidies. These subsidies would have provided financial support and incentives to Airbus, allowing them to lower their costs and offer competitive prices in the market. This would have given Airbus an advantage over its competitors and helped them to gain a larger market share.
19.
Which of the following is not a significant entry barrier in the commercial airframe manufacturing market?
Correct Answer
C. Raw materials and labor
Explanation
Raw materials and labor are not significant entry barriers in the commercial airframe manufacturing market because they are readily available and can be sourced from various suppliers. High development costs, learning curve in production, airlines preferring to purchase from the same manufacturer, and airlines being reluctant to purchase from startups are all significant barriers that can limit new entrants in the market.
20.
Which of the following is the most likely substitute for commercial aircraft travel between Chicago and Tokyo?
Correct Answer
B. Teleconferencing
Explanation
Teleconferencing is the most likely substitute for commercial aircraft travel between Chicago and Tokyo because it allows for virtual meetings and communication without the need for physical travel. This technology enables individuals from different locations to connect and interact in real-time, making it a convenient and efficient alternative to air travel for business meetings and collaborations. Additionally, teleconferencing reduces costs, saves time, and minimizes environmental impact by eliminating the need for long-distance flights.
21.
What entity as a supplier has the most substantial power over manufacturers in the commercial aircraft market?
Correct Answer
D. Unions
Explanation
Unions have the most substantial power over manufacturers in the commercial aircraft market. Unions represent the collective interests of the workers and have the ability to negotiate for better wages, working conditions, and benefits. They can also organize strikes or other forms of industrial action, which can disrupt the manufacturing process and impact the profitability of manufacturers. Therefore, unions have significant leverage over manufacturers and can exert considerable power in shaping labor policies and practices in the commercial aircraft industry.
22.
Which of the following is not a way teams "collude" within professional sports markets?
Correct Answer
A. Agreeing on ticket prices
Explanation
Teams colluding on ticket prices would involve them agreeing to set prices at a certain level, which would eliminate competition and allow them to maximize their profits. This would be considered illegal and anti-competitive behavior, as it would restrict consumer choice and potentially lead to higher prices for fans. Therefore, agreeing on ticket prices is not a way teams collude within professional sports markets.
23.
Which of the following is not a barrier to entry in professional sports markets?
Correct Answer
E. Because the number of potential billionaire owners has risen dramatically, the purchase prices have dropped
Explanation
The given answer states that the rise in the number of potential billionaire owners has led to a decrease in purchase prices. This suggests that the availability of wealthy individuals who can afford to purchase professional sports franchises has increased, making it easier for new owners to enter the market. This does not act as a barrier to entry but rather facilitates it.
24.
What professional sports complement poses the biggest dilemma?
Correct Answer
C. Gambling
Explanation
Gambling poses the biggest dilemma in professional sports as it raises ethical concerns and can lead to various issues such as match-fixing, corruption, and addiction. It creates a conflict of interest for players and officials, compromising the integrity of the game. Additionally, it can have negative social consequences, including financial ruin for individuals and families. The influence of gambling on sports can undermine fair competition and tarnish the reputation of the industry.
25.
Who are the most powerful suppliers in professional sports?
Correct Answer
A. Players unions
Explanation
Players unions are considered the most powerful suppliers in professional sports because they represent the collective interests of the players and negotiate on their behalf with team owners and league management. Through collective bargaining agreements, players unions secure rights and benefits for athletes, such as fair wages, working conditions, and health and safety standards. They have the ability to organize strikes or lockouts, which can significantly impact the operations and financial success of professional sports leagues. Players unions hold considerable influence and play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of professional sports.