Week 12 Reading Reflection

1)    What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

The information presented in the section “How outsourcing can lead to increased competition” was very interesting to me.  I found it be a little alarming that the same foreign manufacturers we are outsourcing too are now redeveloping our products for a cheaper cost.

2)    Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I found the information on strategic positioning to be confusing.  How do firms determine which position would suit them best?

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

Question #1- Strategic Management seems to depend heavily on a thorough and accurate SWOT analysis.  How can an entrepreneur ensure that their analysis is truly accurate so that they do not manage ineffectively?

Question #2- Do you see the increase in outsourcing of manufacturing with the increase in foreign direct selling as a byproduct of industrial espionage?  Are these foreign manufacturers stealing our products and re-manufacturing them as theirs?

4)    Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I did not disagree or find the author to be incorrect in any of the information presented.  I would have liked to see more information presented regarding how outsourcing can lead to increased competition.