Task 1 - 54 Marks (approx. 4500 words) To identify a company''s strategy there are a number of business actions & amp;amp; approaches to look for that, taken together, form a pattern that defines the strategy. These indicators of strategy include actions to: 1. gain sales & amp;amp; market share (via lower prices, improved quality etc.) 2. respond to changing market conditions & amp;amp; other external circumstances 3. enter new geographic or product markets or exit existing ones 4. merge with or acquire rival companies 5. form strategic alliances & amp;amp; collaborative partnerships 6. pursue new market opportunities & amp;amp; defend against threats to the company''s well-being 7. manage research & amp;amp; development, production, sales & amp;amp; marketing & amp;amp; other key funtions 8. strengthen competitive capabilities & amp;amp; correct competitive weaknesses 9. diversify the company''s revenues & amp;amp; earnings by entering new businesses Using ALL of these indicators of strategy, review the Starbucks case study and: 1. identify what actions have been taken (or NOT taken) at different points in Starbucks development. 2. state the business reasons for taking or NOT taking such actions. 3. comment on the business effectiveness or otherwise of those actions. (6 marks are awarded for each action addressed, upto a max of 54 marks) Task 2 - 16 Marks A) Briefly define Starbucks strategy for growth in 2004, based on the pattern of actions you have reviewed above. (approx. 500 words) B) Form the case study, select TWO operational competencies that Starbucks has developed into important organizational strengths, & amp;amp; explain how they contribute to a sustainable competitive advantage. (approx. 1000 words) Task 3 - 20 Marks (approx. 2000 words) In the U.S., Starbucks only allows company-owned stores to operate, whereas in overseas markets Starbucks is willing to license local companies to operate Starbucks outlets. Discuss why Starbucks foreign markets strategy is different from that for the USA. In the discussion, describe the competitive strengths that both Starbucks & amp;amp; local licensees bring to their working relationships. Task 4 - 10 Marks Answering into one document, with: - Table of Contents - Reference List - Appendices - Bibliography