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Case Scenario 2: Palmetto

question 17

Multiple Choice

Case Scenario 2: Palmetto.
Palmetto was an early pioneer of personal data assistants (PDAs) and dominates that market space (in terms of market share) with its core product, the Palmetto Pidgy. Because this product category was entirely new to the market, Palmetto had to internally develop the hardware and software sides of the business, and today is both a manufacturer of PDAs and a programmer and licensor of its PDA operating system software. Recently however, the hand-held device maker's performance has taken a dive as a result of slumping sales and costly inventory problems. Palmetto has also had difficulty coordinating its software and hardware businesses, in part due to the near absence of a coherent structure and the differing economics underlying the two. Specifically, hardware for PDAs is increasingly a cost-based business, while software is a highly differentiated one. While Palmetto is doing pretty well in both businesses, its own resource base does not allow it to compete any differently than that proscribed for other industry participants (i.e., competes on cost with hardware and features with software) . In addition to these fundamental differences, new large entrants are entering both the equipment (e.g., Sony) and software (e.g., Microsoft) sides of its business, putting further pressure on margins. Management has decided that it is unable to focus on the complexities of each of these businesses so it is opting to break Palmetto into two separate, independent public companies - Pal, Inc. will be devoted to hardware and Mettolink, Inc. will be devoted to software.
-(Refer to Case Scenario 2) All of the following structural characteristics are important to implementing Mettolink's strategy EXCEPT

Definitions:

Opportunity Cost

The cost associated with the best foregone choice because of a decision.

Machinery

A category of physical hardware used in the production process, including tools, engines, and devices that perform various tasks.

Sweaters

Knitted garments intended to cover the torso and arms, providing warmth and fashioned from materials like wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.

Comparative Advantage

The ability of a country, company, or individual to produce a particular good or service at a lower opportunity cost than others, leading to more efficient trade and production.