Week 3: Discussion Questions: Decision Making, Learning, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship 1. What is the difference between programmed and non-programmed decisions? 2. Why is non-programmed decision making an uncertain process? Value Chain Management: Functional Strategies for Competitive Advantage 3. Why innovation and product development are crucial components of the search for competitive advantage? 4. What are the main challenges in implementing a successful total quality management program? 5. What is efficiency, and what are some strategies managers can use to increase it? 6. Why is it important for managers to pay close attention to value chain management if they wish to be responsive to their customers? 7. What is innovation, and what are some strategies managers can use to develop successful new products? 8. Explain the role of functional strategy and value chain management in achieving superior quality, efficiency, innovation, and responsiveness to customers. 9. Describe what customers want, and explain why it is so important for managers to be responsive to their needs. 10. Explain why achieving superior quality is so important, and understand the challenges facing managers and organizations that seek to implement total quality management. 11. Explain why achieving superior efficiency is so important, and understand the different kinds of techniques that need to be employed to increase efficiency. 12. Differentiate between two forms of innovation, and explain why innovation and product development are crucial components of the search for competitive advantage.