MDCM, Inc. (A): IT Synchronization Strategy

Question no 1: Articulate a Corporate Strategy based on evidence from the case
Answer: MDCM used following corporate strategies to carry out its business globally:
Consolidation Strategy
MDCM Inc. used the consolidation strategy primarily by growing into the geographical areas such as US, France, UK etc. The company was aimed to serve the customers in a best way delivering quality products with absolute commitment. They made several acquisitions targeting the non US based companies that had competencies especially in contract manufacturing to help serve the local customers. Moreover, the company became more efficient by outsourcing all the inbound and outbound logistics, thus saving the cost and serving the customers in a better way. McMullen ensured that all the outsourcers hired were the ex-MDCM employees and had been a part of the logistics group for ensuring sincerity and efficiency at the same time.
Global Strategy
MDCM Inc. being a US based company globalized by acquiring firms in all the major regions of world other than US and started using the global strategy by making its first acquisition of a UK based company in 1987, and made more than 20 acquisitions till mid 1990’s.
E-Business Strategy
Keeping pace with the emerging global economy and the e-business trends MDCM felt serious flaws in its IT system. And to overcome the inaccurate forecasting, scheduling, inventory and supply chain problems and to make its business more cost effective it needed to modify its IT system. For the purpose Atkins made high level snapshots of the IT systems in the entire major departments of MDCM, and developed a solid proposal to make recommendations for the identified IT problems.
Question no 2: Define a set of business goals and high level IT objectives
Answer:
Business Goals:
The main goals of MDCM as defined in