Burgmaster Corp. was a successful LA-based machine-tool maker. It made a significant contribution to the local economy in the 1960s. However, new entrants into the machine-tool making industry reduced Burgmaster’s market share in the 1980s. Burgmaster’s problems were exacerbated, when LBO’s became a popular tool for speculators. At the end, Burgmaster could no longer compete. Burgmaster was forced to shut down.  1. Burgmaster was severely affected by external factors making it extremely difficult to create a profitable business in the 1980s. There were two external factors that contributed to the demise of Burgmaster. First of all, the unexpected surge of Japanese products in the American market caught many businesspeople unprepared. Japanese firms were able to provide American consumers with high-quality and low-cost products. These products were strategically positioned to eat into the market share that was supposed to be under the control of U.S. based companies like Burgmaster. In addition, U.S. policies made it extremely attractive for speculators to initiate LBOs. In the beginning it made money for many speculators. However, the LBOs created unnecessary pressure for U.S. based companies like Burgmaster to generate cash flow, and LBO’s compelled business leaders to cut corners in order to appear profitable. With regards to internal factors, Burgmaster’s corporate leaders became complacent after they experienced tremendous success in the 1960s.  2. Inadequate strategic planning was a major factor that contributed to the demise of Burgmaster. The appropriate application of strategic planning skills would have enabled corporate leaders to understand the threat posed by Japanese products that invaded the American market during that time period.  3. Burgmaster had a fighting chance if corporate leaders were able to develop an effective supply chain strategy. Burgmaster should have worked closely with suppliers and customers in order to develop a cost-efficient supply chain. As a result they could have lowered their operating costs. Burgmaster does not have to lower the price of its products. However, the company should work closely with its customers to develop products that are best suited to client’s needs. As a result, Burgmaster would have benefited from stronger brand loyalty. Home-Style Cookies Home-Style Cookies is a New York-based baking company. It is a small company with fewer than 200 blue-collar workers. It produces only one type of product sold in different variants. The company sells soft cookies. Competitors like Nabisco, Sunshine, and Keebler produce crisp cookies. They are able to accomplish this feat by using a baking technique that forces most of the water out. The company utilizes a combination of automated and manual processes to produce home-style cookies. There were a number of suggestions made to improve the cost-efficiency of the production process. However, the owners are reluctant to entertain new strategies because of concerns that these may have a negative effect on the quality of the cookies. In addition, some of the suggestions made were rejected on account of corporate social responsibility.  1. Due to the absence of