1.) Describe Alexander the Great using the functions of Management.

Planning
Alexander had goals to stretch his empire from Macedonia all the way to the east and
to be the King of the then-known world. He planned to vanquish Persian Empire, led by
Darius, through his tactical advantages and brilliant strategies. After a victory over Persia, he
had goals to conquer Asia Minor, Issus, Egypt, Bactria and other regions in the east. He also
planned to use catapults, battering rams, and other siege engines to penetrate city walls.
Furthermore, he intended to conquer India and was eager to explore this easternmost
boarder of Asia. Alexanders plan to use his own guile and strategy of confusing and
deceiving his opponents were some of the reasons why he always win his bloody battles.

Organizing
Alexander led and reunited the Greek-city States into the Corinthian league that
would build a strong force throughout their battles. He had the most courageous officials
and influential commanders that would aid him as well. He was able to acquire obedience
and loyalty from his own countrymen. Also, he trained thousands of Asians and European to
serve in his army. In every battle, he divided his army so that his opponent would face a
nearly impossible decision of which group to confront once the fighting began.

Leading
During his major battles, Alexander kept on communicating to and motivating his
army to conquer their fears to be able to achieve their goals. He promised victory to his men
despite the fact that they were badly outnumbered. His soldiers were inspired by their
leaders words, bravery and military brilliance. Also, he stationed his own officials to make
sure that his colonies remained obediently aware of his authority. Alexander allowed the
governments he vanquished some measure of independence.

Controlling
To sustain independence for the people living in his conquered regions, Alexander
gave them the chance to live in freedom. During the conquest in India and after several
murderous battles, Alexander allowed some of his army to return home to see their families.
But there were still soldiers from Macedonia and other territories who stayed with him. He
appointed Macedonian satrap to maintain order in the unruly areas.
2.) What were the Mission and Vision of Alexander? Using SWOT Analysis, how did he
conquer the Persian Empire?

Alexanders Vision was to be the King of Asia, King of Babylon and King of the Four
Quarters of the World and to reach the end of the then-known world. His mission was to
reform his Greek empire and conquer the vast Persian Empire, Egypt, Asia Minor and other
areas in the East. To achieve his vision and retain his fathers hard-earned empire,
Alexander, during his leadership, united Greek city-states and led Corinthian League. He
elicited support and acceptance of his leadership from the other States of Greece. He also
established Macedonian colonies in the conquered regions.

SWOT Analysis of Alexander conquest in Persian Empire

Strengths
Alexander used his own style and ability for military strategy to create formations
which defeated the Persian Empire. There were the most influential and quick-minded
commanders who assisted Alexander in his conquest. Also, Macedonian army had welltrained cavalry, phalanx and superior weapons that defeated the Persians. Alexanders
expression of his courage and motivation to his warriors also contributed to his conquest in
Persian Empire.

Weaknesses
There were only forty thousand soldiers who fought to conquer the Persian Empire
and because of this, not all Alexanders comrades agreed to their kings plan and strategy of
attacking Persia. Also, some of his men had feared death and the probability of losing this
battle.

Opportunities
Alexander and his army had the ability to counter Persians tactical advantage by
commanding the soldiers to shift to the right to move Persian soldiers away to the flat field
and Darius took that bait. His opponents confusion of Alexanders guile and attack had
caused him victory in this conquest.

Threats
Persian Empires had hundreds of thousands soldiers which was far more than
Alexanders army. Darius, King of Persia, was prepared for the battle with all his army and
tactics, particularly the chariots the Persia had. As one of Persias preparations, the ground
of Persia was made even flatter which was perfect for the chariots.

3.) Using Strategic Management concept, what were the causes of Alexanders defeat in
India?
Alexander and his armys lack on efficient strategic planning and analysis led them to
defeat in India. Since they did not perform enough research before the battle, they had
limited knowledge about the Indias geography and the region itself. They were not able to
thoroughly analyze what would be the other possible scenarios and attacks of India and so,
they were unable to make the best strategic decisions. Like for an instance, Alexanders
army was threatened and their horses were terrified by a lot of war elephants India had and
because of Alexanders eagerness for victory, he had nearly let himself died in the said
battle. Though he had notable talent in military strategy, Alexander somehow failed to have
strategic leadership because he didnt clearly give his men a sense of direction. After
marching thousands of miles and achieving their official goal to invade Persian Empire,
some members of his army didnt certainly know how far they would go. They were
frightened and just wanted to return home to see their wives and children. As a result, some
of his soldiers left Alexander and he lost human resources which is essential in his
campaign.

4.) Why do you think Alexander was considered as one of the great strategists recorded in
History?
Alexander is a great strategist because of his success in all major battles he had.
Since he had the ability to formulate his own effective strategies, Alexander didn't lose too
much soldiers in every battle though he had fewer soldiers as compared to his opponents.
His military brilliance, notable acts and personal bravery inspired so much courage and
confidence in his men that they would do anything that Alexander told them. In a couple of
years, he was able to conquer most of the known world with an empire that stretched
thousands of miles from Macedonia in the west to India in the East. He was a military genius
who used tricks, cleverness and lateral thinking to defeat enormously superior forces.

Reference:
Marsico, K. (2009). Alexander the Great: Ancient King and Conqueror. Retrieved from
http://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Alexander_the_Great.html?id=0UaEUJFHzOMC&r
edir_esc=y