Which of the following is an example of an external influence that may cause a company to change its strategic direction? (A) The outsourcing of marketing (B) The decision to establish web-based ordering (C) The introduction of new management processes (D) The legislation of new environmental health policies - HSC - SSCE Business Studies - Question 6 - 2005 - Paper 1

1. Outsourcing of marketing (A) - This is a decision made internally by the company and does not represent an external influence.

2. Web-based ordering (B) - This decision indicates a strategic move by the company but is not an external influence; it is an internal decision.

3. New management processes (C) - Similar to the previous options, this is an internal change and does not reflect an external influence.

4. Legislation of new environmental health policies (D) - This is an external influence as it originates from government action and can significantly affect the strategic decisions of a company.

Given the evaluations, the correct answer is (D) The legislation of new environmental health policies, as it is a clear example of an external influence impacting a company's strategic direction.