Discuss the overall theory of strategy
1. Introduction
Discuss the overall theory of strategy and introduce the concepts of strategic thrusts, the role of SBU’s within a business, portfolio tools and strategic development tools.
Then introduce the organization that you will be discussing.
2. Market Strategy
Introduce the SBU and its product offering. Here you should address the relative strength of the SBU applying the theory based on industry maturity and competitive positioning. SBU’s are product/service driven business units of an organisation.
Select and discuss the product/market strategy based on:
• Operational excellence
• Product leadership
• Customer intimacy
It could be a combination of these approaches – consider core and supporting strategies.
3. Portfolio Analysis
Discussing the merits of using portfolio tools eg PLC, BCG – address where your SBU sits within this framework. I would suggest applying a BCG matrix. You can graphically present this but you also need to discuss why the SBU is a dog, star, cash cow or question mark. You must give a rationale around this.
4. Strategic Development Tools
Here you will discuss the merits of using these tools as part of a strategic approach. You do not need to demonstrate how you would implement these tools but why would an organization needs to consider them in light of the SBU and how they contribute to strategic planning processes.
5. Summary
Here you validate your application above. Consider writing a few paragraphs noting why such approaches above are important to the strategic planning and implementation process. For example it contributes to measuring strategic performance, achieving strategic planning effectiveness etc.
