Strategy Framework Application and Tools

STRATEGY FRAMEWORK ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This service covers an assessment of the strategic issue or question at hand with a recommendation of the specific frameworks best suited to uncover and target the crux of the issue and result in actionable plans. The primary objectives of the analysis are to uncover clear recommendations and build strategies that will strengthen competitive positioning and further carve out distinctive competencies to enhance market success.

Although specific projects will call for framework modification to increase the relevance of results, typical frameworks employed in this type of analysis can include:

3 C's Model - Corporation, customer, competition (Kenichi Ohmae)

7-S Framework - Strategy, structure, systems, style, staff, skills and shared values (McKinsey)

ADL Portfolio Management Matrix - Assessment of industry life cycle stage (embryonic to aging) and business unit strength (weak to dominant) analyzing the existence and strength of collective rivals, pricing factors, characteristics of customers, quality, availability of substitutes, and divestment paths to determine strategy (i.e., push for share growth, hold position, turnaround, abandon, etc...) (Arthur D. Little)

Balanced Scorecard (Strategy Maps) - Aids in strategy implementation by assessing impact and feasibility from financial, customer, business process, and learning & growth perspectives (Kaplan/Norton)

BCG Matrix - Portfolio management tool based on market share, market growth and product life cycle theory (Boston Consulting Group)

Benchmark Studies - Comparison process to measure how well a product, division, or company is doing compared to others in the comparison set.

Blue Ocean Strategy - The study and determination of how to build uncontested market space that distances a product or firm from existing competition to alter, expand or create new market playing fields (Kim and Mouborgne)

Co-opetition Theory (Value Net) - A game theory derivative to uncover both win-win and win-lose partnership strategies to shape the strategic playing field; assesses customers, competitors, complementors, and suppliers (Brandenburger and NaIebuff)

Disruptive Innovation Model - Predicting and planning for the impact of revolutionary technological change on a firm's products or processes (Clayton Christensen)

Distinctive Capabilities Model - Assessment of a firm's or division's architecture, reputation and innovation as it relates to creating distinctive market strengths and competitive advantage (John Kay)

Extended Marketing Mix (7 P's) - Product, pricing, distribution (place), promotion, people, process, and physical evidence (Booms and Bitner)

Five Forces Model - Analysis of competitive forces to guide strategic decisions: Ease of market entry, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of buyers, supplier power, extent/potency of competitive rivalry (Michael Porter)

Innovation Adoption Curve - Analysis to determine what segments are more open to adopting new technologies and when (Everett Rogers)

Mind Mapping - Creative brainstorming tool to collect and consolidate seemingly unrelated concepts into cohesive strategies

PEST Analysis (Environmental Scanning) - Assessment of the impact of current and anticipated political, economic, social and technological factors on a firm's or strategic initiative's success

Product/Market Grid - Used to determine business growth opportunities and establish strategies for market penetration, market development, product development, and diversification (Igor Ansoff)

SWOT Analysis - Assessment of known and potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to formulate a clear strategic direction and predict actions taken by competitors

Expected results:

Detailed report on collected data and findings

Recommendations that align strategies and plan elements with findings to clarify direction and set targets

Consulting Group