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Strategy

What is strategy?
It is possible to define strategy as a plan of action to achieve short, middle and long term desired goals. Depending on the context, strategy meaning can change drastically. This strategy definition is not only applicable to business performance, but also in other fields.

What is strategy?
It is possible to define strategy as a plan of action to achieve short, middle and long term desired goals. Depending on the context, strategy meaning can change drastically. This strategy definition is not only applicable to business performance, but also in other fields.

What is strategy in business?

There are generally three hierarchical types of strategies in business. The corporate strategy defines the strategic goals of the overall company. The second type of strategy, the business strategy, establishes the strategic goals for a business unit. Functional strategies are the third type of strategy. A functional strategy is about the strategic goals to achieve the business goals, and to keep developing the functional area itself.

In business, it is possible to define strategy as a plan of action to achieve improvement goals in several aspects of an organization or company. Strategy can be used to for example improve profits, customer satisfaction and efficiency. In this use, strategy meaning a plan for improvement can be viewed. This shows that strategy is a versatile concept, even in the sole area of business.

How does strategy function?

Goals are important for organizations to determine the future direction of a company. A good strategy always stems from a thorough analysis of the company’s position in the market. This is where a company’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats, are incorporated in the strategy. A great example of a tool that assists in determining a strategy in this aspect is the SWOT analysis.

The usefulness of an effective strategy (importance) does not stop with providing direction for management and employees. In addition to its function as a North Star, strategy also plays an important role in the decision-making process. For organizations that have an adequate understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, the strategy helps managers decide where best to spend efforts and resources.

Tools to improve strategy

Today’s modern business and markets act on a planning from dynamic strategies. Companies and organizations need to have strategy to survive, save their market position and expand with new products and customers. Various tools exist to support this process. For example, the CAGE Distance Framework is used to identify important differences between countries that companies should take into account when developing the strategy. The McKinsey Three Horizons of Growth model helps companies avoid a gap between what a company wants to achieve in the future and where it is now in relation to its strategy.

A strategy charts the course of a business. There are many theories and methods that orient themselves towards the best one. It’s always about the best fit and the commitment that’s required to make it successful. An example of this are the 5 Ps of Strategy by Henry Mintzberg. Kenichi Ohmae’s 3C model focuses on the three key factors for success that must be balanced in the form of a strategic triangle.

All strategy tools are aimed at improvement of business performance. A strategy can be modeled after a tool, but the resulting strategic plan should still suit the business. Every business or organization has a unique identity, set of values and work process. A strategy is effective if these aspects are considered as well.

In order for companies to be unique in business, competitive strategy is also applied. Competitive strategy can be a part of strategic management to develop a unique aspect in a business. Competitive strategy aims to create a competitive advantage. If a company follows such a strategy, it is possible for the strategy to lead to a unique place in the market. In order for a business to develop in the way that the strategy plan estimates, a strategy will consist of business approaches and initiatives.

From strategy to strategic plan

A strategy is usually translated into a strategic plan. The strategic plan consists of five elements, namely vision-mission, objectives, core values, KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and policy & responsibility. The vision and mission align an organization. In this way, people in the organization can join forces to increase efficiency. A company’s core values reflect what it is good at and what it is proud of. A plan is furthermore nothing without well-defined objectives, the fourth part of a strategic plan. Suitable KPIs are selected to monitor progress towards the objectives.

There have been lots of scientific and practical studies on this topic by Michael Porter, C. K. Prahalad, Gary Hamel and many more, from a learning and developing point of view. Michael Porter in particular has become known for his vision of strategy.

According to him, a strategy is aimed at cost leadership, differentiation and focus. These strategies are known as Porter’s three generic strategies. Porter’s strategies basically describe the trade-off of strategy between cost minimization, product differentiation strategies and market focus.

Strategy methods, theories and tips

What are the most known and used theories and management models to improve strategy? What are their success stories and practical tips when you apply these? These posts are all about great strategy tools and methods that can help you to achieve your goal or understand certain aspects that come with strategic planning.

MOST Analysis

September 29th, 2022

MOST Analysis: this article provides a practical explanation of the MOST Analysis. After reading, you’ll understand the basics of this powerful strategy tool. What is the MOST Analysis? The MOST Analysis is an analytical technique that is used for strategic

Kraljic Portfolio Purchasing Model

August 11th, 2022

Kraljic Portfolio Purchasing Model: this article explains the Kraljic Portfolio Purchasing Model in a practical way. After reading you will understand the basics of this powerful purchasing strategy tool. What is the Kraljic portfolio purchasing model? In 1983, Peter Kraljic

McKinsey Growth Pyramid

July 29th, 2022

McKinsey Growth Pyramid: this article explains the McKinsey Growth Pyramid in a practical way. After reading it, you understand the core of this strategy theory. What is the McKinsey Growth Pyramid? American organisational consulting agency McKinsey has developed quite a…

Business Motivation Model (BMM)

July 8th, 2022

Business Motivation Model: this article explains the Business Motivation Model (BMM) in a practical way. After reading it, you understand the core of this strategy theory. What is the Business Motivation Model (BMM)? In 2000, the American Business Rules Group…

SMaC Recipe (Collins & Hansen)

July 3rd, 2022

SMaC Recipe: this article provides a practical explanation of the SMaC Recipe. After reading, you’ll understand the basics of this powerful strategy tool. What Is the SMaC Recipe? SMaC is a recipe for converting defined strategic business plans…

Flywheel Concept (Collins)

July 3rd, 2022

Flywheel Concept: this article describes the Flywheel Concept, created by Jim Collins, in a practical way. After reading you will understand the definition and basics of this powerful strategy tool. What is the Flywheel Concept? A flywheel…

Carter’s 10 Cs of Supplier Evaluation

May 12th, 2022

Carter’s 10 Cs of Supplier Evaluation: this article provides a practical explanation of Carter’s 10 Cs of Supplier Evaluation. After reading, you’ll understand the basics of this powerful Supplier Evaluation method. What are the Carter’s 10 Cs of Supplier…

Greiner Growth Model

May 12th, 2022

Greiner Growth Model: this article explains the Greiner Growth Model by Larry Greiner in a practical way. After reading you will understand the basics of this powerful business life cycle tool. What is the Greiner Growth Model? Organizations are always…

Value Net Model

May 12th, 2022

Value Net Model: this article provides a practical explanation of the Value Net Model, developed by Adam Brandenburger and Barry Nalebuff. After reading,After reading, you’ll understand the basics of this powerful strategic management and transformation tool. What Is…

Bowman Strategy Clock

May 12th, 2022

Bowman Strategy Clock: this article describes the concept of the Bowman Strategy Clock in a practical way. After reading you will understand the definition and basics of this powerful strategy positioning tool. What is the Bowman Strategy Clock? It’s a…

Abell Model

May 12th, 2022

Abell Model: this article explains the Abell Model or Abell Framework, developed by Derek Abell in a practical way. After reading you will understand the basics of this powerful strategy tool. What is the Derek Abell model? What…
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