Strategic management

Strategic Management

Strategic management is a comprehensive approach to formulating and implementing strategies that align an organization's resources and capabilities with its external environment to achieve long-term objectives. It involves the analysis, decision-making, and actions an organization undertakes to create and sustain competitive advantages.

Overview

Strategic management encompasses several key processes, including strategic analysis, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and strategy evaluation. These processes are iterative and often occur simultaneously, requiring continuous assessment and adaptation.

Strategic Analysis

Strategic analysis involves assessing both the internal and external environments of an organization. This includes evaluating the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, commonly known as a SWOT analysis.

A typical SWOT analysis framework.

Internal Analysis

Internal analysis focuses on identifying the organization's resources, capabilities, and core competencies. Tools such as the Value Chain Analysis and Resource-Based View (RBV) are often used to assess internal factors.

External Analysis

External analysis examines the industry environment and broader macro-environmental factors. Frameworks like Porter's Five Forces and PESTEL analysis help in understanding the competitive landscape and external influences.

Strategy Formulation

Strategy formulation involves developing long-term plans to achieve organizational goals. This process includes setting objectives, determining the scope of operations, and selecting strategic options.

Corporate Strategy

Corporate strategy defines the overall direction of the organization and its approach to growth and diversification. The BCG Matrix is a tool used to evaluate the strategic position of a company's portfolio of businesses.

An example of a BCG Matrix.

Business Strategy

Business strategy focuses on how to compete successfully in particular markets. It involves decisions about product differentiation, cost leadership, and market focus.

Strategy Implementation

Strategy implementation is the process of putting formulated strategies into action. This involves aligning organizational structure, culture, and resources with strategic objectives.

Organizational Structure

An effective organizational structure supports strategy implementation by facilitating communication and coordination. Structures can be functional, divisional, or matrix-based, depending on the strategy.

Change Management

Implementing strategy often requires organizational change. Effective change management practices are crucial to overcoming resistance and ensuring successful implementation.

Strategy Evaluation

Strategy evaluation involves monitoring performance and making necessary adjustments. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and balanced scorecards are tools used to assess strategic outcomes.

Strategic Management Tools

Several tools and frameworks assist in strategic management, including:

• SWOT analysis
• BCG Matrix
• Porter's Five Forces
• PESTEL analysis
• Balanced Scorecard

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Various strategic management tools.

Strategic Management Frameworks

Strategic management frameworks provide structured approaches to strategy development and execution. Common frameworks include:

• Ansoff Matrix
• McKinsey 7S Framework
• Blue Ocean Strategy

A strategic management framework.

Also see

• Business Strategy
• Corporate Strategy
• Competitive Advantage
• Organizational Change
• Leadership in Organizations