In 2-3 sentences: Overview of report and focus company Briefly introduce focus company and purpose of report In 6-8 sentences: Present strategic dilemma of focus company Concisely state what the key strategic issue/dilemma is that the company is facing
Provide a description of the relevant background and history of the selected company, including ownership, products/services, markets. Identify the company's "strategic dilemma".
Conduct a PESTEL (macro-environment) analysis of the operating environment and key opportunities/threats.
Perform an industry/market analysis using appropriate frameworks and tools. Analyze competitive forces.
Identify resources/capabilities that provide competitive advantage and their relevance to analyses.
Make recommendations for corporate and business level strategies supported by analysis, addressing opportunities/challenges and stakeholder considerations. Justify strategies and position on Porter's framework.
1. Strategic dilemma - The primary strategic issue or challenge facing a company that needs to be addressed
2. Macro-environment - Broad economic, technological, political and social conditions that impact business
3. PESTEL analysis - Assessing the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors affecting a company
4. Industry analysis - Understanding the competitive forces, norms and dynamics that shape an industry
5. Porter's Five Forces - Framework for analyzing competitive forces: bargaining power of buyers/suppliers, threat of new entrants/substitutes, rivalry among competitors
6. Strategic capabilities - Distinctive competencies of a firm that are difficult to match and provide competitive differentiation
7. VRIN resources - Valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable capabilities that can lead to competitive advantage
8. Stakeholders - Groups/individuals who have interests in or are affected by a company's activities
9. Generic strategies - Ways companies can gain competitive advantage by overall cost leadership, differentiation, focus on niche markets
10. SBU - Strategic business unit representing a business or product line within a larger organization
11. Value chain - Series of activities that represent the organizational functions adding value to products or services
12. Vertical integration - Ownership or control of multiple entities within a supply chain or distribution network
13. Diversification - Expanion of business activities into new products, services or markets
14. Business-level strategy - Competitive strategy focused on how a firm will compete in a particular business
15. Corporate-level strategy - Company-wide strategy focused on managing a portfolio of businesses to maximize value
16. Horizontal integration - Joining forces with or taking over competitors operating at the same level of the value chain
17. Core competencies - Internal capabilities, skills and expertise that allow a firm to create unique value
18. Competitive advantage - Attribute that allows a company to deliver better value than rivals and have an edge over them
19. Strategic positioning - Establishing an advantageous brand identity and market niche for maximum profitability
20. Cost leadership - Attempting to gain competitive edge through minimizing costs relative to competitors
21. Differentiation - Distinguishing products/services from competition by incorporating attributes perceived as unique in the industry
22. SWOT analysis - Assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing an organization
23. Feasibility - Capacity of a company to adopt or implement a strategy or decision based on resources
24. Benchmarking - Process of measuring company operations and performance metrics against best-in-class performers
25. Strategic fit - Degree to which strategy matches company's resources and capabilities with external market factors
26. Shareholder primacy - View that a companies' ultimate purpose and obligation is to maximize value for its shareholders
27. Stakeholder approach - View that companies have responsibilities to various stakeholders beyond just shareholders
28. Paradigm shift - Fundamental change in assumptions, concepts and practices associated with a field or industry
29. First-mover advantage - Competitive edge gained by innovating processes or products before competitors
30. Disruptive innovation - Transformational technology/business model that significantly alters the playing field in an industry
In 2-3 sentences: Overview of report and focus company
Briefly introduce focus company and purpose of report
Example: Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain with over 32,000 stores in 80 markets. However, the company faces growing competition from lower-priced rivals, changing consumer preferences, and market saturation in the US. This report analyzes Starbucks' strategic dilemma of how to drive growth despite these challenges.
In 6-8 sentences: Present strategic dilemma of focus company
Concisely state what the key strategic issue/dilemma is that the company is facing
Example; This report analyzes Starbucks' strategic dilemma of how to drive growth despite these challenges. These recommendations aim to leverage Starbucks’ core competencies in building an aspirational brand image and developing loyal customer relationships to address the saturation in its core US market.
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