11 - Strategy development Flashcards
2 learning outcomes - chapter 11
- demonstrate the different advantages and disadvantages of the three core strategic pathways
- recognise the cultural and business impacts of an acquisition process and be able to compare this to a strategic alliance
3 core strategic pathways
Organic growth
Acquisition
Strategic alliance
Organic growth as strategic pathway - 5- advantages
- Lower risk
- Allows for ongoing learning
- More control over strategy, culture
- Minimises disruption (smoother)
- Leads to self-reliance
Organic growth as strategic pathway - 3 disadvantages
- Slow
- Lack of early knowledge
- Misreading of markets
Acquisition as strategic pathway - 4 advantages
- Rapid access to resources
- Rapid access to greater marketplace
- Buys presence, market share, expertise
- Opportunity for restructuring
Acquisition as strategic pathway - 5 disadvantages
- High cost
- High risk
- Cultural mismatch across business
- Managerial mismatch (in ambition and salary)
- Potential for forced disposal of assets if monopolistic
Strategic alliance as strategic pathway - 5 advantages
- Cheaper than acquisition
- Access to market knowledge and complementary resources
- Risk is spread
- Increased speed of access to market
- Reduced political and legal complications as no external approval required
Strategic alliance as strategic pathway - 2 disadvantages
- Risk of reputational damage caused by partner in alliance
- Differences in ideas on strategy, direction between partners in alliance
- Confusion as to who people work for and report to
What is absolutely vital prior to proceeding with an acquisition?
Due diligence process
7 generic considerations as part of due diligence process for target
- Why the entity is for sale
- Target’s current strategic position
- Target’s market standing and reputation
- Understanding of target’s current and previous business plan
- Soundness and integrity of target’s financial results
- Culture and ethos of target
- Any issues facing the target, such as regulatory, litigation, etc.
3 broad areas of motivation for acquisition
Strategic
Financial
Managerial
3 strategic motives for acquisition
- Extension of customer potential (geog, products, markets)
- Reduction of competitors can allow raising prices
- Increasing efficiency through sharing of resources
3 financial motives for acquisition
- Potential tax advantages through acquiring loss-making (or less profitable) org
- Market value of firm will be greater than sum of parts (so long as there is recognised financial benefits to acquisition)
- Opportunity for financial creativity in restructuring (eg. spreading financial benefits over time)
2 managerial motives (causes) for acquisition
- Personal ambitions for increased power, remuneration, etc.
- Excessive self-confidence
What is meant by strategic alliance?
2 or more orgs sharing recourses in pursuit of common strategy