3.10.3 Strategic Implementation Flashcards
What is strategic implementation?
The process of putting a plan together to achieve a business’s goals and objectives
What does strategic implementation involve?
Involves aligning resources, communicating, monitoring progress and setting clear goals and then executing
What are 2 examples of successful strategies?
Apple - differentiation strategy - unique features, strong brand loyalty - apple ecosystem all seamless
Spotify - prioritises innovation, user experience and partnerships by working with artists and enhancing the experience
What are 2 examples of unsuccessful strategies?
Toys R Us - Failed to adapt to online - had a unique instore experience
Blockbuster - merger with Netflix declined - stayed in physical stores
Name 3 factors that influence whether a strategy will be successful or not?
Culture
Technology
External Environment
How does effective communication play a crucial role in the successful implementation of strategic plans? 2 points
Helps break down departments and for them to communicate better
Keeps employees motivated
What do Vauxhall want to do and what strategy is this?
Combine its electric van production at its other site in Cheshire
Name 4 organisational structures?
Matrix
Functional
Regional
Divisional
How does this strategy benefit Vauxhall?
Reduces costs overall and keeps production in one place
What is a matrix structure? 2/3 points and Example
Communication is varied
No obvious hierarchy
Best used to develop
Biz Quiz
What is a functional structure?
Departments
What is a regional structure?
Set up by geography
Can have European, Asian Offices etc
What is a divisional structure?
Where a company is divided into units
Why is a functional structure important to implementing strategy?
Each division can enact their own strategy and keep their employees focused on what they need to do
Why is a matrix structure important to implementing strategy?
It encourages co-operation so less resistance
Why is a tall structure important to implementing strategy?
More managers to observe what is going on and this means there is a narrow span of control
Why is a flat structure important to implementing strategy?
Quicker to get the info filtered down
Why is a hierarchical structure important to implementing strategy?
Can give clear direction
What is CPA?
Critical path analysis
What is Critical Path Analysis?
A process of breaking down often complex tasks into more manageable and measurable tasks
What is the top segment called in CPA?
EST - Earliest Start Time
What does EST - Earliest start time mean?
This is the earliest time that the next activity can start
What do you do when you have a choice of ESTs?
Take the highest sum
What is the bottom segment called in CPA?
Latest Start time
What does LST - Latest start time mean?
Latest time that an activity can start
What do you do when you have a choice of LSTs?
Go with the lowest sum
What is float time?
the amount of time an activity, can be delayed from the early start without changing the completion date of the project.
What is the critical path?
The chain of activities that takes the longest as it is critical and cannot be delayed
