Mintzberg (C2- Design)

Question 1

Concept

Answer 1

Seeks to find a ‘fit’ between internal capabilities and external possibilities. Strategy is a process of conception, rather than one of learning.

Most influential school, at its centre is the SWOT analysis. Gives little detail about the actual strategy, focuses on the way in which it is formulated.

Many strategy options developed and the best one chosen.

DESIGN and then IMPLEMENT

Question 2

Appraisal

Answer 2

External appraisal - looks at the social, political, technological aspects of environment.

Internal appraisal - looks at the intrinsic experience of the organisation.

Managerial values - beliefs and preferences of those who lead.

Social responsibility - ethics

Question 3

Evaluation

Answer 3

consistency - goals and policies

consonance - adaptive response to the external environment

advantage - must provide for creation and/or maintenance of competitive advantage

feasibility - must be feasible given resources

Question 4

Principles

Answer 4

1. strategy should be a deliberate process of conscious thought
2. responsibility lies with the CEO
3. model of formation must be simple and informed
4. strategies are tailored given individual circumstances
5. process is complete when strategy is fully formulated as perspective - fully formulated and ready to be implemented.
6. explicit and kept simple
7. separates thinking and acting

Question 5

Criticisms

Answer 5

How can an organisation truly know its strengths and weaknesses and those of its competitors?

Narrowed perspective and inflexibility

Disregard for incremental learning and emergent strategy.

Only CEO participates in process.