Theme 3- Business decisions and strategy Flashcards
Define strategy?
What is a business strategy?
The medium to long term plans of a business to achieve its corporate objectives and how they plan on meeting it eg through decisions & activities.
What are the different type of strategies ?
- strategies made by senior managers and the top of the hierarchy
- strategies that require an investment of resources eg time, HR & money
- strategies once made are difficult to reverse
- examples =
market development
new product development
Relocating abroad
Acquisitions and mergers
Globalisation
Cost leadership
Define a tactic ?
What is meant by a businesses tactic ?
These are the short term action take by a business
What are tactics?
What are the characteristics of a tactic ?
- Made by managers lower down the hierarchy
- made on a day to day basis
- decisions can be changed fairly easily
- examples =
- small changes to the marketing mix
- choice of motivational technique
What is a mission statement and what is it used for ?
A brief written statement that states - the purpose of a business or organisation. (Provide a common purpose/direction for everyone in the organisation)
They are used for;
- provide a guidance for the overall direction of the business
- stating the overall goal
- help to inform decision making at all levels
- create a shared focus for all employees, so, it should be communicated
What is Ansoffs matrix ?
A model that assesses the degree of risk Vs potential reward for strategic options based on whether the market/product are new or existing
What are the key terms in Ansoffs matrix ? Define them.
Market penetration - the lowest risk option/ selling more of an existing product to the existing market
New market development - selling new products to existing markets RISK=unknown nature of market
New product development - new product in existing market RISK=potential failure of new product
Diversification - Highest risk strategy, as selling new product in new markets risk2rd, potential is seen as reward.
What are the possible approaches and danger to the 4 key terms of Ansoffs matrix ?
MP - APP increase market share from competitors & changes to the marketing mix, extension strategies DAN - competitions reactions & market may already be saturated, relatively short term only.
MD - APP enter new international market & change promotional tactics, new distribution channels DAN product may not be accepted in markets, business may not understand the market, alienation of current customers.
PD - APP introduce complementary products, new product innovation, improved existing product DAN shorten product life cycle, damage to brand, cannibalisation.
DF - R&D into new products/markets (reasearch), acquisition of other businesses DAN relies on heavy investment, cultural differences may,diluted brand name
What is porters strategic matrix & development of corporate strategy.
(What is his aim)
A theory which highlights the potential strategic positions a business can adopt in relation to competitive scope/advantage. < 🔑 profitability
Define cost leadership
Cost leadership - strategy, a business aims to be the lowest cost producer in a particular industry. > charge a lower price > gain competitiveness > higher profit margins (price could be similarly to competitors)
Define differentiation
Differentiation - strategy, a business that aims to add maximum value through a USP allowing it to charge a premium price.
Define what a product portfolio analysis is ?
This is a technique used to analyse the range of products and brands a business has under its control
What are the aims of a portfolio
1) Reach a wide audience > through product/market development.
2) spread risk > products at different stages of the life cycle. DIF positions within Boston product matrix > targeted different markets.
3) objective of growth > broadening product range
4) identify and fill gaps in the market
5) Economies of scale > due to increasing the scale of operations
Often aims to have a balance product portfolio eg products at maturity/cash cow can support new products or problem child’s - BOSTON MATRIX
Define distinctive capability
This is the combined expertise knowledge and experience of the leaders and founders of a business that create the unique qualities. > they’re difficult to imitate > gives businesses a comp adv
Define and name the 3 attributes
Kay’s theory - distinctive capabilities can’t survive without 3 attributes
Architecture - relationship a business had with its stakeholders including employees suppliers and customers
Innovation - the successful introduction of new products or processes
Reputation - ability to build and maintain a good reputation based on customer experiences
What are the 3 effects and tactical decision makings on functional resources?
Finance - raising finance to support growth, profit utilisation, R&D expenditure for new product development, and cost of acquisition and location decisions.
Physical - relocating production abroad = cost minimisation or new marker/product development,
Outsourcing = low cost operations, or use expertise leading to highly differentiated products,
Reshoring to reduced lead times.
Human - Retrenchment or cost minimisation requires delayering/rationalisation of the workforce.
Skills required now and in the future ie workforce planning. Technical skills > newProDm or language skills > NewMarkDm
Structure of the workforce, Hard of soft he strategies.
What is the purposes of tactical decision makings on functional resources?
..
What is meant by SWOT analysis?
A diagnostic tool used to identify the internal strengths and weaknesses and the external opportunities and threats to a business
Helps to inform decision making
What are its values ?
Structured approach to analysing a business
Considers both internal and external issues
Includes both qualitative and quantitative factors
Can encourage a large number of people from different level in the hierarchy to contribute
A BUSINESS CAN LOOK INTO:
- maximise strengths
- minimise weaknesses
- take advantage of opportunities
- avoid threats or turn them into opportunities
What are the internal strengths and weaknesses to a business ?
Financial performance > profitability, liquidity, gearing etc
Resource management > quality, stock control, relationship with suppliers, lean production
HR management > employed/employee relationships, workforce performance, recruitment and training
Marketing > product portfolio, brand recognition, elasticity of demand
Culture of the business
Corporate social responsibilities and ethics
IMPACT = THE WAY BUSINESSES OPERATE (staff retention/cash flow and the way the business is perceived by stakeholders eg community/customers)
What are the external opportunities and threats to a business?
Economic environment > position in the business cycle, interest rates, exchange rates, consumer/business confidence
Political and legal environment > uk leaving the eu, gov spending and taxation
Degree of competition in the market
Technological change > proxy and process innovation, e-commerce, availability of information
Consumer trends > busing habits, social media
Demographics > ageing population in uk, net migration, urbanisation.
BUSINESS NEEDS TO RESPOND TO THESE TO STAY COMPETITIVE IN THE MARKET.
Define PESTLE-C
POLITICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL TECHNOLOGICAL LEGAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPETITORS (competitive environment)
What is meant by the political environment?
The government actions that influence the behaviour of businesses and their consumers.
What are some of the governments actions ?
> Providing grants for specific purposes eg relocation to area of high unemployment
> training for start-up businesses to encourage enterprises in a variety of areas eg
Financial eg small business accounts
Marketing eg how to target market segments
Operations managements eg advice on location
People eg how to recruit a suitable workforce