2. Strategic Formulation
Strategy Formulation is an analytical
process of selection of the best
suitable course of action to meet the
organizational objectives and vision.
It is one of the steps of the strategic
management process.
The strategic plan allows an
organization to examine its
resources, provides a financial plan
and establishes the most appropriate
action plan for increasing profits.
3. Strategy Formulation is examined
through SWOT analysis
Strength Weakness
Threat
Opportunity
The strategic plan should be informed to all
the employees so that they know the
company’s objectives, mission and vision. It
provides direction and focus to the
employees.
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Competitive Landscape
Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors which the
company has control over. Opportunities and threats, on the
other hand, are external factors over which the company has
no control. A successful organization builds on its strengths,
overcomes its weakness, identifies new opportunities and
protects against external threats.
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Competitive Landscape
Strategy formulation process is an integral part of strategic
management, as it helps in framing effective strategies for
the organization, to survive and grow in the dynamic
business environment.
11. Hence, all organizations have competitors,
and it is the strategy that enables one
business to become more successful and
established than the other.
12. Strategy refers to a comprehensive
plan or set of actions designed to
achieve an organization’s long-term
goals and objectives. It involves
determining the best path to navigate
the competitive landscape, allocate
resources effectively, and maximize the
organization’s strengths while
minimizing its weaknesses.
Types of Strategies
1. Corporate Strategy
2. Business Strategy
3. Functional Strategy
4. Pricing Strategy
5. Operational Strategy
13. 1. Corporate Strategy
Corporate Strategy is a high-level plan
formulated by a company’s top
management to direct and guide the
organization’s overall direction. It
encompasses decisions related to the
overall scope and direction of the
company, including which markets to
enter or exit, resource allocation, and
the pursuit of growth through various
means such as mergers, acquisitions,
or partnerships. The goal of corporate
strategy is to achieve sustainable
competitive advantage and long-term
profitability.
14. Corporate Strategy |
Features
• Broad Scope: Corporate Strategy
encompasses the entire organization,
including all its business units and
functions. It addresses high-level
decisions that impact the overall
direction and long-term success of the
company.
• Resource Allocation: It involves
strategic decisions about how to
distribute resources (such as capital,
personnel, and technology) across
various parts of the organization to
maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Synergy Creation: Corporate
Strategy aims to create synergies by
leveraging the strengths and
capabilities of different business units,
leading to greater overall value than if
the units operated independently.
15. Corporate Strategy |
Advantages
• Clear Direction: A well-defined
corporate strategy provides a clear
direction for the entire organization,
aligning all business units and
employees with the same long-term
goals and objectives.
• Competitive Advantage: By
carefully analyzing the competitive
environment and making strategic
decisions, an organization can achieve
and sustain a competitive advantage in
its markets.
• Optimal Resource Use: Effective
corporate strategy ensures that
resources are allocated efficiently,
reducing waste and improving the
overall performance and profitability of
the organization.
16. Corporate Strategy |
Disadvantages
• Complexity: Developing and
implementing a corporate strategy can
be highly complex, requiring extensive
analysis and coordination across
multiple business units and functions.
• Risk of Misalignment: If not
communicated and executed properly,
there is a risk that the corporate
strategy may not be aligned with the
day-to-day operations and goals of
individual business units, leading to
inefficiencies and conflicts.
• Inflexibility: A rigid corporate
strategy may limit an organization’s
ability to respond quickly to changes in
the market or competitive landscape,
potentially leading to missed
opportunities or threats.
17. Corporate Strategy |
Example
The Walt Disney Company is a prime
example of successful corporate
strategy. Disney’s corporate strategy
involves diversification across various
entertainment sectors, including
theme parks, movies, television
networks, and streaming services. By
leveraging its strong brand and
creating synergies across its different
business units, Disney has been able to
maintain a competitive advantage and
achieve sustained growth. For instance,
characters and stories from Disney
movies are integrated into its theme
parks and merchandise, creating a
cohesive and powerful brand presence
across multiple platforms.
18. 2. Business Strategy
Business Strategy refers to a
company’s plan for achieving its long-
term goals and sustaining competitive
advantage. It encompasses the
decisions and actions that guide the
overall direction of the business,
including how it will compete in the
market, satisfy customer needs, and
achieve financial and operational
objectives.
19. 2. Business Strategy |
Features
• Long-Term Focus: Business Strategy is oriented
towards achieving goals over an extended period,
typically spanning several years, rather than focusing
solely on short-term gains.
• Alignment with Goals: It involves aligning every
aspect of the business, including operations,
marketing, and finance, with the overarching goals
and objectives of the company.
• Adaptability: A good business strategy is flexible
and adaptable, allowing for adjustments in response to
changes in the market, technology, or other external
factors.
20. 2. Business Strategy |
Advantages
• Competitive Advantage: A well-defined business
strategy can help a company gain a competitive edge
by leveraging its strengths and exploiting
opportunities in the market.
• Resource Optimization: By prioritizing initiatives
and allocating resources effectively, a business
strategy enables companies to maximize their return
on investment and minimize waste.
• Risk Management: Business Strategy involves
careful analysis of risks and uncertainties, allowing
companies to anticipate potential challenges and
develop contingency plans to mitigate them.
21. 2. Business Strategy |
Disadvantages
• Complexity: Developing and implementing a
comprehensive business strategy can be complex and
time-consuming, requiring input from various
stakeholders and extensive planning.
• Uncertainty: Despite careful planning, business
strategies are subject to uncertainties in the market,
technology, and regulatory environment, which can
impact their effectiveness.
• Resistance to Change: Employees and
stakeholders may resist changes associated with a new
business strategy, leading to implementation
challenges and delays.
22. 2. Business Strategy |
Example
Apple’s strategy includes a focus on innovation,
premium pricing, and a seamless ecosystem of
products and services. This strategy has helped Apple
establish itself as a leader in the consumer electronics
industry, with a loyal customer base and strong
financial performance.
23. 3. Functional Strategy
A functional strategy refers to the
detailed, action-oriented plans
developed by various functional areas
within an organization, such as
marketing, finance, human resources,
and operations. These strategies are
designed to support and achieve the
overall business strategy and corporate
objectives.
24. 3. Functional Strategy |
Features
• Alignment with Business Goals:
Functional Strategies are designed to
support and contribute to the
achievement of the organization’s
broader objectives.
• Specialization: Each functional
area develops its own strategies
tailored to its unique requirements and
challenges.
• Coordination: Functional
Strategies must be coordinated across
different departments to ensure
coherence and synergy in overall
organizational performance.
25. 3. Functional Strategy |
Advantages
• Efficiency: By focusing on specific
areas, functional strategies enable
organizations to allocate resources
effectively and streamline operations
for better efficiency.
• Expertise Utilization: Functional
Strategies allow organizations to
leverage the specialized knowledge
and skills of employees within each
department, leading to optimized
performance.
• Flexibility: With separate
strategies for different functions,
organizations can adapt more easily to
changes in the business environment
or market conditions.
26. 3. Functional Strategy |
Disadvantages
• Silos and Tunnel Vision:
Functional Strategies may lead to
siloed thinking, where departments
prioritize their own goals over the
organization’s broader objectives,
hindering collaboration and
innovation.
• Coordination Challenges:
Ensuring alignment and coordination
among different functional strategies
can be complex and may result in
conflicts or inefficiencies.
• Lack of Holistic View: Functional
Strategies may overlook the
interconnectedness of different
business functions, potentially leading
to suboptimal decision-making and
missed opportunities.
27. 3. Functional Strategy |
Example
Apple Inc. exemplifies functional strategy
through its well-known focus on innovation,
marketing, and design. The company’s
marketing strategy, for instance, emphasizes
product differentiation and customer
experience, aligning with its broader goal of
maintaining a premium brand image. This
approach is supported by specialized
functional teams dedicated to research and
development, marketing, and design, which
work collaboratively to create and promote
innovative products like the iPhone and
MacBook. However, this functional strategy
has also faced criticism for occasionally
leading to product feature prioritization over
addressing broader market trends or
consumer needs.
28. 4. Pricing Strategy
A pricing strategy is a method used by a
company to set the prices for its products
or services. It aims to maximize profits,
attract customers, and maintain a
competitive edge in the market. Pricing
Strategies take into account various
factors such as production costs, market
demand, competitor pricing, and
perceived value.
29. 4. Pricing Strategy |
Features
• Market-Based Pricing: This feature involves setting
prices based on the prevailing market conditions and
competitor prices. It ensures the company remains
competitive while appealing to the target market.
• Value Perception: This involves setting prices based on
the perceived value of the product or service to the customer
rather than just the cost of production. It aims to align the
price with the customer’s willingness to pay.
• Dynamic Pricing: This feature allows for flexible pricing
that can change in response to market demand, inventory
levels, and other factors. It helps maximize revenue by
adjusting prices in real-time or periodically.
30. 4. Pricing Strategy |
Advantages
• Maximizes Profits: An effective pricing strategy can help
a company maximize its profits by setting optimal prices that
attract customers while covering costs and generating a
healthy margin.
• Competitive Advantage: By carefully setting prices, a
company can gain a competitive edge over its rivals,
attracting more customers and increasing market share.
• Customer Satisfaction: A well-designed pricing strategy
can enhance customer satisfaction by offering perceived
value for money, which can lead to increased loyalty and
repeat business.
31. 4. Pricing Strategy |
Disadvantages
• Complexity: Developing and maintaining an effective
pricing strategy can be complex and time-consuming,
requiring constant analysis and adjustments based on
market changes.
• Risk of Price Wars: Aggressive pricing strategies may
lead to price wars with competitors, which can erode profit
margins and harm the overall market.
• Customer Perception: Incorrect pricing can negatively
impact customer perception, with prices that are too high
deterring potential buyers and prices that are too low
suggesting inferior quality.
32. 4. Pricing Strategy |
Example
Apple Inc. employs a premium pricing strategy, which
sets its products at a higher price point compared to
competitors. This strategy is based on the high
perceived value of Apple’s brand, innovative
technology, and quality design. By maintaining
premium prices, Apple reinforces its brand image as a
leader in the tech industry and attracts customers
willing to pay more for superior products and unique
experiences.
33. 5. Operational Strategy
Operational Strategy refers to the plan
and actions a company uses to achieve
its business goals and objectives
through the efficient use of resources
and processes. It involves designing,
controlling, and improving the
production and delivery of the
company’s products or services.
34. 5. Operational Strategy |
Features
• Resource Allocation: Operational
Strategy involves allocating resources
such as labor, technology, and capital
to different departments or projects to
maximize efficiency and productivity.
• Process Optimization: It focuses
on optimizing processes to reduce
waste, improve quality, and speed up
production. This can include adopting
new technologies or refining existing
workflows.
• Performance Measurement: It
includes setting Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) and regularly
measuring performance against these
metrics to ensure the company is on
track to meet its operational goals.
35. 5. Operational Strategy |
Advantages
• Increased Efficiency: An effective
operational strategy can streamline
processes, reduce waste, and lower
costs, leading to higher productivity
and profitability.
• Improved Quality: By focusing on
process optimization and performance
measurement, companies can enhance
the quality of their products or
services, leading to greater customer
satisfaction.
• Better Resource Utilization:
Efficient resource allocation ensures
that all resources are used optimally,
which can reduce unnecessary
expenses and improve overall
operational effectiveness.
36. 5. Operational Strategy |
Disadvantages
• High Implementation Costs:
Developing and implementing a
comprehensive operational strategy
can require significant investment in
technology, training, and process
changes.
• Resistance to Change: Employees
may resist changes in processes or
technology, leading to potential
disruptions and a decline in morale.
• Complexity: Managing and
coordinating various aspects of
operational strategy can be complex
and time-consuming, potentially
diverting attention from other
important business activities.
37. 5. Operational Strategy |
Example
Toyota is a prime example of a
company with a strong operational
strategy. Toyota’s operational strategy,
often referred to as the Toyota
Production System (TPS), focuses on
continuous improvement (Kaizen), just-
in-time production, and respect for
people. This strategy has allowed
Toyota to maintain high efficiency,
reduce waste, and produce high-
quality vehicles, establishing it as a
leader in the automotive industry.
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Competitive Landscape
1. Establishing Organizational Objectives: This involves
establishing long-term goals of an organization. Strategic
decisions can be taken once the organizational objectives are
determined.
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Competitive Landscape
2. Analysis of Organizational Environment: This involves
SWOT analysis, meaning identifying the company’s strengths
and weaknesses and keeping vigilance over competitors’
actions to understand opportunities and threats.
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Competitive Landscape
3. Forming quantitative goals: Defining targets so as to
meet the company’s short-term and long-term objectives.
Example, 30% increase in revenue this year of a company.
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Competitive Landscape
4. Objectives in context with divisional plans: This involves
setting up targets for every department so that they work in
coherence with the organization as a whole.
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Competitive Landscape
5. Performance Analysis: This is done to estimate the
degree of variation between the actual and the standard
performance of an organization.
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Competitive Landscape
6. Selection of Strategy: This is the final step of strategy
formulation. It involves evaluation of the alternatives and
selection of the best strategy amongst them to be the
strategy of the organization.
44. • Corporate level strategy:
This level outlines what you want to achieve: growth,
stability, acquisition or retrenchment. It focuses on
what business you are going to enter the market.
45. • Business level strategy:
This level answers the question of how you are going
to compete. It plays a role in those organization
which have smaller units of business and each is
considered as the strategic business unit (SBU).
46. • Functional level strategy:
This level concentrates on how an organization is
going to grow. It defines daily actions including
allocation of resources to deliver corporate and
business level strategies.