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We would like to share some of our strategic insights through articles and business frameworks posted on this website.

Bullwhip Effect in Supply Chain Management

Bullwhip effect is a recurring phenomenon in inventory management and order demand forecasting. The orders to upstream members of the supply chain (e.g. producers of raw materials) exhibit greater variance than actual orders demanded by the end consumers. See Bullwhip Effect framework.

Process Design Structural Choices Model

The Process Choice Model demonstrates the existence of a trade-off between volume and differentiation when it comes to selecting the type of process to be used in one's business. The higher volume of produced goods is consistent with higher efficiencies at a lower level of differentiation and complexity. The model also implies that complex and differentiated products cannot be produced in high volume. See Process Design Strategy.

Global Sourcing Partnership Development

International sourcing is more than simply offshoring production into low cost jurisdictions. It is a process of gaining access to and further developing suppliers' capabilities, while expanding one's own resources, capabilities and product base. Furthermore, it is about relationship building and close coordination. With time, international sourcing should result in higher profitability and strengthening of one's business. See Global Sourcing Strategy: Suppier Relationship Development.

International Sourcing Strategy and Tips

Outsourcing of non-core activities and expanding one's product offering can be efficiently and effectively achieved by sourcing internationally. Contacting as many perspective suppliers as possible will help in identifying the best provider of the required service. Offering one's own services in return should generate additional sales and provide stronger bases for future cooperation between all parties. See Global Sourcing Strategy: Finding the Best Supplier

Porter's Five Forces Model: External Analysis

The External Analysis framework, also known as Porter's five forces, is one the fundamental business models widely used by businesses and managements consultants. Originally created by Michael Porter, it is applied for assessing market forces within an industry and developing strategic recommendations. The 5 forces include Supplier Power, Buyer Power, Threat of New Entry, Threat of Substitutes and Industry Rivalry. See Porter's Five Forces

Emergent Strategy: Flexibility, Innovation, Operational Excellence

When the industry structure is unstable and is undergoing rapid change, it is best to adapt an emergent strategy, addressing issues as they arise, while maintaining flexibility and operational excellence. Furthermore, a strategy that is enrooted in human capital and innovation capabilities is better suited for the times of uncertainty. See Emergent Strategy

Strategy Under Uncertainty

One of the key obstacles to strategy formulation is uncertainty over the future of one's industry and inability to forecast competitor dynamics. We present a framework for strategic development under uncertainty and describe a number of strategic postures and actions, one could implement to develop a sound business strategy. See Strategy Under Uncertainty

Positioning Strategy: Scope and Differentiation

One of the main premises of strategic management is the need to carve one's own unique space in the marketplace. Although each industry may have its own set of unique circumstances and peculiarities, a number of fundamental business strategies have been generalized to assist managers with strategic positioning. These include product leadership, customer focus, cost leadership, cost differentiation, and others. See Positioning Strategy: Scope and Differentiation

Strategy Formulation, Positioning for Incumbents

Being all things to all people is detrimental for the long-term sustainability of a company. A clear strategy sends a distinct and comprehensible message to customers, employees and company's management. Clear positioning eventually results in higher profitability and a potential for a sustainable competitive advantage. See Strategy Formulation and Positioning for Incumbents

Consulting Articles

Global Supplier Partnership Development [...]
International Sourcing Strategy and Tips [...]
Emergent Strategy: Flexibility, Innovation, Operational Excellence [...]
Strategy Under Uncertainty [...]
Strategy Formulation and Positioning for Incumbent Industry Players [...]
Companies Adapting to Recession [...]
The Economic Outlook 2011 [...]
Reasons for the Current Economic Crisis [...]
Unwise Business Purchases in Time of Stagnation and Uncertainty [...]

Business Frameworks

Bullwhip Effect in Supply Chain Management [...]
Process Design Strategy Model [...]
Porter's Five Forces Model: External Analysis [...]
Porter's Value Chain: Internal Analysis [...]
Positioning Strategies: Scope and Differentiation Model [...]
Technology Adoption and Product Life Cycle Model [...]