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BL1 Introduction to Strategy and
Charting a Companies Direction
Created @April 2, 2025 9:20 PM
Class OBS 310
Files & Block 1 Intro to Start & Charting a Comp direction Version 2
media slides.pdf
Block 1
BL1 Introduction to Strategy and Charting a Companies Direction 1
, 💡 Unit Outcomes
Section 1:
1. Explain what strategy is.
2. Define and develop a business model and its components.
3. Explain and apply tests for a winning strategy.
4. Understand how to craft and execute a strategy.
Section 2:
1. Describe the components to ensure coherence in strategic direction.
2. Set strategic objectives and explain their role in strategy.
3. Discuss how strategy should be formulated and executed.
4. Explain strategy execution and performance measurement.
5. Describe the role of the board of directors and their importance.
Core Concepts of Strategy
What is Strategy?
Strategy refers to the set of actions taken by managers to outperform competitors
and achieve superior profitability.
Key Questions in Strategy Development:
What is our present situation? (Business environment, financial &
competitive capabilities)
Where do we want to go? (Vision for the firm’s future direction)
How will we get there? (Action plan to position the firm in the market)
BL1 Introduction to Strategy and Charting a Companies Direction 2
, Strategic Considerations:
How to attract customers.
How to compete against rivals.
How to achieve performance goals.
How to grow the business.
How to respond to market changes.
Strategy as a Choice
Competing differently from rivals by:
Doing what competitors do, but better.
Doing what competitors cannot do.
Appealing to customers uniquely.
Choosing a market position with fewer strong competitors.
Why Strategy is Important
1. Provides direction for improving financial performance.
2. Strengthens competitive positioning.
3. Leads to a sustainable competitive advantage.
4. Helps produce above-average profits.
5. Increases competitive pressure on rivals.
💡 Identifying a company’s strategy - what to look for
BL1 Introduction to Strategy and Charting a Companies Direction 3
BL1 Introduction to Strategy and
Charting a Companies Direction
Created @April 2, 2025 9:20 PM
Class OBS 310
Files & Block 1 Intro to Start & Charting a Comp direction Version 2
media slides.pdf
Block 1
BL1 Introduction to Strategy and Charting a Companies Direction 1
, 💡 Unit Outcomes
Section 1:
1. Explain what strategy is.
2. Define and develop a business model and its components.
3. Explain and apply tests for a winning strategy.
4. Understand how to craft and execute a strategy.
Section 2:
1. Describe the components to ensure coherence in strategic direction.
2. Set strategic objectives and explain their role in strategy.
3. Discuss how strategy should be formulated and executed.
4. Explain strategy execution and performance measurement.
5. Describe the role of the board of directors and their importance.
Core Concepts of Strategy
What is Strategy?
Strategy refers to the set of actions taken by managers to outperform competitors
and achieve superior profitability.
Key Questions in Strategy Development:
What is our present situation? (Business environment, financial &
competitive capabilities)
Where do we want to go? (Vision for the firm’s future direction)
How will we get there? (Action plan to position the firm in the market)
BL1 Introduction to Strategy and Charting a Companies Direction 2
, Strategic Considerations:
How to attract customers.
How to compete against rivals.
How to achieve performance goals.
How to grow the business.
How to respond to market changes.
Strategy as a Choice
Competing differently from rivals by:
Doing what competitors do, but better.
Doing what competitors cannot do.
Appealing to customers uniquely.
Choosing a market position with fewer strong competitors.
Why Strategy is Important
1. Provides direction for improving financial performance.
2. Strengthens competitive positioning.
3. Leads to a sustainable competitive advantage.
4. Helps produce above-average profits.
5. Increases competitive pressure on rivals.
💡 Identifying a company’s strategy - what to look for
BL1 Introduction to Strategy and Charting a Companies Direction 3
