MNG3701 - Strategic Planning IIIA
Assignment 2 (Semester 2)
DUE 19 September 2025
Clicks Group Limited - Integrated Report (2023)
MNG3701/101/3/2025 - Assignment 02
INTRODUCTION
This essay applies strategic management frameworks to analyse Clicks Group Limited
using the firm’s Integrated Annual Report 2023 as the primary case study source.
First, I apply the Resource-Based View (RBV) to evaluate Clicks’ internal resource
position, explaining how resources and capabilities create sustained competitive
advantage (Barney, 1991). Second, I identify and analyse Clicks’ business-level
strategy, define it in theoretical terms, give two reasons for the identification, and
evaluate the strategy’s suitability. Third, I use Porter’s Four-Corners model to
analyse a principal competitor (Dis-Chem) and to predict likely competitor behaviour.
Finally, I analyse five macro-environmental factors drawn explicitly from Clicks’
integrated report (2023), using a PESTEL-style approach focused on the most material
external influences reported by the group. Each section begins with a short theoretical
overview followed by an application to Clicks using evidence from the Integrated Report
2023 and other reputable sources.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
, 1. Resource-Based View (RBV): Internal analysis of Clicks Group Limited
Theoretical overview (RBV)
The Resource-Based View (RBV) holds that a firm’s sustained competitive advantage
derives from resources and capabilities that are valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable,
and non-substitutable (the VRIN criteria) (Barney, 1991). Resources include tangible
assets (stores, distribution centres, cash), intangible assets (brand, customer
relationships, data), and organizational capabilities (logistics, merchandising, IT). Under
RBV, managers identify core resources, evaluate them against VRIN, and develop
strategies to protect and leverage them to sustain superior performance.
Application to Clicks - resource position & examples (10)
Clicks displays a strong resource position across multiple RBV dimensions (Clicks
Integrated Annual Report, 2023):
1. Tangible (manufactured) resources - store network and distribution
infrastructure: Clicks operates an extensive retail network and multiple distribution
centres, having opened 45 Clicks stores and 38 pharmacies in the reporting year
and reporting record capital investment of R930 million (Clicks Group, 2023). These
physical assets support market coverage and fast replenishment - valuable and
costly to replicate at scale.
2. Financial resources and cash generation: The group reported strong cash
generation (R5.9 billion) and robust returns (return on equity 43.6%), giving Clicks
the financial capacity to invest in expansion, IT, renewables, and resilience
measures (Clicks Group, 2023). Financial strength is valuable and enables strategic
flexibility.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
Assignment 2 (Semester 2)
DUE 19 September 2025
Clicks Group Limited - Integrated Report (2023)
MNG3701/101/3/2025 - Assignment 02
INTRODUCTION
This essay applies strategic management frameworks to analyse Clicks Group Limited
using the firm’s Integrated Annual Report 2023 as the primary case study source.
First, I apply the Resource-Based View (RBV) to evaluate Clicks’ internal resource
position, explaining how resources and capabilities create sustained competitive
advantage (Barney, 1991). Second, I identify and analyse Clicks’ business-level
strategy, define it in theoretical terms, give two reasons for the identification, and
evaluate the strategy’s suitability. Third, I use Porter’s Four-Corners model to
analyse a principal competitor (Dis-Chem) and to predict likely competitor behaviour.
Finally, I analyse five macro-environmental factors drawn explicitly from Clicks’
integrated report (2023), using a PESTEL-style approach focused on the most material
external influences reported by the group. Each section begins with a short theoretical
overview followed by an application to Clicks using evidence from the Integrated Report
2023 and other reputable sources.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
, 1. Resource-Based View (RBV): Internal analysis of Clicks Group Limited
Theoretical overview (RBV)
The Resource-Based View (RBV) holds that a firm’s sustained competitive advantage
derives from resources and capabilities that are valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable,
and non-substitutable (the VRIN criteria) (Barney, 1991). Resources include tangible
assets (stores, distribution centres, cash), intangible assets (brand, customer
relationships, data), and organizational capabilities (logistics, merchandising, IT). Under
RBV, managers identify core resources, evaluate them against VRIN, and develop
strategies to protect and leverage them to sustain superior performance.
Application to Clicks - resource position & examples (10)
Clicks displays a strong resource position across multiple RBV dimensions (Clicks
Integrated Annual Report, 2023):
1. Tangible (manufactured) resources - store network and distribution
infrastructure: Clicks operates an extensive retail network and multiple distribution
centres, having opened 45 Clicks stores and 38 pharmacies in the reporting year
and reporting record capital investment of R930 million (Clicks Group, 2023). These
physical assets support market coverage and fast replenishment - valuable and
costly to replicate at scale.
2. Financial resources and cash generation: The group reported strong cash
generation (R5.9 billion) and robust returns (return on equity 43.6%), giving Clicks
the financial capacity to invest in expansion, IT, renewables, and resilience
measures (Clicks Group, 2023). Financial strength is valuable and enables strategic
flexibility.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
