[Company name]
MNG4801
Assignment
1 (COMPLETE
GUIDELINE)
2025
[Document subtitle]
user
[Date]
, Critically discuss Mintzberg's five Ps of strategy and apply them to Naked
Insurance’s strategy. After reading section 1.2.3.2 in your prescribed book
titled “Strategy into the 21st century”, conclude your discussion, by
providing your perspective on what you believe has been the most influential
development in the 21st century. In addition to incorporating and referencing
theory from the prescribed material into your answer for Question 3, you also
need to locate, incorporate and reference 1 (one) academic article of your
choice (published between ) from the Unisa library intoyour discussion.
Incorporate appropriate theory and examples from the case study. <Your
answer should be 1.5 pages> [15 marks] Question 4: Critically analyse
Naked Insurance’s organizational context with regards to shared value by
incorporating Porter and Kramer’s three dimensions of creating shared value.
Begin your analysis by introducing the concept of shared value and then
apply your answer to the context in the case study. Incorporate appropriate
theory and examples from the case study. <Your answer should be 1.5
pages> [13 marks] Question 5: Critically discuss the difference between red
ocean and blue ocean strategy. Apply your answer to the case study and
conclude your analysis by commenting (with motivation) on whether Naked
Insurance has employed a blue ocean or red ocean strategy. Incorporate
appropriate theory and examples from the case study.
Question 3: Mintzberg’s Five Ps of Strategy Applied to Naked Insurance
Introduction
Henry Mintzberg's Five Ps of strategy—Plan, Ploy, Pattern, Position, and Perspective—offer a
comprehensive framework for understanding how organizations develop and implement strategy.
Each 'P' captures a different facet of strategic thinking. When applied to Naked Insurance, a
digital-first South African insurtech firm, these dimensions reveal how innovation and disruption
are central to their strategic model.
1. Strategy as a Plan
Strategy as a plan refers to a consciously intended course of action developed in advance of
implementation. Naked Insurance has clearly outlined its plan to revolutionize the insurance
industry using technology. From the beginning, the company aimed to address the inefficiencies
and lack of trust in traditional insurance models. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and
automation, Naked planned a user-friendly, cost-effective, and transparent insurance platform.
This includes enabling customers to obtain quotes, manage policies, and file claims online
without intermediaries.
2. Strategy as a Ploy
A ploy is a specific maneuver intended to outwit competitors. Naked Insurance implemented
several strategic ploys to gain a competitive edge. For example, the company introduced a no-
commission model where it does not profit from rejected claims, thereby building customer trust.
MNG4801
Assignment
1 (COMPLETE
GUIDELINE)
2025
[Document subtitle]
user
[Date]
, Critically discuss Mintzberg's five Ps of strategy and apply them to Naked
Insurance’s strategy. After reading section 1.2.3.2 in your prescribed book
titled “Strategy into the 21st century”, conclude your discussion, by
providing your perspective on what you believe has been the most influential
development in the 21st century. In addition to incorporating and referencing
theory from the prescribed material into your answer for Question 3, you also
need to locate, incorporate and reference 1 (one) academic article of your
choice (published between ) from the Unisa library intoyour discussion.
Incorporate appropriate theory and examples from the case study. <Your
answer should be 1.5 pages> [15 marks] Question 4: Critically analyse
Naked Insurance’s organizational context with regards to shared value by
incorporating Porter and Kramer’s three dimensions of creating shared value.
Begin your analysis by introducing the concept of shared value and then
apply your answer to the context in the case study. Incorporate appropriate
theory and examples from the case study. <Your answer should be 1.5
pages> [13 marks] Question 5: Critically discuss the difference between red
ocean and blue ocean strategy. Apply your answer to the case study and
conclude your analysis by commenting (with motivation) on whether Naked
Insurance has employed a blue ocean or red ocean strategy. Incorporate
appropriate theory and examples from the case study.
Question 3: Mintzberg’s Five Ps of Strategy Applied to Naked Insurance
Introduction
Henry Mintzberg's Five Ps of strategy—Plan, Ploy, Pattern, Position, and Perspective—offer a
comprehensive framework for understanding how organizations develop and implement strategy.
Each 'P' captures a different facet of strategic thinking. When applied to Naked Insurance, a
digital-first South African insurtech firm, these dimensions reveal how innovation and disruption
are central to their strategic model.
1. Strategy as a Plan
Strategy as a plan refers to a consciously intended course of action developed in advance of
implementation. Naked Insurance has clearly outlined its plan to revolutionize the insurance
industry using technology. From the beginning, the company aimed to address the inefficiencies
and lack of trust in traditional insurance models. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and
automation, Naked planned a user-friendly, cost-effective, and transparent insurance platform.
This includes enabling customers to obtain quotes, manage policies, and file claims online
without intermediaries.
2. Strategy as a Ploy
A ploy is a specific maneuver intended to outwit competitors. Naked Insurance implemented
several strategic ploys to gain a competitive edge. For example, the company introduced a no-
commission model where it does not profit from rejected claims, thereby building customer trust.
