BUSINESS AND

MARKETING
STRATEGY – PART I
CLASS 1 – INTRODUCTION

SCIENTIA ET
PRATIQUE
COURSE AGENDA
Your Journey in Business & Marketing
Strategy Part I
Class 1- Introduction
Class 3 – Blue Ocean Strategy
Class 5- Business Model 2

Class 2 Analyzing the Competitive Landscape

Class 4 – Business Model 1

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COURSE OBJECTIVES: LEARNING GOALS

Business & Marketing Strategy is a 2-Part short course. Upon completion

of this first part, participants will be able to:

• Understand core strategic concepts and frameworks

• Analyze competitive landscapes and identify opportunities
• Develop and implement effective business and marketing strategies
• Utilize digital marketing tools and techniques
• Evaluate strategic performance and make data-driven decisions

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WHAT IS STRATEGY?

Definition:
Strategy is a plan of action or policy designed to
achieve a major or overall aim. It is the blueprint for
reaching long-term objectives.

Key Focus Areas:

• It’s about positioning the organization to achieve
its goals over the long term.
• Involves resource allocation, competitive
positioning, and making decisions based on the
external environment and internal capabilities

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THE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROCESS

Key Concepts:
• Goal Setting: Establishing clear, measurable objectives.
• Environmental Analysis: Conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
• Strategy Formulation: Deciding on strategic approaches (e.g., cost
leadership, differentiation).
• Strategy Implementation: Allocating resources, assigning responsibilities,
and putting the strategy into action.
• Evaluation and Control: Measuring success and making adjustments based
on performance.

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LEVELS OF STRATEGY
Key Points –The Strategy Piramid
Corporate Level Strategy:
Focuses on the overall direction of the
organization. It deals with broad questions
like diversification, acquisitions, or entering
new markets.
Business Unit Level Strategy:
Focuses on how a specific unit (division or
business) will compete in its market. This can
include strategies like cost leadership or
differentiation.
Functional Level Strategy:
Relates to the operations within departments
(e.g., marketing, HR, production). It supports
the overall business strategy through specific
functional goals.
TYPES OF THINKING

Types and levels of thinking are fundamental to devise and

implement a strategic plan
Strategic Thinking
The bigger picture
Critical Thinking
Evaluating information systematically
Systems Thinking
Interactions within complex systems
Creative Thinking
Novel and unique ideas
Analytical Thinking
Breakdown complex problems
IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGIC THINKING

Key Points:
Definition: Strategic thinking is the ability to consider the bigger
picture, anticipate future trends, and create effective plans.
Why It’s Important:
Helps in navigating uncertainty, identifying opportunities, and
aligning decisions with long-term goals.
Encourages a forward-looking, proactive approach to leadership.
CRITICAL THINKING
Key Points:
Definition: Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating
information systematically. It’s about questioning assumptions
and finding logical connections between ideas.
Application in Strategy:
Identifies weaknesses or flaws in strategies, solutions, and
plans.
Leads to better decision-making based on evidence and
reasoning rather than assumptions.
SYSTEMS THINKING
Key Points:
Definition: Systems thinking is
the ability to understand and
visualize the interactions and
relationships within complex
systems.
Why It’s Important in Strategy:
Allows strategists to
recognize how changes in one
area of the business can
affect other areas.
Helps in identifying the root
causes of problems and
anticipating unintended
consequences of decisions.
CREATIVE THINKING

Key Points:
Definition: The ability to generate novel and unique ideas that break
from traditional thinking.
Application in Strategy:
Encourages innovation and helps companies stay competitive by
thinking outside the box.
Can lead to new products, services, or business models.
ANALYTICAL THINKING

Key Points:
Definition: The ability to break
down complex problems into
smaller, more manageable parts
and assess them logically.
Application in Strategy:
Used for evaluating options
and making decisions based on
data and evidence.
Helps in strategic planning,
forecasting, and performance
analysis.
ROLE OF THE STRATEGIST

Responsibilities:
• Aligning operations with strategic objectives.
• Leading teams to achieve goals.
• Shaping organizational direction.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

Definition:
• Inspiring and guiding teams towards the organization’s
vision.
Skills:
• Visionary thinking.
• Decision-making.
• Communication.
STRATEGIC PLANNING

Definition:
• Strategic planning is the process of defining an organization’s
direction and allocating resources to achieve that direction.
Key Steps:
• Vision and Mission: Establish long-term objectives that align with
the organization's purpose.
• SWOT Analysis: Analyze internal strengths and weaknesses, and
external opportunities and threats.
• Setting Goals: Break down long-term vision into actionable,
measurable objectives.
• Action Plans: Outline the specific steps needed to achieve strategic
objectives, including timelines and resource allocation.
.
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION
Definition:
• Strategic implementation is the process of translating plans into
concrete actions to achieve organizational goals.
Key Focus Areas:
• Aligning Resources: Ensure that financial, human, and operational
resources are allocated effectively to support strategic priorities.
• Clear Communication: Foster understanding of the strategy across
all levels of the organization through transparent messaging and
stakeholder involvement.
• Leadership Involvement: Leaders must champion the strategy and
motivate teams to ensure commitment and alignment.
• Operational Planning: Develop detailed plans for day-to-day
operations that align with strategic goals.
• Tracking Progress: Use tools like dashboards, project management
software, or periodic reviews to monitor implementation and
address any roadblocks.
.
STRATEGIC EVALUATION
Definition:
• Strategic evaluation is the process of assessing the effectiveness of
implemented strategies and ensuring they meet organizational
goals.
Key Tools and Techniques:
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Measure progress towards
strategic objectives, such as revenue growth, customer satisfaction,
or market share.
• Balanced Scorecard: Tracks performance across financial, customer,
internal process, and learning perspectives.
• Feedback Loops: Regular reviews to identify areas for
improvement and adapt strategies as needed.
• Benchmarking: Comparing performance against competitors or
industry standards.
.
STRATEGIC EVALUATION

Importance of Strategic Evaluation:

• Ensures accountability for results.
• Identifies strengths, weaknesses, and areas for course correction.
• Promotes continuous improvement and long-term success.
Challenges:
• Collecting accurate and timely data.
• Resistance to performance reviews or changes.
• Overlooking non-financial metrics.
.
CLASS MAIN TAKE-AWAYS

In this introductory session, we covered the basics of:

• Understanding strategy and its importance.

• Strategic thinking involves critical, systems,

creative, and analytical approaches.

• Strategists play a key role in guiding

organizations.

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SCIENTIA ET
PRATIQUE