Three strategic frameworks

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain three frameworks that can be used to aid strategic decision making and the implementation of strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Dissatisfaction with existing approaches to strategic management, e.g. Michael Porter's models and SWOT analysis, led me to seek for alternatives. Of particular value in this search were ideas from post‐modernism and quantum mechanics which triggered the notion of opposing forces. From opposing forces I developed the idea of managing forces. Having generated this shell of an idea I then set about deciding what forces would be the most suitable to use – and this took quite a while. Once the managing forces framework had been developed I was then able to test it out in my consultancy work and with business students. Perceived differential value arose out of a desire to simplify Porter's model of competitive advantage whilst at the same time creating a model that was more powerful in that it highlights the importance of perceptions, differential value (e.g. a product may be a cost leader but not possess differential value as far as the customers are concerned) and profits.

Findings

The frameworks have been found to be extremely useful in surfacing many of the issues that need to be taken account of in strategic decision making and the implementation of strategies.

Practicality

The frameworks have been designed to be readily usable by both business people and business students.

Originality/value

The managing forces framework (which incorporates opposing forces) brings more strategic issues to the attention of managers than any other business model and it also encourages a dynamic, creative and problem‐solving approach to strategic management. The perceived differential value framework focuses attention on vital components of a successful strategy.

Citation

Mulcaster, W. (2009), "Three strategic frameworks", Business Strategy Series, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 68-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/17515630910937814