LASA 2: Presentation Of Strategy Audit Findings

LASA 2:presentation Of Strategy Audit Findings

Integrate all the pieces of work you have drafted and formally turn it into the capstone strategy audit. Prepare a 15-page strategy audit of your company with a companion presentation, encompassing a comprehensive analysis of the company's business strategy and operating performance. Include recommendations for improving performance based on the analysis results.

The strategy audit involves assessing the actual business direction and comparing it to the course needed for success in a changing environment. This includes internal alignment and external market viability, covering internal and external assessments such as SWOT analysis, external environmental scan, five forces analysis, organizational assessment, and performance scorecards. The goal is to identify strategic issues—mismatches between internal capabilities and external trends—and propose tactics for strategic improvement.

Discuss various strategic options including marketing, branding, alliances, mergers, product development, diversification, divestitures, and globalization—if relevant, supply chain and global capabilities must be analyzed. Explain how these recommendations align with the company's strategy and vision, adopting a consulting perspective addressing the executive team.

The report should contain the following sections in order:

  • Executive Summary (1 page): Summarize key findings and recommendations succinctly.
  • Strategic Issues and Recommendations (5 pages): Identify 5–7 strategic issues rooted in analyses (SWOT, Five Forces, organizational assessment, environmental scan). Develop specific, impactful recommendations addressing issues related to product portfolio, organizational structure, culture, value chain activities, and performance measures, ensuring alignment with strategy and supported by key performance indicators.
  • Supporting appendices:
    • SWOT analysis (2 pages):
    • Balanced Scorecard (4 pages):
    • Organizational assessment (3 pages):
    • External environmental scan and Five Forces analysis (3 pages):
    • Market position analysis (3 pages):

Use previous work and research to support insights and proposals, properly citing sources in APA format. The final report should be 15 pages, submitted in Word format, serving as a comprehensive strategic review and action plan for the company.

Paper For Above instruction

The following comprehensive strategy audit report synthesizes previous analyses, providing a coherent evaluation of the company's strategic position and operational performance. This report aims to identify critical strategic issues, support decision-making, and recommend actionable initiatives to enhance competitive advantage and organizational effectiveness.

Introduction

Strategic management serves as a vital process to ensure an organization’s continued success amid dynamic market conditions. The purpose of this strategy audit is to evaluate the current positioning of the selected company, analyze internal and external environments, and deliver recommendations to align strategy with market realities. For this purpose, the audit incorporates a suite of analytical tools, including SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, balanced scorecard, organizational assessments, and external scans.

Company Overview and Market Position

The company under review operates within the [industry], serving a target market of [customer segment]. Its core value proposition emphasizes [core value], which has historically differentiated it from competitors. The company's market share, growth trajectory, and product portfolio indicate a firm with a stable, yet potentially underexploited, strategic position. Recent market trends suggest an increasing shift toward [emerging market trends], necessitating strategic reassessment.

Internal Environment Analysis

SWOT Analysis

The SWOT matrix (see Appendix A) highlights strengths such as [strong brand recognition, technological innovation], and weaknesses including [limited diversification, operational inefficiencies]. Opportunities identified encompass [market expansion, product innovation], while threats involve [intense rivalry, regulatory changes].

Understanding internal capabilities and external threats helps pinpoint strategic issues requiring attention.

Organizational Assessment

The organizational structure is characterized by [centralized/decentralized decision-making], with strengths in [leadership expertise, operational efficiency]. Challenges include [misalignment of roles, insufficient agility], which may hinder strategic execution. Key performance measures currently focus on [financial metrics], with a need to incorporate balanced metrics aligned with strategic goals.

Value Chain and Capabilities

The value chain analysis reveals strengths in [procurement, marketing], but areas for improvement include [R&D, after-sales service]. Integrating these functions more effectively can support strategic growth efforts, especially in product development and customer engagement.

External Environment Analysis

Five Forces Analysis

Porter’s Five Forces (see Appendix B) indicate that threat of new entrants is moderate due to [barriers such as capital requirements], supplier power is high owing to [limited suppliers], buyer power is substantial given [competitive alternatives], threat of substitutes is moderate, and industry rivalry remains intense.

Market dynamics suggest that sustaining competitive advantage will depend on differentiation and cost leadership strategies.

External Scan

Market trends point toward increased adoption of [technology], regulatory shifts affecting [industry], and demographic changes that influence demand patterns. These external factors necessitate the company’s strategic flexibility and proactive adaptation.

Strategic Issues Identification

Based on the above analyses, the key strategic issues are:

  1. Need to diversify product offerings to reduce dependence on current markets
  2. Enhance organizational agility to respond swiftly to external changes
  3. Strengthen innovation capabilities within R&D to foster product differentiation
  4. Optimize supply chain management to reduce costs and improve responsiveness
  5. Improve strategic alignment of organizational culture and behaviors
  6. Develop a comprehensive performance measurement system tied to strategic objectives
  7. Expand into international markets with aligned supply chain and capacity planning

Recommendations and Action Plans

Product Portfolio Enhancement

Introduce new product lines targeting underserved segments, leveraging insights from market research. A focus on innovation and customer feedback integration can help differentiate offerings, addressing market gaps and reducing dependency on mature products.

Organizational Restructuring and Culture Development

Implement flexible decision-making structures to boost responsiveness. Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and strategic agility, guided by revised mission, vision, and values that reinforce desired behaviors aligned with strategic goals.

Operational and Supply Chain Optimization

Adopt lean practices and technological tools to streamline supply chain operations, improving cost efficiency and demand responsiveness. In addition, develop supply chain capabilities for global expansion, including localized sourcing and distribution strategies.

Strategic Initiatives for Global Expansion

If venturing globally, conduct a detailed supply chain analysis to address logistical challenges, assess partner capabilities, and identify regional market entry strategies. Build operational capabilities supporting cross-border commerce and compliance.

Performance Measurement and Scorecard Development

Create a balanced scorecard integrating financial, customer, internal process, and learning & growth perspectives. Establish KPIs aligned with strategic initiatives, providing a predictive measure of progress toward strategic goals.

Conclusion

This strategy audit illustrates that while the company maintains certain strengths, necessary strategic adjustments are essential to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate external threats. Addressing identified issues through recommended initiatives can reposition the organization for sustainable growth and competitive advantage in an evolving marketplace.

References

  • Barney, J. B., & Hesterley, W. S. (2019). Strategic management and competitive advantage: Concepts and cases. Pearson.
  • Porter, M. E. (2008). The five competitive forces that shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 78–93.
  • Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1996). The Balanced Scorecard: Translating strategy into action. Harvard Business School Press.
  • Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary strategy analysis: Text and cases. Wiley.
  • Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic management: Concepts and cases. Cengage Learning.
  • Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & supply chain management. Pearson.
  • Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2017). Exploring corporate strategy. Pearson.
  • Prahalad, C. K., & Hamel, G. (1990). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79–91.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.
  • Chen, M., & Paulraj, A. (2004). Understanding supply chain management: Critical research and a theoretical framework. International Journal of Production Research, 42(1), 131–163.

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