a business strategy can exhibit different levels of detail and analysis and can focus on horizons 2 to 20 years out. critical elements in any strategies plan include 1. product market served, 2. resource commitment, and 3. objectives and plans for each functional area. firm with multiple business units must include two additional elements inpected from the mix. clearly, these are similar to the second and third elements in any strategy, performed at a higher level of aggregation of the peoduct market served.
a business strategy also has to develop the details aims and action plans for the functional areas. a host of question must be addressed in this portion of a strategy. will special emphasis be given logistics for customers service or will the firm decentralize manufacturing to provideshort supply linkages to key customers? will the firm need a strong advertising campaign or will it need to support distributor activities that play key roles in product differentiation?
how important is supply management, relative to other facets of the value creation process? how can sales, service, and operation people at the branches be encouraged to work as a team? in many market, careful analytical attention and planning are given to the product line its scope, composition by functional feature and durability, horizontal and vertical connectivit, price, and so on. a computer company must consider the relationship of each model to the other it markets. what is the positioning strategy for each model and the array of accessories and peripherals? engineering, purchasing, manufacturing and logistics must collaborate in the formulation of supporting goals and activities....