Analyzing Corporate Strategy

Cases

Why the Case Method?

An proven effective learning method in
professional schools.
Allows students to practice important
management skills.
Requires students to relate analysis and
action.
Students must confront reality.
Students develop a general management
viewpoint.

Integrating Theory and Practice

Building Tolerance for Ambiguity and
Incompleteness
Learning to Distinguish Between the
Significant and the Trivial
Developing Shared Learning Skills

Preparation for Case Discussion

Read the
Case, and ReRead the
Case!!!

The Effective Case Analysis

Process
Gaining Familiarity
Recognizing Symptoms and Related
Problems
Conducting the Analysis
Making the Diagnosis
Doing the Action Planning

Good Situation Analysis Leads to

Good Strategic Choices
Assess Industry & Competitive Conditions
1. Industrys dominant economic traits
2. Nature of competition & strength of
competitive forces
3. Drivers of industry change
4. Competitive position of rivals
5. Strategic moves of rivals
6. Key success factors
7. Conclusions about industry attractiveness

Assess Company Situation

1. Assessment of companys present strategy
2. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, &
threats
3. Companys costs compared to rivals
4. Strength of companys competitive position
5. Strategic issues to be addressed

Identify
Strategic
Options
for the
Company

Select
the Best
Strategy
for the
Company

Crunching the Numbers

Market Share Data
Industry Comparisons
Cost Analysis/Break-Even
Operations/Efficiency/Economics
Financial Statement Analysis
Profitability Ratios and Shareholders
Return Ratios
Liquidity Ratios and Leverage Ratios
Activity Ratios