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INTRODUCTION
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of planning, implementation, and evaluation. Organizations engaging in strategic
management are agile, ready to adjust strategies based on evolving circumstances and
feedback. This adaptability is critical for survival and competitiveness in an ever-changing
marketplace.
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1.3. The Three Pillars of Strategy: Formulation, Implementation, and Evaluation
1.4. Balancing Analysis and Intuition: The Art and Science of Strategic Management
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Strategic management is the art and science of making decisions that shape the direction
of an organization. It involves formulating, implementing, and evaluating strategies to achieve
long-term objectives. Strategic management provides overall direction to an enterprise and
involves specifying the organization's objectives, developing policies and plans to achieve those
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objectives, and then allocating resources to implement the plans. Academics and practicing
managers have developed numerous models and frameworks to assist in strategic decision-
making in the context of complex environments and competitive dynamics. Strategic
management is not static in nature; the models can include a feedback loop to monitor execution
and to inform the next round of planning.
The field of strategic management has evolved significantly since the early 20th century,
gaining coherence in the 1960s as a distinct stream of management research. This development
marked a shift towards a more contingent perspective, emphasizing the need for organizations to
adapt to their external environment (Furrer et al., 2008). The 1970s witnessed the emergence of
research-based approaches, categorized into two strands: a process approach and research aimed
at understanding the relationship between strategy and performance, with a focus on the
environment's interaction with organizations. The 1980s acknowledged the significance of
internal resources, leading to two major research streams: transaction costs economics and
agency theory (Furrer et al., 2008).
In 1980, the establishment of the Strategic Management Journal reflected the growing
importance of the field. Key scholars, including Porter (1980) and Schendel and Hofer (1979),
contributed to the transition from reliance on toolkits to a systematic, theoretical analysis of firm-
level strategy (Nurer et al., 2008). The 1990s saw a shift from environmental and strategy-based
research to a focus on financial and resource-based research and a return to an internal
perspective (Furrer et al., 2008).
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strategic intentions and operational reality to inform evidence-based approaches to organizational
change and development (Johnson et al., 2008). Mintzberg and Walker (1989) propose viewing
strategic management as a pattern of deliberate and emergent actions, emphasizing the reality of
strategy implementation.
Manufacturers need to align their strategies with market demands and changing trends.
Strategic decisions, such as implementing agile manufacturing strategies, allow companies to
quickly adapt to shifts in consumer preferences. This is particularly crucial in industries where
product life cycles are short, like in electronics or fashion.
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2.4.3. Cost Leadership for Competitive Advantage
Strategic Decision Example: Implementing Cost Reduction Programs
In the realm of manufacturing, effective supply chain management is a critical aspect that
significantly contributes to the success of a company. The strategic importance of supply chain
management in manufacturing cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to ensuring
operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and responsiveness to market demands. One strategic
decision that exemplifies the importance of supply chain management is the establishment of
robust supplier relationships.
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2.5. Importance of strategy in Service
Innovation and Adaptability: Service environments are dynamic and subject to constant
changes in technology, customer expectations, and market trends. A strategic framework
encourages a culture of innovation and adaptability, allowing service providers to stay ahead of
industry shifts.
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Brand Image and Reputation: A carefully crafted strategy contributes to the establishment
and maintenance of a positive brand image. Consistent and high-quality service delivery, aligned
with strategic goals, enhances reputation and fosters trust among customers.
Expansion and Growth: Strategic planning is essential for expansion and growth
initiatives. It helps organizations identify new market opportunities, develop entry strategies, and
adapt their services to meet the needs of diverse customer segments.
In the context of marketing, strategy plays a crucial role in guiding the efforts of a
company to achieve its marketing objectives and gain a competitive advantage. Here are some
key reasons highlighting the importance of strategy in marketing:
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Brand Building: Strategic marketing is essential for brand building. It involves creating a
consistent and compelling brand image that resonates with the target audience. This can lead to
increased brand loyalty and recognition.
In essence, marketing strategy provides a roadmap for how a company will navigate the
market landscape, connect with its audience, and achieve its business goals. It's a dynamic
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process that adapts to changing market conditions while keeping the organization focused on its
long-term vision.
Vision and Mission: The formulation of vision and mission statements provides a clear
sense of purpose, guiding decision-makers and aligning the entire organization toward a common
goal.
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D. Leadership and Role of Strategists:
Critical Leadership Role: The chapter emphasizes the pivotal role of strategists,
particularly CEOs and Chief Strategy Officers, in shaping the direction of the organization. Their
ability to gather, analyze, and organize information influences the strategic decision-making
process.
Adaptability and Ethical Leadership: Strategists must embody adaptability and ethical
leadership, setting the tone for the entire organization, especially during times of change.
Environmental Factors: The model acknowledges the impact of business ethics, social
responsibility, environmental sustainability, and global issues on strategic decisions, reinforcing
the need for organizations to stay adaptable and responsive.
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2.8. The Strategic Management Processes
2.8.1. Formulation
Vision and Mission Development: Organizations begin by articulating their vision and
mission, answering fundamental questions about what they aspire to become and their enduring
purpose. These statements guide the strategic direction and decision-making process.
SWOT Analysis: An essential step involves conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to assess internal capabilities and vulnerabilities, as well as
external opportunities and threats. This analysis lays the foundation for strategy development.
Setting Objectives: Long-term objectives are established based on the insights gained
from the SWOT analysis. These objectives provide a clear target for the organization to strive
towards, encompassing what it aims to achieve over an extended period.
Alternative Strategy Generation: Strategies are formulated by generating various
alternatives that align with the organization's mission and objectives. This involves considering
different approaches to capitalize on opportunities and address challenges.
Strategy Selection: From the pool of alternative strategies, organizations select specific
strategies that best align with their goals and competitive environment.
2.8.2. Implementation
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Resource Allocation: Implementation involves allocating resources, both human and
financial, to support the execution of strategies. This includes assigning responsibilities,
establishing budgets, and creating a framework for resource utilization.
Motivating Employees: Successful strategy implementation requires the motivation and
commitment of employees. Leaders play a crucial role in inspiring and aligning the workforce
with the strategic goals, fostering a shared sense of purpose.
2.8.3. Evaluation
Reviewing Internal and External Factors: The evaluation stage involves a comprehensive
review of internal and external factors that may impact the organization's performance. This
includes monitoring industry trends, assessing market dynamics, and understanding changes in
the competitive landscape.
Performance Measurement: Organizations measure their performance against the set
objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs). This step provides insights into the
effectiveness of the implemented strategies and helps identify areas for improvement.
Corrective Actions: Based on the evaluation results, organizations take corrective actions.
This may involve adjusting strategies, realigning objectives, or revisiting resource allocation to
address emerging challenges or capitalize on new opportunities.
The strategic management process, as depicted in the chapter, is not a one-time event but
rather a continuous and dynamic cycle. It emphasizes adaptability, responsiveness to change, and
the integration of various business functions to achieve and maintain a competitive advantage in
the ever-evolving business environment.
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CHAPTER 3
EMPRICAL RESULT
3.1.1. Background:
The vision and mission statements of Ooredoo Myanmar states “We are on a mission to
empower customers across our global footprint to access and enjoy the best of the Internet in a
way that is personal and unique to them.
We continue to invest in our networks to ensure seamless connectivity that caters to our
customers’ growing digital needs.
We are working as a real digital enabler across our markets and our aspiration is to help
people simplify their lives and enjoy exciting and rewarding digital experiences”.
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The CEO of Ooredoo Myanmar acts as the key strategist, overseeing the gathering,
analysis, and organization of information.
The company has recognized the importance of strategic planning, leading to the
appointment of a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to focus on long-term planning, industry trends,
and competitive positioning.
Opportunities: Expanding mobile internet usage, growing demand for digital services.
Long-Term Objective: Achieve a 20% increase in market share within the next five years.
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3.1.8. Strategic Management Model
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CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION
The literature review delved into the definitions of strategy and strategic management,
tracing the evolution of the field and emphasizing the importance of internal and external
perspectives. The study then explored the strategic importance of manufacturing and service
sectors, elucidating the role of strategy in enhancing operational efficiency, meeting market
demands, achieving cost leadership, fostering innovation, and managing supply chains.
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Ooredoo Myanmar. (2019), Our vision, Enriching people’s digital lives.
https://www.ooredoo.com/en/who_we_are/
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