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 MY INTRODUCTION

Name: Dr. MOHI UD DIN

mohiuddin@ucp.edu.pk
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 Course Title

Business Policy &

Strategy

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 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
Assessment Items Percentage
Quiz(s) 5%
Assignments(s) 5%
Class Participation 10%
Midterm
30%
Examination
Final Examination 40%
Project/Presentation 10%
Other(s)
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Any specific teaching/learning strategies:
Using Case study approach to develop critical thinking.
 Key points from Michael E. Porter's article
"What is Strategy?":

1. *Operational Effectiveness vs. Strategy*: Porter distinguishes between operational

effectiveness (performing similar activities better than rivals) and strategy (choosing a
unique set of activities to deliver a unique value). He argues that companies often
confuse the two.
2. *Competitive Advantage*: Porter emphasizes the importance of achieving a
sustainable competitive advantage. This involves performing different activities or
performing similar activities differently from competitors.
3. *Strategic Positioning*: Strategy should be about choosing a unique position in the
market. Firms should make trade-offs and choose what not to do in order to excel in
their chosen area.
4. *Fit and Consistency*: Porter highlights that a company's activities and choices
should be consistent and mutually reinforcing. This internal consistency enhances
competitive advantage.
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 Key points from Michael E. Porter's article
"What is Strategy?":

5. *Creating Value*: Strategy should focus on creating value for

customers while being profitable for the company. This requires
understanding the specific needs and preferences of customers.
6. *Competitive Scope*: Firms must decide the scope of their
competitive activities – whether to target a broad market or a narrow
niche. Strategy depends on this choice.
7. *Trade-offs and Choices*: Strategy involves making tough choices
and trade-offs. A company cannot be everything to everyone and must
decide where to excel.
8. *Adaptation over Time*: Strategies need to evolve over time as the
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competitive landscape changes. Companies should not be static in their

Article "Can You Say What Your Strategy Is?" by David
J. Collis:

1. *The Importance of Clarity*: The article emphasizes the importance of clarity when it
comes to a company's strategy. Collis argues that many companies struggle to articulate their
strategy in a clear and concise manner.
2. *Elements of a Good Strategy Statement*: Collis identifies three key elements of a good
strategy statement:
- *Objective*: Clearly define the company's long-term objective or goal.
- *Scope*: Specify where the company will compete and, equally important, where it will not
compete.
- *Advantage*: Explain how the company will achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
3. *Misunderstanding of Strategy*: The article discusses common misconceptions about
strategy, including the confusion between strategy and goals, tactics, and vision. Collis
emphasizes that a clear strategy statement should address these misconceptions.
4. *The Test of a Good Strategy*: According to Collis, a good strategy should be able to pass
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the "fit test" and the "competitive advantage test." It should demonstrate a logical and coherent
fit between the company's activities and provide a clear explanation of how it will outperform
Article "Can You Say What Your Strategy
Is?" by David J. Collis:
5. *The Role of Leadership*: The article suggests that leadership plays a crucial role
in formulating and communicating a clear strategy. Leaders should be able to articulate
the strategy in a way that employees, customers, and stakeholders can understand and
align with.
6. *Examples of Good Strategy Statements*: Collis provides examples of well-
crafted strategy statements from companies like IKEA and Southwest Airlines,
illustrating how a good strategy statement can be simple, clear, and effective.
7. *Communication and Execution*: The article highlights that a clear strategy
statement is essential not only for communication but also for effective execution.
When everyone in the organization understands the strategy, it becomes easier to make
decisions and take actions aligned with that strategy.
8. *Continuous Review and Adaptation*: Collis stresses that a strategy statement
should Copyright
not be ©2017
static.Pearson
Companies should regularly review and adapt their
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respond to changing market conditions and opportunities.