Summary Contemporary Strategy Analysis (ninth edition) – Robert M. Grant (2016)
Chapter 1. The concept of strategy
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1.1 The role of strategy in success
These four elements form the key components of the analysis of business strategy.
1.2 The basis framework for strategy analysis
This view has close similarities with the SWOT framework. Internal analysis through strength & weaknesses
and external analysis through opportunities & threats. This classification is a bit arbitrary. You first identify
the internal and external forces that impact the firm & then analyze their implications.
The task of business strategy is to determine how the firm will deploy its resources within its environment
and so satisfy its long-term goals, and how it will organize itself to implement that strategy.
Strategic fit = The consistency of a firm’s strategy, first, with the external environment and second, with
its internal environment, especially, with its goals, values, resources and capabilities.
Activity system = Internal consistency among the different elements of a firm’s strategy. Porter!
Contingency theory = There is no single best way of organizing/managing. It depends on circumstances.
1.3 A brief history of business strategy
Strategy is the overall plan for deploying resources to establish a favorable position. Tactic is a scheme for
a specific action. Winning battles vs. winning a war.
3 common characteristics of strategic decisions
1) They are important
2) They involve a significant commitment of resources
3) They are not easily reversible
1
Chapter 1. The concept of strategy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1 The role of strategy in success
These four elements form the key components of the analysis of business strategy.
1.2 The basis framework for strategy analysis
This view has close similarities with the SWOT framework. Internal analysis through strength & weaknesses
and external analysis through opportunities & threats. This classification is a bit arbitrary. You first identify
the internal and external forces that impact the firm & then analyze their implications.
The task of business strategy is to determine how the firm will deploy its resources within its environment
and so satisfy its long-term goals, and how it will organize itself to implement that strategy.
Strategic fit = The consistency of a firm’s strategy, first, with the external environment and second, with
its internal environment, especially, with its goals, values, resources and capabilities.
Activity system = Internal consistency among the different elements of a firm’s strategy. Porter!
Contingency theory = There is no single best way of organizing/managing. It depends on circumstances.
1.3 A brief history of business strategy
Strategy is the overall plan for deploying resources to establish a favorable position. Tactic is a scheme for
a specific action. Winning battles vs. winning a war.
3 common characteristics of strategic decisions
1) They are important
2) They involve a significant commitment of resources
3) They are not easily reversible
1
