A strategic plan is a carefully crafted set of steps that a firm intends to follow in order to be successful. The business model is a central element of a firm’s strategic plan and describes the process whereby a company hopes to earn profits and outperform the competition. The importance of an effective strategy cannot be overstated. With this in mind provide a substantive response to the questions below:
Think about the best and worst companies you know.
· What is extraordinary (or extraordinarily bad) about these firms?
· Are their strategies clear and focused or difficult to define? Explain.
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Worst Companies
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Enron: Enron was a company that was known for its fraudulent accounting practices. They had a strategy of artificially inflating their earnings in order to meet Wall Street expectations. This strategy ultimately led to the company's collapse.
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WorldCom: WorldCom was a company that was known for its debt-fueled growth. They had a strategy of acquiring other companies in order to expand their market share. This strategy ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy.
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Sears: Sears was a company that was known for its outdated business model. They had a strategy of relying on brick-and-mortar stores and traditional marketing methods. This strategy failed to adapt to the changing retail landscape, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 2018.
Clearness and Focus of Strategies
The best companies typically have clear and focused strategies. This means that their goals are well-defined and they have a plan for how to achieve them. They are also able to communicate their strategy to their employees and stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand.
The worst companies typically have unclear or unfocused strategies. This means that their goals are not well-defined or they do not have a clear plan for how to achieve them. They are also unable to communicate their strategy to their employees and stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand.
Why Clear Strategies Are Important
Clear strategies are important for a number of reasons. First, they help to ensure that everyone in the organization is working towards the same goals. Second, they provide a roadmap for decision-making. Third, they help to attract and retain top talent. Fourth, they help to identify and mitigate risks.
Conclusion
A clear and focused strategy is essential for any company that wants to be successful. By taking the time to develop a well-defined strategy, companies can increase their chances of achieving their goals and outperforming the competition.