The document discusses various strategic analysis frameworks including SWOT analysis, TOWS matrix, and Porter's generic competitive strategies. SWOT analysis involves identifying internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. The TOWS matrix builds on SWOT by matching strengths/weaknesses with opportunities/threats to generate alternative strategies. Porter's strategies are cost leadership, differentiation, and focus on a narrow or broad target. The document also covers Porter's requirements for successful implementation of the generic strategies and market location tactics for offensive and defensive positioning.

1. Situational Analysis: SWOT Analysis What is SWOT? SA=O/(S-W) SA= strategic alternative O= opportunities S= strengths W= weakness

2. SWOT Analysis: Criticisms Generates lengthy lists Uses no weights to reflect priorities Same factor can be placed in 2 categories Requires only a single level of analysis No logical link to strategy implementation

3. Generating Alternative Strategies: TOWS Matrix SWOT can be used to generate a no of possible alternative strategies TOWS is just another way of saying SWOT Illustrates how external opportunities & threats can be matched with firm’s internal strengths & weaknesses to result in 4-sets of possible strategies alternative

4. TOWS Matrix WT Strategies ST Strategies Threats List 5-10 WO Strategies SO Strategies Opportunities List 5-10 (IFAS) Weakness List 5-10 Internal Factors Strength List 5-10 External factors-EFAS

5. Porter’s Competitive Strategies Corporate strategy what industry the firm should be in Business strategy How the firm should compete or cooperate in each strategy 2-generic Strategies Can be pursued by any type or size of business firm, even by not-for-profit organizations

6. Porter’s Competitive Strategies Lower cost Strategy ability of a firm to design, produce & market a comparable product more efficiently than its competitors Differentiation Strategy ability of a firm to provide unique & superior value to the buyer in terms of product quality, special features, or after-sale service 4-variations of 2-generic Strategies

7. Porter’s Generic Strategies Focused differentiation Cost focus Narrow Target Differentiation Differentiation Lower Cost Cost leadership Broad Target

8. Which is the best Generic Strategy? Before selecting one of Porter’s generic competitive strategies, the management should assess its feasibility in terms of resources & capabilities Porter lists the following requirement for generic competitive strategies

9. Requirement for Generic Competitive Strategies: Overall Cost Leadership Sustained capital investment Process engineering skills Low cost distribution systems Tight cost control Structured organization & responsibilities Incentives based on meeting targets

10. Requirement for Generic Competitive Strategies: Differentiation Strong marketing abilities Product engineering Strong cooperation from channels Long tradition in industry R&D, product development, marketing- all well coordinated Ability to attract highly skilled labor

11. Market Location Tactics: Where to compete Offensive Tactics Frontal Assault Flanking Maneuver Bypass Attack Encirclement Guerrilla Warfare

13. Market Location Tactics: Where to compete Defensive Tactics Collusion Strategic Alliance Mutual Service Consortia Joint Venture Licensing Agreement Value-Chain Partnership