An Analysis of Business Level Strategies and Corporate Level Strategies a Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand the meaning of Business Level Strategies and Corporate Level Strategies
- Understand the similarities and differences between Business Level Strategies and Corporate Level Strategies
- Apply these strategies to real-life businesses
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Business Level Strategies and Corporate Level Strategies are two types of strategic choices that organizations make to achieve their goals and objectives. In this paper, we will explore the differences between these two types of strategies, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and some examples of how they are applied in different industries.
Business Level Strategies are the actions and decisions that a business unit takes to gain a competitive advantage in its market. These strategies are focused on creating value for customers, differentiating the products or services from competitors, and achieving cost efficiency. Business Level Strategies can be classified into four generic types: cost leadership, differentiation, focused cost leadership, and focused differentiation.
Cost leadership is a business strategy that aims to achieve a competitive advantage by offering products or services at lower prices than competitors. Cost leadership can be achieved by reducing operational costs, increasing efficiency, or exploiting economies of scale. Cost leaders can attract more customers, increase their market share, and improve their profitability.
Differentiation strategy is a way of creating a competitive advantage by offering a unique value proposition to customers. This strategy can help businesses to stand out from their rivals and attract loyal customers who are willing to pay a premium for their products or services. A differentiation strategy can be based on various factors, such as product features, quality, design, customer service, innovation, or brand image.
Focused cost leadership strategy is a business approach that aims to achieve a competitive advantage by offering a low-cost product or service to a narrow segment of the market. This strategy allows the firm to target a specific niche and offer a differentiated value proposition to its customers.
Focused differentiation is a strategy that combines both differentiation and market segmentation. This strategy targets a narrow segment of customers who are looking for unique products or services in a specific niche. This strategy can create a strong brand identity, customer loyalty, and high-profit margins. However, this strategy also faces risks such as niche saturation, imitation by competitors, and changing customer needs.
Corporate Level Strategies on the other hand refers to actions and decisions that a business may take to manage its portfolio of businesses and create value for shareholders. These strategies are focused on the scope, direction, and allocation of resources of the corporation. Corporate Level Strategies can be classified into four generic types: growth, stability, retrenchment, and combination.
Growth is a strategy that aims to increase the size, market share, or profitability of the corporation by expanding its operations or acquiring new businesses. This strategy can create economies of scale, diversification benefits, and synergies. However, this strategy also involves risks such as overexpansion, integration difficulties, and loss of focus.
Stability is a strategy that aims to maintain the current position or performance of the corporation by continuing its existing operations or improving its efficiency. This strategy can preserve the status quo, avoid uncertainties, and optimize existing resources. However, this strategy also involves drawbacks such as missed opportunities, complacency, and obsolescence.
Retrenchment is a strategy that aims to reduce the size, market share, or profitability of the corporation by downsizing its operations or divesting some of its businesses. This strategy can improve financial performance, focus on core competencies, and eliminate unprofitable activities. However, this strategy also involves costs such as layoffs, asset sales, and reputation damage.
Combination is a strategy that combines two or more of the above strategies depending on the situation and objectives of the corporation. This strategy can provide flexibility, adaptability, and balance. However, this strategy also involves challenges such as inconsistency, complexity, and conflict.