Techniques and Analytical Methods and Strategic Analysis Plans

Econometric model Trend Analysis Regression Analysis The Delphi Technique Bench Marking Spying Expert Opinion Method

 Sales Force Composite Method Extrapolation Moving Averages Exponential Smoothing Simulation Morphological Analysis Game Theory

 Monte Carlo Method Fuzzy Logic Genetic Algorithms Quest

Strategic marketing plans 1. Product related factors: Variety Differentiation Product positioning Packaging
2. Price related factors: Pricing policies Pricing methods Government policies

3. Place related factors: Logistics Distribution Market intermediaries 4. Promotion related factors: Promotion budget Advertising Public relations Sales promotion

5. System related factors: Market intelligence Market information system Customer relationship management

Typical strengths that build marketing capability

Wide variety of goods Good quality products Focused positioning Price protection Low prices Differentiated products High profile advertisement Brand building efforts Effective distribution system Strong R&D for new product development

Techniques for analyzing the strength and weakness in marketing Market share analysis Marketing audit Brand monitoring surveys Dealer and consumer panels Analysis of profit volume relationships

 Strategic Advantage Analysis: 1. Marketing and Distribution

Competitive position and market share: Product line Product life-cycle Pricing Strategy Nature of the market

 Channels of Distribution Brand Image Market Research Packaging Marketing Policy

Finance and Accounting: Financial resources and strength Capital structure and cost of capital Relations with owners Financial planning and budgeting Accounting System and audit procedure Tax planning and tax advantages

Strategic Financial Plans: 1. Factors related to sources of fund: Capital structure Reserves and surplus Relation ship with bankers Working capital availability Financing pattern

2. Factors relating to usage of funds: Fixed assets Currents asset Loans and advances Rapport with share holders Dividend distribution

3. Factors related to the management of funds: Tax planning measures Cost reduction measures Financial accounting Risk/return management Budgeting system

Typical strengths that develop financial capability Access to financial resource High rate of credit worthiness Availability of low cost capital compared to competitors Favorable tax provisions given by government High level of shareholders confidence Cordial relationship with bankers

Techniques adopted for analyzing the strength and weakness in finance area Liquidity ratio Profitability ratio Leverage ratio Cash flow analysis Payback and IRR analysis Breakeven analysis Earning to sales and Earning per share

Production and operations management Cost of operations Capacity utilization Production facilities Cost and availability of materials and components Plant location Purchasing and inventory control

Strategic operations issues 1. Factors related to production system: Location Layout Work system Capacity Extent of automation Vertical integration

2. Factors related to operations and control systems: Aggregated production planning Material supply Capacity utilization Quality control Maintenance systems

3. Factors related to R&D systems: Patents Technology collaboration Technology transfer Technology agreements Facilities

Techniques used for assessing strengths and weakness of operations management Capacity utilization analysis Inventory analysis Cost of production analysis Analysis of patents generated New products commercialization record Comparison of investments made in new product launch

Typical strengths that build operations capability High capacity utilization Suitable plant location Good inventory control system like JIT High profile scientist Technical collaboration with world-class R&D firms

Human Resources and Organizational Factors: Organization Climate Employee performance record Personnel policies and practices Managerial (leadership) style Union-Management relations Corporate Image

Strategic human resource issues 1. Factors related to personnel systems: Manpower planning system Selection and development system Compensation and Appraisal system

2. Factors related to employee characteristics: Quality and skill of management Image of organization as employer Working conditions leadership

3. Factors related to industrial relations: Union-management relationship Health, welfare, safety, stress, discipline Collective bargaining

Typical strengths that support human resource and capabilities Efficient personnel systems Be a model employer High level of morale Satisfied workforce Statutory working conditions Need based training programs Absenteeism Cordial work environment Motivated workforce