Strategic Management Fundamentals

From the study guide

Course Outline

  1. Strategic management concept
  2. Strategic management model
  3. Strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation
  4. Key strategic management terms
  5. Competitive advantage and SWOT analysis
  6. Benefits of strategic management
  7. Why firms avoid planning
  8. Pitfalls in strategic planning

1. Strategic management concept

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • Strategic management: Strategic management is the art and science of formulating, implementing, and evaluating cross-functional decisions that help an organization achieve its objectives.
  • Strategic planning: Strategic planning is treated as synonymous with strategic management in this course.
  • Long-range planning: Long-range planning focuses on optimizing today’s trends for tomorrow rather than running the full strategic management cycle.
  • Strategic plan: A strategic plan is a company’s game plan created through tough choices among alternatives that commit to specific markets and operating approaches.

Essential Points

  • Strategic management uses cross-functional decisions to reach organizational objectives.
  • In this course, “strategic planning” matches strategic management, while “strategic planning” can sometimes mean only strategy formulation.
  • A strategic plan signals commitment to particular markets, policies, procedures, and operations.

Memory Hook

Strategic management = decisions across functions (formulate→implement→evaluate).

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Practice quiz preview

1. Which statement best defines strategic management?

2. In this course, how is strategic planning treated?

3. What are the three prompts in the comprehensive, integrative strategic management model?

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Flashcard preview

Strategic management — definition?

Formulating, implementing, evaluating decisions.

Strategic management model — purpose?

Links current position, future goal, and path.

Strategy formulation — stage?

Set vision, mission, and long-term choices.

Strategy implementation — stage?

Turn strategies into objectives and actions.

Strategy evaluation — purpose?

Check effectiveness and make corrections.

Key terms — competitive advantage?

Doing activities well or owning desired resources.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Strategic Management Fundamentals study guide cover?

It covers the core concepts of Strategic Management Fundamentals, organized by topic with the key definitions, explanations and takeaways, so it's easier to learn and remember.

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How many questions are in the Strategic Management Fundamentals quiz?

The practice quiz has 16 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation. Use it to check what you know and find your gaps.

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How do I study Strategic Management Fundamentals with flashcards?

There are 16 flashcards on Strategic Management Fundamentals, with a question on the front and the answer on the back. Try to recall each answer before you flip, and let spaced repetition bring back the ones you miss.

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