The Strategy Chessboard is a holistic Strategy Development framework developed by A.T. Kearney. It first presents a 2X2 of 4 Umbrella Strategies:
1. Position and Conquer (e.g. Porter's Five Forces, Profit Patterns, Art of War)
2. Redefine the Industry (e.g. Consolidation Curve, Value Chain Analysis, Game Theory)
3. Reinvent the Industry (e.g. Blue Ocean Strategy, Competing for the Future, Product Lifecycle Analysis)
4. Maintain Foresight and Flexibility (e.g. Scenario Analysis, Dynamic Strategies, Real Options Theory)
Each Umbrella Strategy is each further divided into 4 more Strategic Approaches. The composite of 16 Strategic Approaches and 4 Umbrella Strategies forms the "chessboard." The Strategy Chessboard is useful in navigating through the plethora of strategic thinking philosophies and frameworks, to determine the optimal choice for your organization's particular situation. You can compare this framework to the Strategy Framework Canvas (we also have a presentation on this available on Flevy), which is also a holistic framework that distills the strategic thinking among innumerable strategy models introduced over the years.
This presentation explains the theory behind the Strategy Chessboard, as well as detailed explanations of each of the Umbrella Strategies and Strategic Approaches. It also details a 3-phase, 9-step approach to Strategy Development by utilizing the Strategy Chessboard.
Additional topics covered include Strategic Playing Field, Industry Predictability, Evolutionary vs. Revolutionary Environments, Strategy Obstacles, Case Examples, among others.
This deck also includes a set of slide templates for you to use in your own business presentations.
The Strategy Chessboard challenges conventional strategy assumptions, emphasizing the unpredictability of industries and the necessity for companies to adapt dynamically. By leveraging strategic analysis and scenario planning, this framework aids in redefining industry boundaries and enhancing competitive positioning. The deck includes comprehensive case studies of industry leaders, showcasing diverse strategic applications. This resource is essential for executives aiming to navigate complex market landscapes and drive sustainable growth.
Got a question about the product? Email us at support@flevy.com or ask the author directly by using the "Ask the Author a Question" form. If you cannot view the preview above this document description, go here to view the large preview instead.
Executive Summary
The Strategy Chessboard is a holistic Strategy Development framework developed by A.T. Kearney, designed to guide organizations in navigating complex strategic decisions. This presentation, crafted by former consultants from top firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte, offers a consulting-grade quality that empowers executives to define their strategic approach effectively. The framework comprises 4 Umbrella Strategies and sixteen Strategic Approaches, facilitating a structured decision-making process tailored to an organization’s unique context. Buyers will learn to assess industry predictability, adapt strategies, and implement a comprehensive 3-phase, 9-step approach to Strategy Development.
Who This Is For and When to Use
• Corporate strategists focused on long-term planning and market positioning
• Business unit leaders seeking to align their strategies with corporate objectives
• Consultants advising organizations on strategic frameworks and implementations
• Executives aiming to enhance competitive advantage through innovative strategies
Best-fit moments to use this deck:
• During strategic planning sessions to evaluate and select appropriate strategic approaches
• When assessing industry dynamics and organizational capabilities for strategic alignment
• In workshops aimed at fostering innovative thinking and collaborative strategy development
Learning Objectives
• Define the Strategy Chessboard framework and its components
• Assess industry predictability and determine the appropriate strategic approach
• Develop a comprehensive strategy using the 3-phase, 9-step implementation process
• Identify and apply the 4 Umbrella Strategies and sixteen Strategic Approaches
• Evaluate organizational capabilities and align them with strategic options
• Foster innovative thinking to create “Blue Ocean” opportunities
Table of Contents
• Overview (page 3)
• Strategy Assumptions (page 5)
• Umbrella Strategies (page 9)
• Strategy Chessboard (page 16)
• Strategy Chessboard Implementation (page 23)
• Strategic Approaches (page 30)
• Templates (page 50)
Primary Topics Covered
• Strategy Assumptions - Challenges conventional beliefs about industry predictability and adaptation.
• Umbrella Strategies - Four core strategies that guide organizations in shaping or adapting to their industry.
• Strategy Chessboard - A visual representation of strategic options based on industry predictability and organizational capabilities.
• Implementation Process - A structured 3-phase, 9-step approach for developing and executing strategies.
• Strategic Approaches - Detailed exploration of sixteen strategic options categorized under the 4 Umbrella Strategies.
• Templates - Practical tools for applying the Strategy Chessboard framework in real-world scenarios.
Deliverables, Templates, and Tools
• Strategy Chessboard framework template for visualizing strategic options
• Point-scale model for assessing company DNA and industry predictability
• 3-phase implementation process template for structured strategy development
• Scenario analysis framework for preparing multiple strategic options
• Templates for documenting strategic recommendations and governance models
• Strategic approach templates for each of the 4 Umbrella Strategies
Slide Highlights
• Overview of the Strategy Chessboard and its significance in strategic planning
• Detailed breakdown of the 4 Umbrella Strategies and their strategic options
• Visual representation of the 3-phase, 9-step implementation process
• Case examples illustrating the application of the Strategy Chessboard in various industries
• Point-scale model for assessing industry predictability and company DNA
Potential Workshop Agenda
Introduction to Strategy Chessboard (30 minutes)
• Overview of the framework and its components
• Discussion on the importance of strategic alignment
Assessing Industry Predictability (60 minutes)
• Interactive session on evaluating industry dynamics
• Group activity to score company DNA and predictability
Developing Strategic Options (90 minutes)
• Breakout sessions to explore Umbrella Strategies
• Collaborative development of strategic recommendations
Customization Guidance
• Tailor the Strategy Chessboard framework to reflect specific industry dynamics and organizational contexts
• Adjust the point-scale model to incorporate unique company capabilities and market conditions
• Modify templates to align with organizational terminology and strategic objectives
Secondary Topics Covered
• Industry Predictability - Understanding the variability of industry dynamics over time
• Evolutionary vs. Revolutionary Environments - Differentiating between predictable and unpredictable market conditions
• Strategy Obstacles - Identifying common pitfalls in strategy development and how to overcome them
• Case Examples - Real-world applications of the Strategy Chessboard framework
FAQ
What is the Strategy Chessboard?
The Strategy Chessboard is a strategic framework that helps organizations navigate complex strategic decisions by categorizing approaches based on industry predictability and organizational capabilities.
How can I assess my industry’s predictability?
Utilize the point-scale model provided in the presentation to evaluate key factors such as competition, demand, and technology that influence predictability.
What are the 4 Umbrella Strategies?
The 4 Umbrella Strategies are Position and Conquer, Redefine the Industry, Reinvent the Industry, and Maintain Foresight and Flexibility, each offering distinct strategic options.
How does the implementation process work?
The implementation process follows a structured 3-phase, 9-step approach that guides organizations from assessing their situation to finalizing strategy recommendations.
Can the Strategy Chessboard be customized?
Yes, the framework can be tailored to fit specific industry contexts and organizational needs, allowing for flexibility in application.
What are “Blue Ocean” opportunities?
“Blue Ocean” opportunities refer to uncontested market spaces where organizations can innovate and create new demand, rather than competing in saturated markets.
How do I use the templates provided?
The templates are designed to facilitate the application of the Strategy Chessboard framework, allowing users to document their analyses, strategic options, and recommendations effectively.
What are common strategy obstacles addressed in the presentation?
The presentation identifies obstacles such as Strategic Lens Myopia, Sequencing Bias, and Different Strategy Approaches, providing insights on how to overcome them.
Glossary
• Strategy Chessboard - A framework for navigating strategic decisions based on industry predictability and organizational capabilities.
• Umbrella Strategies - Four overarching strategies guiding organizations in shaping or adapting to their industry.
• Company DNA - The inherent characteristics of an organization that influence its strategic choices.
• Predictability - The degree to which industry dynamics can be anticipated.
• Blue Ocean Strategy - A growth strategy focused on creating uncontested market space.
• Scenario Analysis - A method for preparing multiple strategic options based on varying future conditions.
• Dynamic Strategy - A flexible approach to strategy that emphasizes responsiveness to market changes.
• Evolutionary Strategic Process - A method that focuses on fast learning and adaptation through experimentation.
• Point-scale Model - A tool for assessing company DNA and industry predictability.
• Governance Model - A framework for overseeing strategy implementation and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Strategic Options - Specific actions or approaches that can be pursued within the framework.
• Templates - Pre-designed documents that facilitate the application of the Strategy Chessboard framework.
Source: Best Practices in Strategy Frameworks, Strategy Development, Strategic Thinking, Bain PowerPoint PowerPoint Slides: Strategy Chessboard PowerPoint (PPT) Presentation Slide Deck, LearnPPT Consulting
This document is available as part of the following discounted bundle(s):
Save %!
Strategy Development Frameworks
This bundle contains 7 total documents. See all the documents to the right.
|
Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates
Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Curve, and many more. |