The Advantage Matrix is an old Boston Consulting Group classic strategic framework. Despite changes in industry structure, the competitive environment, and the impact of technology since it was originally conceived, it still has applicability as a framework and as a thought tool. History and Basics of the BCG Advantage Matrix The BCG Advantage Matrix, also … Read more
Stable industries require a well-defined, largely predictive approach to managing projects. Less stable environments, by contrast, require a more adaptive approach – to both strategy and project management. This post explores an old rule in strategy for stable industries, the Rule of Three and Four. It looks at the impact it has, when it applies … Read more
The idea of the Experience Curve has been around for over 50 years. While businesses, organizations, and markets have evolved, the Experience Curve concept survives and can be very useful for informing decisions, shaping strategy, and guiding implementation. The post explores the origins of the Experience Curve, important nuances to consider, and how it can … Read more
Economies of scope broaden rather than narrow the focus of an organization. It’s like choosing to be a generalist rather than a specialist. While this may seem to apply more to commercial organizations, it does apply to just about any type of organization. This post seeks to define economies of scope which, like economies of … Read more
Gap analysis is something that we do naturally when we identify that we want vs what we have. On an organizational level, this natural process requires a more proactive approach that is much more formal, disciplined, and detailed. This post examines what gap analysis is, where it is applied, and its challenges and benefits. Basic … Read more
McKinsey’s 7S Framework provides an established and proven model for assessing an organization’s readiness to successfully deliver objective results. A strategy may seem sound, but if the right elements within the organization are not in sync, it will be difficult to implement effectively. Used for over 30 years, the McKinsey 7S Framework Model is focused … Read more
The Nadler Tushman Congruence Model is a useful approach to identifying potential issues with project and change execution at the organization, team, and individual level. It can identify gap areas that need attention, and can help steer toward solutions that will work in the context. Basics of the Nadler Tushman Congruence Model The Nadler Tushman … Read more
Business environments run the gamut from purely competitive to near monopolistic conditions. Most environments are a hybrid and have both highly competitive and monopolistic elements. The post examines the occurrence of natural monopolies, which are rich in projects and where many PMs work. Projects in a monopoly environment have different drivers – drivers that can … Read more
The Ansoff Matrix Model is a useful tool for visualizing strategic options for product companies. It can be useful for devising strategy, presenting to stakeholders, and for collaborating about direction. It can help project managers with planning execution, and especially with assessing strategic risks. Ansoff Matrix Model Explanation The Ansoff Matrix Model, developed by mathematician … Read more
The Strategy Framework Canvas is useful in helping a strategist match the right strategic framework to the situation. It can also be useful to implementers, including project managers, to sharpen efforts in project scoping, risk management, managing the schedule, identifying and handling stakeholders, and using project metrics. This post explores the factors that influence the … Read more