Over the past several weeks you probably have identified several (many) potential strategies that StilSim could employ to get its business back on track. Arriving at these strategic options may have happened randomly as the simulation unfolded or as you processed different analytic tools in the SWOT analysis. Before you start narrowing down your options, it would be prudent to review and check your selected strategies to make sure you have identified a comprehensive group of viable strategic alternatives. The following discussion questions should help you review and explore viable strategic alternatives.
1. Have you identified a strategic option for each of the three generic strategies (low cost, differentiation, and focus)? 2. Have you identified various corporate level strategies that might be employed (acquisition, divestment, restructuring, partnering, etc.)? 3. Have you considered any operational strategies that connect the value stream upstream (work with people looking for jobs) and/or downstream with clients (serve as an outsourcing resource for client companies)? 4. Have you considered operational strategies that drive value as defined by the Balanced Scorecard model (customer, internal processes, and organizational learning)? (Financial strategies would be achieved by successfully implementing the above strategies.) 5. Where are you struggling with brainstorming strategic alternatives?