IPO Research

Author: Michael E. Porter

Source: Harvard Business Review

What is strategy? (1996) 484KB

Abstract

For almost two decades, managers have been learning to play by a new set of rules. Companies must be flexible to respond rapidly to competitive and market changes. They must benchmark continuously to achieve best practice. They must outsource aggressivly to gain efficiencies and they must nurture a few core competencies in the race to stay ahead of rivals.

Contents

• I. Operational effectiveness is not strategy.
• II. Strategy rests on unique activities.
• III. A sustainable strategic position requires trade-offs.
• IV. Fit drives both competitive advantage and sustainability.
• V. Rediscovering strategy.