Welcome to MBA7061: Strategy
• University of Bolton
• Lecture 1: Strategy and Strategic Thinking
Lecture Overview
• • Introduction to Strategy
• • Strategic Thinking
• • Theoretical Foundations
• • Real-world Applications
Learning Objectives
• • Understand strategy as a concept
• • Explore strategic thinking frameworks
• • Discuss examples from leading firms
What is Strategy?
• Definitions from Porter, Mintzberg, and
Barney
Mintzberg’s 5Ps of Strategy
• • Plan
• • Ploy
• • Pattern
• • Position
• • Perspective
Porter’s Definition
• Strategy is about being different. It means
deliberately choosing a different set of
activities.
Ansoff's Strategic Decisions
• • Market Penetration
• • Product Development
• • Market Development
• • Diversification
Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic
Planning
• • Creative vs. Linear
• • Long-term vs. Short-term
• • Flexible vs. Rigid
Liedtka’s Strategic Thinking
Framework
• • Systems Perspective
• • Intent Focused
• • Thinking in Time
• • Hypothesis-Driven
• • Intelligent Opportunism
Strategy Pyramid
• Corporate Strategy > Business Strategy >
Functional Strategy
Levels of Strategy
• • Corporate Level
• • Business Level
• • Functional Level
Why Strategy Matters
• • Provides Direction
• • Builds Competitive Advantage
• • Informs Resource Allocation
Case Study: Apple
• How Apple’s design thinking aligns with
strategic thinking.
Strategy in VUCA World
• • Volatility
• • Uncertainty
• • Complexity
• • Ambiguity
Emergent vs. Deliberate Strategy
• Mintzberg’s view on real-world strategy
formation.
Strategic Fit
• Internal resources must align with external
opportunities.
Strategic Intent
• The core purpose that remains constant over
time.
Corporate Mission and Vision
• Defining direction and values.
Strategy and Competitive
Advantage
• Creating value that others cannot easily
replicate.
Barney’s VRIO Framework
• • Value
• • Rarity
• • Imitability
• • Organization
SWOT vs. VRIO
• SWOT is external/internal analysis; VRIO is
internal resource strength.
PESTLE Analysis Recap
• Political, Economic, Social, Technological,
Legal, Environmental
Global Forces Shaping Strategy
• • Digital Disruption
• • Sustainability
• • Political Change
Strategic Roles of Leadership
• Leaders as visionaries, communicators,
implementers
Game-Based Strategy Activities
• Simulations and roleplay to enhance strategic
thinking.
Strategic Mindset Exercise
• Activity: What would you do if you were the
CEO of a declining brand?
Mini Case: Netflix
• How Netflix evolved its strategy through
experimentation.
Types of Strategic Thinking
• • Analytical
• • Intuitive
• • Visionary
Interactive Discussion
• Why is strategic thinking a rare skill in
organizations?
Common Pitfalls
• • Over-planning
• • Ignoring feedback
• • Failing to adapt
Strategic Storytelling
• Narratives to inspire action and commitment.
Strategy and Organizational
Culture
• Culture as an enabler or barrier to strategy.
Guest Insight: Richard Whittington
• Strategies as Practice
Innovative Thinking in Strategy
• Design Thinking and Agile Strategy
Systems Thinking
• Recognizing interconnections across functions.
Data-Driven Strategic Thinking
• Using analytics to inform decisions.
Technology’s Role
• AI, Big Data, and Digital Twins in strategy
Interactive Poll
• Which company today shows the best
strategic thinking?
Short Video Analysis
• Ted Talk clip: Strategic Blindspots
Workshop Plan
• Break into teams to develop a mini strategic
plan.
Planning vs. Improvising
• Balance structure with flexibility.
Role of Uncertainty
• Why adaptive strategies matter.
Critiquing a Strategic Plan
• How to evaluate strategic documents.
Case Critique
• Harvard Business Review case discussion.
Strategy Games Recap
• Insights from strategy simulations.
Reflection Time
• What surprised you most today?
Connecting to Learning Outcomes
• Mapped to LO1 and LO3
Suggested Readings
• Barney & Hesterly, De Wit & Meyer,
Whittington
Journal Insight
• Summary from Business Strategy & the
Environment
Summary Slide
• • Strategy is multifaceted
• • Strategic thinking is a key executive skill
Quiz Time
• 5 Questions to reinforce learning
Discussion Questions
• • What is your definition of strategy?
• • Is planning obsolete?
Next Lecture Preview
• Lecture 2: Economic & Behavioural
Foundations of Strategy
Assignment Brief
• Critical Reflection due Week 4
Moodle Resources
• All slides and reading packs will be uploaded.
Q&A Time
• Open floor for student questions.
Exit Survey
• QR code to feedback form.
Thank You
• Let’s keep thinking strategically!
Slide Placeholder
Slide Placeholder