SPEAKER SERIES

What is a strategy, and why does it matter?

Thursday, January 23
Breakfast Buffet 7:45 a.m., Program 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Fluno Center 8th Floor and Online

Presented by Hart Posen, PhD

The most challenging question to answer in business strategy is the most basic one: What is a strategy? Many firms have plans and goals, but far fewer have strategies.

We will discuss the concept that a strategy is a theory about how a business can profit by solving a valuable problem — the Problem of Value (PoV). The PoV is an unmet or inefficiently addressed issue in the market. A strong strategy identifies, defines, and explains the PoV and outlines steps to solve it.

Key Takeaways

• Define a strategy and decompose it into constituent parts.
• Recognize the reasons and merits of a well-articulated strategy.
• Understand "problems of value" that arise from industry structure.
• Articulate your firm's strategy.
• Assess your firm's strategy.