Strategy - Research Paper Example

Strategy The Necessity of Corporate (CLS), Business (BLS) and Functional (FLS) Level Strategies1 CLS clearly defines the business should be deal with, in order to properly allocate resources. The financial structure must be known along with the needed organizational structure and processes. (Furer, Olivier 2010, p.1). BLS is more concerned about how the company can utilize its competitive advantages within the industry. Gupta, Vipin; Gollakota, Kamala; and Srinivasan, R. (2005, p. 56) gave the difference of FLS by saying that the goal for the FLS is to make each part of the organization effective in fulfilling functions.

Without CLS, resources will be dispersed to various businesses which may not be what the stockholders want. Without BLS, the company that knows what business to focus on will not be able to maximize productivity and profits. Without the FLS, different divisions will not function effectively in line with business strategies. 2. Global Expansion Strategy of Sporting Goods: SWOT, Mission, Goals, Cost Leadership2 Any global or national environment with similar competitive sporting goods should be studied in connection with expansion plan to discover who will be the competitors, how they compete in terms of pricing, quality, and availability, because competitors might have their respective advantages which will be a threat to the entry of sporting goods.

Opportunities will be available if a competitive advantage or evident differentiation can be established. Existing missions and goals should be the premise of developing strategies. Cost leadership involves all the strategies and activities that allow for the company to arrive at desired “features that are acceptable to the consumers at the lowest cost relative to that of competitors”, according to Hitt, Michael A.; Ireland, Duane R.; and Hoskisson, Robert E. (2010, p.108) . It is crucial to have this because people will compare the products, and will want to get the best value for their money’s worth.

If features are the same for different options, the price will make the difference.ReferencesFurer, Olivier (2010). Corporate Level Strategy: Theory and Applications. USA and Canada: Taylor & Francis, Routledge Publications, October 27, 2010.Gupta, Vipin; Gollakota, Kamala; and Srinivasan, R. (2005). Business Policy and Strategic Management: Concepts and Applications. India: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., August 1, 2005Hitt, Michael A.; Ireland, Duane R.; and Hoskisson, Robert E. (2010). Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization, Concepts 9th Edition.

USA: Cengage LearningEnd Notes1Explain why it is necessary to have Corporate-level Strategy (CLS), Business-level Strategy (BLS) and Functional-level Strategy (FLS) at the various levels within an organization.2You are a CEO of a regional sporting goods company and are contemplating expanding into the global market; however, you are unsure of what your strategy for globalization should be. You need to meet with your management team to develop a strategy. Explain how the following Factors apply into your strategy decision: External Environment (National, Global); Opportunities and Threats; Mission and Goals; and Leadership and Culture?

Explain why the “Cost Leadership “strategy would apply best?