The Certified Strategist: Advanced Tools and Techniques

The managerial process of crafting and executing strategy

• The three big strategic questions

• Key elements of a successful strategy

• Strategy and the quest for competitive advantage

• Competitive advantage examples

• The importance of strategy

• Breadth of strategy crafting and implementation

• Using frameworks as a blueprint

General approach strategies

• Strategic frameworks

• Possible strategic moves

• Expand scope

• Reduce scope

• Change direction

• Maintain the status quo

Operational strategies

• The importance of internal activities

• The basics of running a company

• Increasing price

• Increasing volume

• Reducing costs

Organizational strategies

• The most important asset

• Optimizing people processes

  • Building skills

  • Optimizing compensation

  • Simplifying the organization

• Streamlining processes

• Optimizing information systems

• Measuring results

Financial strategies

• Keeping cash as king

  • Reducing inventory

  • Reducing receivables

  • Increasing payables

• Balancing debt and equity

External forces strategies

• Managing suppliers

• Managing people

• The effect of the economy

• Dealing with competitors

• The industry as a playing field

• Dealing with auditors

• Understanding legislation

• Using technology