How can you answer business strategy analysis questions with confidence?

In law school, the most important thing they tech you is understanding the issue. When you are approaching a strategy problem, make sure you understand what is being asked - aka "what is the real issue at hand?" "What am I solving for?." Next, identify key components, such as industry context, company specifics, or the nature of the strategic challenge you are attempting to address.

It is very important that you understand the question and the context. Clarifying questions help and then feedback to the client with 'What I am hearing you say is.....is that correct?' is a powerful tool in my experience.

It is better to solve the right problem poorly than to solve the wrong problem well. Consult with stakeholders by asking questions such as the following: ? What do you see as the fundamental problem? ? Why is this a problem? ? What makes it a problem, and for whom? ? Who “owns” the problem? The solution? ? What are the probable and root causes of the problem? ? What are the consequences if we ignore the problem? ? How will you know when it is solved? When you have a high degree of consensus concerning the problem, you are ready to find the solution.

Having deep expertise in the industry relevant for the business, is key to taking on a strategy project. That helps understand the context and frame the problem.

Il est important de poser toutes les questions et d`obtenir les faits exacts pour être en mesure de déterminer le traitement fiscal d`une situation ou d`une transaction.Ceci permettra également de suggérer une planification pour réduire la charge fiscale.

IF you use SWOT analysis for your framework THEN you invite a false sense of confidence. Use Porter's Five-Forces framework to have confidence that you are looking at the industry holistically (to provide the confidence you are seeking).

I love using Porter's five forces to help uncover any potential blind spots. Working through the value chain, identifying potential partners and competitors, all can help unearth opportunities for identifying an advantageous situation.

For my client base, SWOT Analysis and Conversational English are a winning combination. Many small to mid-sized business owners are wary of terminology they don't know. They often perceive it as trickery. It's a combination of a framework and knowing your audience.

Frameworks bring structure to analysis. Employing a recognized strategic framework not only organizes your thoughts but also demonstrates a systematic approach. It instills confidence in your ability to methodically address complex business challenges.

Frameworks provide structure to chaos. Drawing parallels to my role in digital health, creating a framework is akin to designing a well-organized healthcare intervention. I've found that adapting proven methodologies ensures a systematic and comprehensive approach. It's about leveraging the right tools to navigate the intricate landscape of both healthcare and business strategy.

Numbers speak volumes. If calculations are involved, transparently showcase your methodology. Demonstrating a logical and accurate calculation process enhances the credibility of your analysis, contributing to a more confident response.

Showing how you got to the figures that you cite gives confidence and credibility. Don't be afraid to be challenged on the assumptions that you have made, but have a rationale as to how you got there. Between you you will get to the right figures - or at least agree the assumptions. Then rework with the agreed assumptions. It is far better to be realistic than massage assumptions to deliver a required result.

Showing calculations is important but most are based on assumptions, what would make the analysis better if you can show any level of market traction. By doing a market test of your product / service.

Las preguntas que generan respuestas cuantificables deben ser analizadas y bien Definidas para su próximo análisis de resultados

Transparency in calculations mirrors Sun Tzu’s emphasis on clear strategy and tactics. Provide detailed calculations, explain your assumptions, and ensure accuracy. This clarity builds confidence in your recommendations, akin to a general’s clear plan to his troops.

Many projects fail due to invalid assumptions. Here is how to "failure proof" your project. 1. IDENTIFY key Assumptions: ? What Assumptions are necessary for our project to succeed? ? Make them specific and include Quality, Quantity and Time measures ? Look for “deal breakers” 2. ANALYZE each for importance and probability (validity): ? How important is this assumption for project success or failure? ? How valid is this assumption? How do we know? ? What could cause this Assumption to not be valid? ? Can we influence this assumption" 3. ACT on them: Options include ? Accept the risk ? Develop contingency plans (just in case) ? Transfer the risk (insurance) ? Mitigate the risk ? Scrap the project.

Before finalizing business strategy recommendations, its important to validate conclusions with other experts in the industry. This can be done through expert interviews, while maintaining confidentiality

it depends are you only focusing on the RED Ocean of competition or are you also investigating the BLUE Ocean where there is no competition possibly at all?

In healthcare, offering recommendations is ingrained in our ethos. Similarly, in the business strategy domain, articulating well-founded suggestions is crucial. My experience has taught me the value of proposing actionable insights, emphasizing the importance of not just identifying issues but presenting viable solutions.

Recommendations are key, actionable recommendations and their proposed value should be demonstrated. In my opinion when applying any recommendations they should be measured over the implementation phase with the option of changing when perhaps the desired result is not being achieved.

Doing as many case studies as possible will give the confidence in any type of business analysis. For example, each top company has strategy is distinctive it decides how sustainable they can be on the future.

Sun Tzu highlighted the importance of preparation. Regular practice with business strategy questions hones your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, much like a warrior’s rigorous training ensures readiness for battle.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers to business analysis! As long as your answer is logical and applicable, it is correct. However, research the background and needs of your employers and/or clients; so that you may analyze their business strategy and advise them according to their specific needs.

There is a thin line between confidence and arrogance and the perpetual balancing act is between stating your conclusions with enough confidence so they can be trusted and acted upon but without pushing it too much so they can generate inner resistance from your audience (boards, bosses, employees, etc.)

Consider the broader implications and lessons from your analysis. Drawing from Sun Tzu’s adaptability, share insights, examples, or stories that reflect strategic flexibility and continuous learning, ensuring your approach remains robust and adaptable to changing circumstances.