Search Pro Case

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Case Issues

An analysis of Search pro based on Churchill and Lewis growth model depict that Search Pro is the third Stage. The company has managed to go through existence and survival and is now in success. The company is therefore faced with decision on how to expand the company. Robert and Jane propose different ideas. However, the company lacks a clear vision on the future of the business. A business vision is a vivid image on the future of the business based on aspirations and goals (Whittle and Myrick). Further, a business vision gives the business focus on the direction that it should take. Without a clear vision Search Pro is faced with future uncertainty since there is no guide on the right direction towards the business vision. Search Pro organizational structure is also limiting.

Business Analysis

The entrepreneur behind Search Pro is innovative. Duncan has remained innovative all through the growth states. During the existence stage, we find that Duncan had suggested to Corporem owners to focus on one product and when Duncan and David bought the company they did exactly that. This decision paid off and the annual sales increased through the survival stage. Further, Duncan further offered the Cost-per action model which was attractive to customers. With time Duncan introduced more services to clients. However, Duncan lacks a clear vision of what he want the business to become in future which creates a dilemma in the success stage on how to expand.

Search Pro as an organization it has managed to establish a model that works for it. The Pod Model enables the company to rapidly meet needs of specific clients or market segment. Further, innovation and creativity are supported by the pod model. From the case we read that using this model each unit can develop its own expertise and share with others.

Search Pro has managed to be profitable and hence it has the money to invests and expand the business. Jane explains that Search Pro has a lot of cash and hence can afford to invest for future growth. Though Search Pro has managed to be profitable over the years, it lacks a clear strategic plan. A strategic plan communicates the organization goals and objectives and actions that should be taken to achieve these goals (Whittle and Myrick). Analysis by Churchill and Lewis model shows that Search pro is the success stage. At this point the main decision is to maintain the company's stability or expand it (Lewis and Churchill). The lack of a vision and a strategic plan makes this decision hard. Robert proposes a number of ways to expand whereas Robert proposes others. Jane states that Duncan has the final decision. Normally, a strategic plan would aid determine the path to take.

Strategy

The main issue raised is that of not having a clear vision and strategy on how to expand the business. To resolve this issue Search Pro should embark on a mission to determine its future vision and objectives and establish a plan on how to fulfill them. For example, Search Pro may set its vision as to expand internationally. Accompanying this vision should be actions to be done to achieve it. Having a clear vision would further make it easy to determine what strategies to use. It is also recommended to establish a research and development department. The research and development department should be responsible of conducting market search and determining what innovative solutions the company should provide. Duncan should be responsible of analysis the expansion options and advising on the most profitable and applicable one until the company is in take off stage when he may delegate this duty.

Works Cited

Lewis, Virginia L., and Neil C. Churchill. "The five stages of small business growth." (1983).

Whittle, Ralph, and Conrad B. Myrick. Enterprise business architecture: The formal link between strategy and results. CRC Press, 2016.