Critical Analysis

Critical Analysis Template

· Analyze environment: What is the context?

· PEST (political, economic, social, technology); competition (Porter Five Forces); current industry practices – What are our constraints, what works and why?

· Analyze focal firm’s current strategy, distinctive competence, positioning and execution – Who are we and how are we doing?

· Analyze competitive environment using SWOT – What are our opportunities?

· Define the problem: What is the issue?

· Identify credible, mutually exclusive alternatives (not just minor variations on a theme) – What are our options?

· Identify criteria: How can we tell good strategies and programs from bad ones?

· Analyze and support arguments for accepted and rejected alternatives – What are the benefits and costs (qualitative and quantitative) of each option relative to our objectives and criteria?

· Choose the best alternative: make decision designed to enhance competitive advantage and shareholder value in the context of stakeholder ethical considerations – What should we do and what are the consequences?

· Implement decision – How do we do it?

· Assessment of implementation outcomes – Have we addressed the issue?