Q.1 What similarities and differences do you find in BCG business portfolio matrix, Ansoff growth matrix and GE growth pyramid. (10 marks)

Strategic Advantage Profile (SAP) shows the strength and weakness of an organisation. Preparation of SAP is very similar to ETOP analysis. The five functional areas in most organisations are production or operation, finance or accounting, marketing or distribution, human resource and corporate planning,

and research and development. These functional areas are listed to identify their relative strengths and weaknesses in SAP. Very similar to the ETOP analysis, positive, neutral, and negative signs are denoted and brief description is written in SAP profile. Each functional area is very broad and has many constituents.

1. BCG portfolio matrix

The BCG matrix is a portfolio management tool used in product life cycle. BCG matrix is often used to highlight the products which get more funding and attention within the company. During a product’s life cycle, it is categorised into one of four types for the purpose of funding decisions. Figure below depicts the BCG matrix.

Figure 1: BCG Growth Share Matrix

Question Marks (high growth, low market share) are new products with potential success, but they need a lot of cash for development. If such a product gains enough market shares to become a market leader, which is categorised under Stars, the organisation takes money from more mature products and spends it on Question Marks.

Stars (high growth, high market share) are products at the peak of their product life cycle and they are in a growing market. When their market rate grows, they become Cash Cows.

Cash Cows (low growth, high market share) are typically products that bring in far more money than is needed to maintain their market share. In this declining stage of their life cycle, these products are milked for cash that can be invested in new Question Marks.

Dogs (low growth, low market share) are products that have low market share and do not have the potential to bring in much cash. According to BCG matrix, Dogs have to be sold off or be managed carefully for the small amount of cash they guarantee.

The key to success is assumed to be the market share. Firms with the highest market share tend to have a cost leadership position based on economies of scale among other things. If a company is able to apply the experience curve to its advantage, it should able to produce and sell new products at low price, enough to garner early market share leadership.

Limitations of BCG matrix:

— The use of highs and lows to form four categories is too simple

— The correlation between market share and profitability is questionable. Low share business can also be profitable.

— Product lines or business are considered only in relation to one competitor: the market leader. Small competitors with fast growing shares are ignored.

— Growth rate is the only aspect of industry attractiveness

— Market share is the only aspect of overall competitive position

2. Igor Ansoff growth matrix

The Ansoff Growth matrix is a tool that helps organisations to decide about their product and market growth strategy. Growth matrix suggests that an organisation’s attempts to grow depend on whether it markets new or existing products in new or existing markets. Ansoff’s matrix suggests strategic choices to achieve the objectives. Figure below depicts Ansoff growth matrix.