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3.7-3.10 Strategic position and direction

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does a business analyse its current strategic position?

The meaning of corporate strategy, analysing the internal position through core competences and financial data, analysing the external position with Porter's five forces, and assessing overall competitiveness.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Business 3.7, covering the meaning of corporate strategy, analysing the internal position through core competences and financial data, analysing the external position with Porter's five forces, and assessing overall competitiveness.
11 min answer →

How does the Ansoff matrix help a business plan growth?

The Ansoff matrix and its four strategies (market penetration, market development, product development and diversification), the level of risk in each, and how a business chooses between them.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Business 3.8, covering the Ansoff matrix and its four growth strategies (market penetration, market development, product development and diversification), the level of risk in each, and how a business chooses between them.
10 min answer →

How does a business choose which markets and products to compete in?

Strategic direction in terms of which markets to compete in and what products to offer, Porter's generic strategies of cost leadership, differentiation and focus, and the risks of being stuck in the middle.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Business 3.8, covering strategic direction in terms of which markets and products to compete in, Porter's generic strategies of cost leadership, differentiation and focus, and the risks of being stuck in the middle.
10 min answer →

How do businesses manage strategic change and uncertainty?

The causes and effects of change, the management of change including overcoming resistance, the importance of organisational culture, and the value of scenario and contingency planning.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Business 3.10, covering the causes and effects of change, the management of change including overcoming resistance, the importance of organisational culture, and the value of scenario and contingency planning.
10 min answer →

How do businesses grow and what are the effects of scale and globalisation?

Methods of growth including organic and external growth, mergers and takeovers, economies and diseconomies of scale, retrenchment, and the impact of globalisation and multinational corporations.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Business 3.9, covering methods of growth including organic and external growth, mergers and takeovers, economies and diseconomies of scale, retrenchment, and the impact of globalisation and multinational corporations.
11 min answer →

How does SWOT analysis bring together internal and external analysis?

The meaning of SWOT analysis, how it combines internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats, how it informs strategic choice, and its value and limitations.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Business 3.7, covering the meaning of SWOT analysis, how it combines internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats, how it informs strategic choice, and its value and limitations.
9 min answer →