BCG Matrix
Complete a growth-share (BCG) matrix for an organization of your choice, along with a preparation worksheet in which you assess information for the matrix.
Introduction
A BCG matrix, also known as a growth-share matrix, identifies departments and divisions within an organization that should receive fewer resources than others. It may also identify divisions that can be divested.
Every organization needs to communicate clear objectives. Analytical tools like BCG, a Boston Consulting Group evaluation of relative market share position and industry sales growth rate, and grand strategy matrix, a four-block model that recommends strategies based on competitive position and industry market growth, can improve the quality of strategic decisions, but leaders must make these choices. Behavioral, cultural, and political aspects of the process and selection are important to manage. Boards of directors are assuming a more active role in strategy because of legal pressures.
Preparation
The following resources are required to complete the assessment.
CAPELLA RESOURCES
Click the links provided to view the following resources:
BCG Matrix Template [DOC].
You may wish to review the suggested readings listed in the Resources as well as do your own research into completing a BCG matrix to prepare for this assessment.
Complete the following:
Select an organization with multiple divisions or product lines to analyze. For example, Apple would likely be considered to have multiple divisions, such as those associated with iTunes, iPods, iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.
Assess your chosen organization's key divisions. To do this, place five column headings at the top of a worksheet. Title the columns as follows: Divisions, Revenues, Profits, Market Share Position, and Industry Growth Rate. Assess your organization's key divisions in each of these five categories. This information will help provide the foundation necessary to successfully complete a BCG matrix. Submit this worksheet as one of the deliverables for this assessment.
Use the BCG Matrix Template [DOC] linked above to complete a BCG matrix for your chosen organization. You might find it interesting and useful to compare and discuss your results with people from the organization.
Be sure to submit both your completed BCG matrix and your preparation worksheet for this assessment.
Additional Requirements
Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: If you use sources, ensure that resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
Competency 1: Evaluate key elements of the strategic planning process.
Assess the key divisions of an organization.
Develop a BCG Matrix of an organization.
Sample Solution
The BCG matrix is an analytical tool developed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to help organizations identify how and where their resources should be allocated. It consists of four cells outlined in a two-by-two grid, with each cell representing a different strategy for deploying resources: stars, cash cows, dogs, and question marks. By analyzing the relative market share position and industry sales growth rate of its divisions or products, an organization can determine the best approach to resource allocation.
In order to complete the BCG matrix assessment for an organization of your choice, it is first necessary to compile information on key divisions or products within that organization. Start by creating a preparation worksheet with five columns labeled Divisions/Products, Revenues, Profits, Market Share Position (MSP), and Industry Growth Rate (IGR). For each division/product included in the analysis, enter information into these columns indicating its current performance metrics. This will provide data that can then be used when completing the actual BCG matrix assessment.
Once all relevant data have been gathered from various sources such as financial documents or customer surveys/reviews etc., it’s time to start filling out the actual matrix template provided above. Begin by placing high performing divisions/products into either “Star” or “Cash Cow” categories depending on their MSP & IGR ratings; those with low MSP & IGR ratings should be placed in either “Dog” or “Question Mark” categories accordingly. It may also be useful to organize this information further into additional subcategories if needed i.e.: Stars – High MSP & High IGR; Cash Cows – Low MSP & Low IGR; Dogs – Low MPS & High IGR; Question Marks – High MPS & Low IGR etc..
This completed matrix provides a visual representation outlining which divisions/products are strong performers vs weak performers within an organization at any given time and thus helps leaders make decisions about where resources should be allocated most effectively going forward i.e.: focus efforts on growing star products while cutting back resources directed towards struggling dog products etc.. It also allows organizations to reassess periodically over time so they can adjust strategies according to changing market conditions if needed etc.. As such it is one invaluable tool among many available for use when determining optimal approaches for strategic planning purposes moving forward within any given business environment today!