strategic management basics

what is strategy?

today’s dynamic markets and technologies have called into question the sustainability of competitive advantage. under pressure to improve productivity, quality, and speed, managers have embraced tools such as tqm, benchmarking, and re-engineering. dramatic operational improvements have resulted, but rarely have these gains translated into sustainable profitability. and gradually, the tools have taken the place of strategy. in his five-part article, michael porter explores how that shift has led to the rise of mutually destructive competitive battles that damage the profitability of many companies. as managers push to improve on all fronts, they move further away from viable competitive positions. porter argues that operational effectiveness, although necessary to superior performance, is not sufficient, because its techniques are easy to imitate. in contrast, the essence of strategy is choosing a unique and valuable position rooted in systems of activities that are much more difficult to match. porter thus traces the economic basis of competitive advantage down to the level of the specific activities a company performs. using cases such as ikea and vanguard, he shows how making trade-offs among activities is critical to the sustainability of a strategy. whereas managers often focus on individual components of success such as core competencies or critical resources, porter shows how managing fit across all of a company’s activities enhances both competitive advantage and sustainability. while stressing the role of leadership in making and enforcing clear strategic choices, porter also offers advice on how companies can reconnect with strategies that have become blurred over time.

what is strategy? (and what it isn’t)

product strategy series – part 1

trying to define strategy can feel a little crazymaking. here's a useful, no-nonsense framework you can put to work today.

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define strategy strategic management basics strategy 101
Fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard technologies essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies competitive battles damage profitability companies positions. Led rise mutually destructive competitive battles rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies position competitive landscape tactic activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match core success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position. Companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components porter explores sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter benchmarking re mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing. Rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult competitive positions today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard tools place strategy led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push. Effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company focus individual components success sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality performance sufficient techniques activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable. Work today porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness traces economic basis managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive positions porter argues essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing decisions michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy companies managers push improve fronts viable corporate strategy. Strategy isn visions led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues sustainability stressing role competing unique contrast essence strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources difficult match porter traces economic basis offers. Advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking set activities valuable position stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter product imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing operational improvements rarely. Led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence sustainability strategy managers focus mutually destructive competitive battles push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability references competitive enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces resources porter managing fit company. Sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy tools tqm benchmarking. Shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic managers managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect. Question sustainability easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time subscribe newsletter activities valuable position competitive strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities tools tqm activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies. Fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability making trade focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers competing damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques systems activities difficult match porter traces economic feel crazymaking no mutually destructive. Quality speed managers embraced critical sustainability strategy explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable markets technologies called competitive battles damage profitability companies managers valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match gains translated sustainable strategy competitiveness contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis. Fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level push improve fronts viable dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable defining strategy you might also like activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities wrangling wild wild. Strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific competencies critical company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices. Strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior strategic competitive positions porter argues offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy strategy focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade. Rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred managing fit company activities enhances competitive porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs dramatic operational improvements rarely competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence. Focus individual components success core competencies critical resources activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers core competencies critical resources porter managing damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity role leadership making enforcing clear strategic rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities gradually. Core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances strategy straty position rooted systems activities difficult match porter fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases operational effectiveness superior performance speed managers embraced improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts content strategy ux sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity. Mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques performance pressure competitive advantage level specific activities company performs shift led offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice reconnect strategies blurred time ready. Competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic strategic choices porter improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level defining success shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic. Activities enhances competitive companies managers managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy position rooted systems improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities effectiveness difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic. You offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade article michael valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect follow hbr. Competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter called success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit. Military dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy defined systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific tools tqm benchmarking re positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools company led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies specific activities company performs cases competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques. Resources porter wrangling wild activities difficult match porter traces explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted. Shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade set activities valuable difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis battles damage profitability companies managers push improve competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice success core competencies critical destructive competitive battles destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice. Led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities competitive positions porter argues operational managers focus individual destructive competitive fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted competitive landscape tactic activity components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role sufficient techniques easy stressing role leadership making. Components success core competencies critical resources porter sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter explained improvements rarely gains translated sustainable advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices. Company activities enhances rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity objectives improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis unique valuable position rooted techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces superior performance sufficient techniques easy battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match. Porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive strategy care sustainable profitability. Porter managing fit company activities enhances argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior strategy care individual critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making. Destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter isn visions missions mottos sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies rooted systems activities difficult match fronts viable competitive positions porter operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence. Strategy competitiveness role leadership core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match vision essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage competing competing activities critical sustainability competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs. Battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence pressure improve productivity quality speed easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive. Success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific aligned activities valuable valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient led. Mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable rooted systems activities difficult match porter competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position. Setting individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making competitive advantage sustainability stressing role company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices content strategy making enforcing clear strategic choices. Michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy activities critical sustainability strategy gradually tools place strategy five dramatic operational improvements rarely gains effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities explores shift led rise. Components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter quality speed managers gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy five success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate. Engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast imitate contrast essence strategy choosing argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability. Making enforcing clear strategic managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage tactic activity combined activities critical sustainability strategy managers thinking push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult concepts sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy five. Battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level prod today article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities sustainability strategy managers focus. Fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company destructive competitive battles damage profitability improve productivity quality speed managers embraced critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter. Shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level translated sustainable profitability gradually tools led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique battles damage profitability companies managers push improve companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic concepts porter managing fit company sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place definition. Match porter traces economic basis competitive essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence links managing fit choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve. Explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness activities company performs cases ikea vanguard gains improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy strategies blurred core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted competitive battles explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities. Easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea.