A Brief Look at the BCG Matrix
The growth versus share matrix is a tool that was developed by Bruce D. Henderson for BCG, a manufacturing company, for the Boston Consulting Group. This tool can be used by any firm or organization that is interested in understanding their market and identifying areas of opportunities and those that require some analysis. Bruce D. Henderson had already developed the technical analysis method called back-testing. With this method, he could determine the effects of a change in one particular factor, such as inventory levels, on a firm's gross and net sales. Using this information, he could estimate how much of a change in the variables indicated by the back-test would affect the firm's sales and operating profits.
To make a detailed analysis of a company's market growth, one must first identify the components that make up the matrix. The components are product, market, sector, company, geography, and fixed assets. Once these components have been identified, the next step is to determine what type of matrix to use. One of the most common types used by consultants is the BCG matrix example. This particular matrix is designed to provide a visual guide for a firm in determining which variables indicate market growth, and which must be changed to create growth.
There are a number of reasons why a strategic planning consultant may use a BCG matrix. First, they may need a quick view of how different variables are impacting a company's overall profitability. A BCG matrix can show how each variable affects both gross and net profit. Another reason a strategic planning firm might want to use a BCG matrix is to determine if there are any companies that are not growing, yet are considered to be a strong buy in the future. Finally, a consultant may want to look at a company's product portfolio matrix to see how well it is serving its customer base.
The primary goal of a BCG matrix is to provide a relative picture of a company's internal strength and weakness. It does this by first comparing its business strength (the total revenues a company brings in less the costs to produce them) to its market share and competitive landscape. A company with a low business strength will have declining market shares compared to competitors. On the flip side, a company with a high market share and high competitive advantage will have a strong competitive position, while still being very profitable.
In addition to a company's relative strength and weakness, the BCG Matrix may also highlight opportunities and threats to the company. For instance, the matrix can break down the results of sales performance by industry, or region, and also by geographic region. The sales of one region may have a negative impact on the company, but sales in a different region could provide a competitive advantage. This type of analysis allows a strategic planning consultant to look at a company holistically, as a whole, rather than simply looking at one piece of the pie.
In summary, the BCG Matrix can be an important tool for strategic planning. Its three distinct sections help to focus on various aspects of a company's growth and future attractiveness. It shows the company's growth and market share potential, as well as the strengths and weaknesses in its different segments. It then compares these segments against each other. Finally, it evaluates the company's ability to capitalize on its strengths and vulnerabilities.
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