Strategic Analysis and Planning with ...

"Create living strategies, not deadweight plans!"

A highly acclaimed software application designed for the senior executive who requires a simple and structured solution to planning business strategy. The software is 'ready to go', easy to master, and provides a logical approach to assessing current portfolios, new business propositions, and the strategies of subsidiary organisations.

Using a combination of historical and forecast sales data, projections about market size and 'estimates' of market attractiveness and competitive strength, MATRIX V5 will help to build a clearer picture of the business and its potential. It uses simple, textbook concepts that will point towards a more balanced product / market portfolio, lower risk decisions, and a more profitable business.

MATRIX V5 can be purchased directly from our online store for GBP 595.00 + VAT per single user software licence. The software can also be packaged along with several hours of application support (delivered via WebEx), or supplied as part of a company dedicated Strategic Analysis and Planning Workshop. In either case we take you step-by-step through the planning process, and help you to
create an elegant model based around your own business scenario. Please telephone Market Modelling Limited on +44-(0)20-7917-1809, or email for further prices and options.

✓ No more 'paralysis by analysis', with endless rounds of data collection and formatting
✓ No more 'smoke and mirrors' from colleagues with something to hide
✓ No more expensive consultants to baffle you with the latest jargon
✓ No more fossilised plans that litter your shelves and collect dust!

An outline of the Process supported by MATRIX V5

Steps	Action	Application in MATRIX V5
1. Objectives	Set Economic Objectives	Simple Economic Objectives (Revenue and Gross Margin) are set via the Economic Objectives Data Editor.
2. Segmentation Matrix	Define Products, Markets and Market Segments	Products, Markets and Market Segments are defined within the Segmentation Matrix. This well established, but simple tool enables the user to amortise his business into key business opportunities or areas (KBA's).
3. Growth Path	Plot a path for growth	A path for growth is set via the Ansoff Matrix. This enables the business illustrate whether its growth will be by Penetration of existing products into existing markets (Penetration), introducing new products (product expansion), new markets (market expansion) or new products and new markets (diversification).
4 - 11. Audit	Assess Market Attractiveness	Market Attractiveness criteria are defined within the Market Attractiveness Scorecard, then weighted and scored for each KBA. A simple Market Attractiveness histogram shows the relative attractiveness of each opportunity.
	Assess Competitive Strengths and Weaknesses	Competitors are defined within the Competitor's scorecard. Critical Success Factors associated with each KBA are defined within the Competitive Strength Scorecard, then weighted and scored. Graphical output shows the overall competitive position of the company, together with its key Strengths and Weaknesses.
	Define Market History and Forecast	Historical data about the performance of the KBA is plotted within the Market History and Forecast Data Editor. Estimates of performance are made for the Market, the Host company and key competitors. Output can be assessed via the Life Cycle Analysis and Share Analysis charts.
12 - 16. Analysis	Review Boston Matrix	The Boston Matrix shows the familiar 'Stars', and 'Question Marks' which require funding through growth, 'Cash Cows' which should be generating revenue for investment in other areas, and 'Dogs' where a minority share is held within a reducing market.
	Review Directional Policy Matrix	The Directional Policy Matrix is a popular analysis which enables you assess which opportunities you are likely to succeed as market leader, and those where you are in a trailing position which may (or may not) be suitable for divestment. Opportunities 'in between' require more thought about whether efforts should be redoubled, or the KBA should be selectively withdrawn.
	Review Perceptual Maps	Perceptual Maps are two dimensional matrices which enable you to look in greater depth at issues such as 'Perceived Use Value' vs 'Perceived Price'.
	Review Gap Analysis	Gap Analysis enables the user to assess whether the current portfolio is likely to meet the overall Objectives, the major contributors to economic performance, and the balance of risk within the portfolio.
	Review Risk Analysis	Risk Analysis, a unique approach developed by Market Modelling Limited automatically processes all of the data supplied into the model to assess whether the current portfolio can be optimised by eliminating one or more products.

Once this exercise has been completed, the user is able to assess whether the proposed portfolio is likely to meet the economic objectives set by the company. If so, then lower level marketing, financial and human resource plans can be developed; if not, then the company may need to devise new scenarios with revised portfolios and / or re-assess its objectives.