Strategic Management: Formulating and Executing Effective Strategies

Discuss one of the two following questions:
(Make sure to provide support (secondary sources) for your responses, with both in-text citations and references.)
If strategic management is a straightforward concept, then why do many firms have difficulty formulating and executing effective strategies? The answers to the DQs should be concise and should not exceed 200 words. Each response must include
at least one outside reference listed at the end of the response and cited within the discussion in proper
APA style. If the source is available on the Internet, the source should be hyperlinked.
Henry Mintzberg’s argument is that strategic management is an artistic endeavor. If he’s right, then what value is there in systematic approaches to strategic planning such as those elaborated in this textbook (and most others)? Please use the sources to answer the post.
Readings & Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuYlGRnC7J8

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you effectively structure and write your paper on the provided discussion questions (DQs):

1. Understand the Question: Begin by reading both questions carefully. Think about the core concepts being asked, like strategic management, Mintzberg’s views, and the connection to systematic approaches. Reflect on how these concepts relate to the broader context of strategic management.
2. Research: Review your course materials, including the readings and the provided YouTube videos. Focus on finding secondary sources that explain Mintzberg’s argument and discuss why strategic management can be difficult for firms. Use academic articles, books, or other reliable sources that offer insights and evidence.
3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis should provide a concise response to the question. For example:
   • For the first DQ, your thesis could argue that while strategic management is a straightforward concept, its execution can be complicated due to factors like organizational culture, lack of resources, and external environmental changes.
   • For the second DQ, your thesis could state that while Mintzberg emphasizes the artistic nature of strategy, systematic approaches still offer value by providing structure, consistency, and accountability.
4. Introduce Your Discussion: Start by introducing the question you’re addressing. Give a brief explanation of key concepts like strategic management and Mintzberg’s argument. This sets the stage for your argument and ensures the reader understands the context.
5. Support Your Argument with Evidence: In the body of your response, use secondary sources to support your viewpoint. For example, you might cite an article that explains the challenges of strategy execution or another that discusses the benefits of systematic approaches. Ensure each claim you make is backed by research and real-world examples.
6. Conclude Your Discussion: Your conclusion should summarize your main points and reaffirm your thesis. You might add a statement on the importance of balancing artistic and systematic elements in strategic management.
7. Cite Your Sources Properly: Ensure all your references are in APA style. You must include in-text citations as well as a list of references at the end of your response. Check the formatting guidelines carefully to avoid mistakes.
8. Edit and Proofread: Once you’ve written your response, take time to review your work for clarity, structure, and grammar. Ensure your argument flows logically and that your citations are accurate.