Corporate Strategy
In brief
Project examples
Support for the development of a vision and mid-term management strategy at a global automobile parts manufacturer
Globally active automobile parts manufacturer A had recorded a steady increase in profits over the previous five years. At the same time, the pace of structural change in the automobile industry and of technical innovations related to A’s product group was extremely fast. The only option for survival was to diversify management resources. Company A believed that the present, when performance was robust, was the time to make major management decisions, such as in which operations to invest over the mid-term and how to maintain and improve competitive superiority. A thus hired Roland Berger to provide an objective external viewpoint and knowledge and to lead the vision creation process.
We began by taking stock of technical trends related to A’s product group, its competitive strategy, customer needs and corporate strengths. We also held in-depth interviews with almost everyone in management positions and conducted an employee questionnaire, thereby identifying A’s “thoughts” as a company.
Next we facilitated multiple management workshops. Based on the strategic options identified therein, we determined the business areas to be covered and the focal businesses, clarifying the differentiation factors for each. Finally, we used the chosen strategic direction as the chief provision of the vision statement, created a numerical plan, and confirmed that client management had a shared awareness of the issues to be tackled.
Clients on their own frequently find it difficult to clearly label important points because such points are understood only tacitly. In A’s case, the differentiation factors for the largest focal business were unclear and the territory was also vague. Client board members in general find it very difficult to plunge into a discussion about operations under another member's jurisdiction. By hiring an external entity such as Roland Berger, it becomes possible for board members to get involved in discussions based on strategic options that reflect their knowledge as management strategy professionals. As a result, their company becomes able to create an even higher level implementable vision and strategy.
Major projects
- A global growth strategy for a consumer durables manufacturer
- Development of a mid-term vision for an automobile parts manufacturer
- A strategic turnaround plan for a foreign cosmetics manufacturer operating in Japan
- Creation of a revitalization strategy for an established apparel maker
- Restructuring of a major trading company's business model in a specific business domain
- Operational audit and creation of a mid-term strategy for a major player in the beauty/aesthetics services industry
- Creation of a company-wide strategy for a real estate company
- Building of a strategy formulation platform for a major food manufacturer
- Development of channel and brand strategies for a major foreign equipment manufacturer
- Restructuring of the global procurement organization of a major automobile manufacturer
- Remodeling of the corporate governance structure of a major apparel maker
- KPI formulation for an automobile manufacturer
our experts
